Published: October 09, 2009 07:56 am      

‘Pearl’ screening at International Cherokee Film Festival

“Pearl,” the true story of a Chickasaw girl from Oklahoma who became the youngest licensed pilot in the U.S. in 1928, will be screened 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10 at the International Cherokee Film Festival at the Cherokee Hard Rock Hotel and casino in Tulsa.

The Chickasaw Nation recently won a prestigious “Best of Show” award from The Indie Fest for the feature film.

Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby said the story of the Chickasaw aviatrix was a natural for the tribe’s first feature-length film project.

“We made this film because it is important for people to understand the importance of Pearl’s story,” said Gov. Anoatubby. “Her story is about the importance of family and community as much as it is about her being the youngest pilot in the U.S.

“Pearl set an example in many ways. She was a dynamic individual who cared deeply about her service and responsibility to others.”

“Pearl” focuses on the tumultuous teen years of the late Pearl Carter Scott, who was befriended by famous aviator Wiley Post in the late 1920s, and was performing as a barnstormer and commercial pilot by age 14.

Screenings at AFI International Film Festival in Dallas and Dead Center Film Festival in Oklahoma City brought “extremely positive” audience response, said producer Dave Rennke.

“We hope this film will help people understand the spirit that pervades the Chickasaw Nation,” said Rennke. “The motto of the tribe is unconquered and unconquerable and Pearl really personifies that.

“It is very satisfying to see how people relate to the issues in this film. It contains a universal message about the importance of family and community and the importance of pursuing your dreams.”

Director King Hollis, Choctaw, said he hopes the film will bring to light the rich history of the Chickasaw Nation.

“There are a lot of really amazing stories in the history of the Chickasaw Nation. There are a lot of stories of people, places and things that need to be told,” said Mr. Hollis.

Actors in leading roles are a mix of talent from Oklahoma and across the U.S.

The lead character, Pearl Carter Scott, is portrayed by Elijah De Jesus, a 13-year-old actress from Burbank, California.

De Jesus has appeared in the primetime ABC comedy “Ugly Betty,” as well as other productions, but “Pearl” is her first leading role in a feature film.

“It’s been a real honor for me to play somebody who ha d such a remarkable life and did so many wonderful things at a young age, it was really exciting for me,” said Elijah. “Pearl Carter was amazing. It’s good to bring her story out to the world.”

Andrew Sensenig is Pearl’s father George Carter. Sensenig has performed in dozens of film and television roles, including roles on two popular television series, “Burn Notice” and “Prison Break.”

“We need more pictures like this so we can see what it’s all about,” said Sensenig.  “(Pearl) did what she wanted to do and she had a father who helped her in everything she wanted,” he said, adding that it reminded him of his relationship with his own daughters.  

Tom Huston, Director of the University of Oklahoma School of Drama, plays legendary aviator Wiley Post. He said that the film is important because of its portrayal of Chickasaws as educated, artistic, intellectual and hard working.

Isabel Archuleta, who earned her bachelor’s degree in acting at OU, is Opaletta, Pearl’s sister.

A number of other Oklahoma actors, including several Chickasaws, were also cast in the film.

Paden Brown, a freshman at Byng, plays Arnetta, Pearl’s little sister. 

“This movie is about a strong Chickasaw woman, and it makes me very proud to be Chickasaw,” Paden said.

Pauline Brown, Chickasaw elder and culture preservationist, portrays Widow Harjo in the film.

“I think it’s good that they got so many Chickasaws for the movie,” she said. “It was set in Chickasaw country and Pearl was a great Chickasaw citizen.”

Ms. Brown’s son, Milton, plays Sharecropper Ishmatubbe in the film and many of her grandchildren were cast as extras.

Paulina Gee, three-year-old daughter of Chickasaw Nation Deputy Attorney General Debra Gee, was cast as Louise, Pearl’s oldest daughter. 

Other Chickasaws who hold speaking parts in “Pearl” are Micah Hart (Older Georgie), son of Jeannie Barbour, director of the Chickasaw Press; former Chickasaw Princess Jaisen Monetatchi (Chickasaw Bride); Dakota Brown (Chickasaw Friend); Tim Harjochee (Sharecropper 1) and Robert Cheadle (Sharecropper 2).

Robert Cheadle serves as the Chickasaw Nation Legislative Counsel and worked closely with Pearl during her time on the Chickasaw Legislature. 

The movie was filmed on various locations in the state of Oklahoma, including the historic Harn Homestead, the El Reno Municipal Airport, the Jude and Jody Airport and several locations in and near Guthrie.