Partially filmed in Oklahoma, the dramatic thriller “Stillwater” has been released in US theatres by Focus Features, and presented by Participant and DreamWorks Pictures.
From Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Tom McCarthy (“Spotlight”) and starring Oscar® winner Matt Damon (“Good Will Hunting”), “Stillwater” follows an American oil-rig roughneck from Oklahoma, Bill (Damon), who travels to Marseille, France, to visit his estranged daughter (Oscar® nominee Abigail Breslin, “Little Miss Sunshine”) in prison for a murder she claims she did not commit. Confronted with language barriers, cultural differences and a complicated legal system, Bill builds a new life for himself in France as he makes it his personal mission to exonerate her. The film also stars Camille Cottin (“Killing Eve”). The screenplay is written by Tom McCarthy & Marcus Hinchey and Thomas Bidegain & Noé Debré.
Earlier this month, the film celebrated its world premiere at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival where it received strong reviews and a five-minute standing ovation from enthusiastic audiences.
“Stillwater” had a major impact on the state’s economy during its filming in Oklahoma with a direct spend of over $4 million and nearly 700 local job opportunities associated with the production. Additionally, the production also worked with local company Searchlight Music Group to license songs for the film from Oklahoma musicians, including John Fullbright, Jimmy LaFave and the Oklahoma State University Cowboy Marching Band.
“Oklahoma was proud to host a portion of this international production, which had a significant impact during its filming in our state, and will continue to bring widespread visibility to our state’s film industry,” said OF+MO Director Tava Maloy Sofsky. “Working with the creative team and studios behind this film, including Amblin Entertainment and Participant, was an invaluable experience that furthered the development of jobs, business and community relations within Oklahoma’s film and television industry.”
“It’s great to see music from Oklahoma used in any production, but especially one as significant and impactful as the movie ‘Stillwater’,” said Searchlight Music Group President Maggie McClure. “Searchlight Music Group was thrilled to assist the production team with licensing music from Oklahoma artists to help with the authenticity of the Oklahoma portion of the film.”
“Stillwater” was filmed in November 2019 throughout the communities of Oklahoma City, Arcadia, El Reno, Guthrie and Coyle, the latter of which was transformed into a community devastated by the aftermath of a tornado through the film’s art decoration and set design.
“I had the opportunity to meet Matt Damon on set and watched as he filmed a scene in downtown Coyle, Oklahoma, located in the heart of my senate district.” said Senator Chuck Hall of Senate District 20. “When we spoke, he raved about the welcoming nature of Oklahomans and thanked me for our willingness to support the film industry with the new and improved rebate program. I remain proud of our work on that front.” He continues, “With 12 unique eco-systems here in Oklahoma, I have no doubt that film and television production will generate millions of dollars and create thousands of jobs within the largest metropolitan cities to the smallest towns across our great state.”
Watch an interview with producer Jonathan King highlighting his experience while filming in Oklahoma.
For more information on the film, including the trailer and showtimes, visit focusfeatures.com/stillwater.
For more information on Oklahoma’s film infrastructure, workforce and other resources, visit okfilmmusic.org.
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About the Oklahoma Film + Music Office:
Under the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, the Oklahoma Film + Music Office (OF+MO) works to promote the state as a viable hub for film, television and music production as well as further develop opportunities for workforce, business and community growth within these sectors. For more information on the Oklahoma Film + Music Office, including the state’s film incentives and additional resources, visit okfilmmusic.org.