A special one-night only film festival in Tulsa, OK, is set to feature two highly anticipated films that are expected to make waves in the awards circuit. “Sugarcane,” directed by Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie, and “Look Into My Eyes,” directed by Lana Wilson, will be screened back-to-back at the inaugural Tulsa Hot Doks. This unique event is a collaboration between the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival in Arkansas and the Circle Cinema in Tulsa.
Insight Into “Sugarcane”
Winner of the directing prize for U.S. documentary at Sundance, “Sugarcane” delves into the investigation of unmarked graves at an Indian residential school in Canada. It uncovers secrets both above and below the ground, sparking a reckoning in the lives of survivors and their descendants. For director Julian Brave NoiseCat, who is himself a descendant of survivors, this film is deeply personal and poignant.
Exploring “Look Into My Eyes”
“Look Into My Eyes,” which had its U.S. premiere at Sundance and international premiere at CPH:DOX in Copenhagen, is a critically acclaimed film that offers a glimpse into the world of New York City psychics. Director Lana Wilson takes viewers on a journey as these psychics conduct intimate readings with their clients, revealing shared backgrounds in the performing arts, experiences with loss, and the universal need for witnesses to truly see ourselves.
Brent Ortolani, executive director of the Circle Cinema, expressed pride in partnering with the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival and bringing a taste of their esteemed selection of films to Tulsa. Ken Jacobson, executive director of the Hot Springs Documentary Film Institute, highlighted the long-standing relationship between Tulsans and the Hot Springs festival, emphasizing the importance of the partnership with Circle Cinema.
The Tulsa Hot Doks Film Festival promises to be a star-studded event with special guests in attendance. The festival will feature a reception between the screenings of “Sugarcane” and “Look Into My Eyes.” As preparations are underway for the 33rd edition of the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival in October, film enthusiasts can look forward to a lineup of compelling documentaries in the historic resort town nestled in the Ouachita Mountains.
The Circle Cinema, established in 1928, holds the distinction of being Tulsa’s oldest and only nonprofit movie theater. This partnership with the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival pays homage to the rich history of documentary filmmaking in both communities. With a nod to the natural hot springs that have long attracted visitors to the region, the collaboration between these two festivals is sure to captivate audiences and celebrate the art of storytelling on screen.