Tulsa movie opening in Augusta this month

An independent movie shot in Augusta last summer is heading to Regal Cinemas on Aug. 21.

“We’re extremely excited. We had talks with Regal and did an exclusive deal directly with Regal,” said Scott Pryor, who directed and stars in “Tulsa,” an inspirational film featuring John Schneider who played Bo Duke in the TV series “The Dukes of Hazzard.”

Regal’s website shows a poster from Tulsa and gives the release date of Aug. 21. How many theaters nationwide it will be screened in will depend on COVID restrictions, he said. Regal's website said theaters will reopen Aug. 21.

Inspired by a true story, “Tulsa” is about a Marine Corps veteran played by Pryor whose life is turned upside down when he’s united with the sassy 9-year-old daughter Tulsa he never knew existed. The film also focuses on veterans who deal with post-traumatic stress disorder and a lack of support, according to a news release, as well as showing how faith can heal broken hearts and lives.

“’Tulsa’ has a message of hope. We think people will walk out with that hope. It’s a family film,” Pryor said.

Although it’s set in Atlanta, “Tulsa” highlights locales that local residents will recognize, such as The Pizza Joint, Marbury Center and C&C Automotive, according to co-director, Gloria Stella, a former Augusta resident who attended Augusta University.

Not only did the city provide the backdrop for the film, but its residents filled vital roles, she said. About 100 Augustans including 25 technical crew members worked on the project; others were featured as background actors. Augusta native Carter Matthews wrote two original songs for the score.

“We really appreciated the local support,” said Stella. “Local businesses, restaurants, Film Augusta. People were excited for us to be in Augusta.”

Filming in Augusta was different than filming in Atlanta, where it’s more common, and people have more of a blasé attitude, she said.

Stella said there has even been some mention of creating a Tulsa tour around town if the film does well and people want to learn more about where scenes were shot.

The filmmakers hope the city will continue to support it during its release.

On Saturday, Aug. 22, they plan to have a “red carpet” type event to allow cast and crew to see the finish product on the big screen. The time will be determined closer to the date, depending on the theater’s viewing schedule, according to Pryor’s wife, Laura, but it will coincide with the showing closest to 5 p.m.

Stella said she has watched the film more than 30 times during post-production focusing on minute details, but she’s still excited about the opportunity to see it in the theater.

“During post-production, I haven’t had the chance to just watch it for enjoyment,” she said.

To learn more about Tulsa, visit www.tulsathemovie.com or www.facebook.com/tulsathemovie.