Circle Cinema Film Fest | Circle Cinema

July 11th - July 15th, 2025

HIGHLIGHTING FILMS MADE IN, BY, AND FOR OKLAHOMANS

This Is Oklahoma Film

The Circle Cinema Film Festival returns for our 97th birthday with a bold celebration of film, art, music, and community.

First launched in 2018, the festival showcases powerful storytelling with a focus on independent voices from Oklahoma and beyond. From fresh new features to beloved classics, live events to special guests, experience the best of cinema, only at the Circle.

We cannot thank you enough for making the 2025 Circle Cinema Film Festival our most successful year! Please enjoy the gallery below.

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Circle Cinema Film Fest to spotlight Walk of Fame honorees in public ceremony July 15

Circle Cinema is set to honor four legendary Oklahomans in the film industry by unveiling new medallions on its Walk of Fame. The honorees include Hollywood actress Vera Miles, Tulsa filmmaker and screenwriter Hank Byrd, the late Academy Award-winning actor and rodeo cowboy Ben Johnson, and acclaimed production designer William F. Matthews.

Oklahoma Film + Music Office Returns for 2025 Circle Cinema Film Festival Partnership

The Oklahoma Film + Music Office (OF+MO) is proud to be a returning partner of the Circle Cinema Film Festival in Tulsa. Now in its eighth year, the festival will highlight Oklahoma films and filmmakers on the big screen July 11-15.

Tulsa filmmaker Beth Turner's first feature-length film, “Randy Crouch: Survival of the Fiddlest,” premieres at Circle Cinema this month

If you’ve been around the local music scene, you’re probably familiar with the name Randy Crouch. If you’re really lucky, you’ve witnessed him play. Crouch on the fiddle is a magical journey full of psychedelic, Red Dirt, jam band wizardry. In documentary filmmaker Beth Turner’s first feature-length film, “Randy Crouch: Survival of the Fiddlest,” she captures the story of this humble yet influential Oklahoma musician. The film will make its Tulsa premiere July 11 at Circle Ci

Circle Cinema turns 97 and unveils additions to Walk of Fame

On Tuesday, July 15, Circle Cinema unveiled four new medallions on its Walk of Fame to honor legendary Oklahomans in the film industry: Hollywood actress Vera Miles, Tulsa filmmaker and screenwriter Hank Byrd, the late Academy Award-winning actor and rodeo cowboy Ben Johnson, and acclaimed production designer William F. Matthews.

‘Pike Off OTA’ documentary premieres at Circle Cinema film festival

A new documentary highlighting a major public fight over Oklahoma’s turnpike system is set to debut at the Circle Cinema Film Festival on Monday, July 14. Titled “Pike Off OTA – Turnpike Access Denied,” the film examines the controversy surrounding Governor Kevin Stitt’s $5 billion turnpike expansion plan, first introduced to the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority Board in 2022.

Circle Cinema Film Festival features films about, by Oklahomans

From documentaries, short and feature films, there is something for everyone at the Circle Cinema Film Festival. The five-day festival features all films made in Oklahoma, by an Oklahoman, or about Oklahoma.

Circle Cinema kicks off night one of five day film festival

Circle Cinema kicked off night one of their five day film festival on Thursday.

Tulsa comedy scene takes center stage in new Evan Hughes docu-dramedy

A new film highlighting Tulsa's thriving comedy subculture is set to debut at this year's Circle Cinema Film Festival. The docu-dramedy, titled I've Been Blessed By Evan Hughes, was directed by Abbie de Vera—News On 6's Coca-Cola Porch Producer—and follows the life and influence of local comedian Evan Hughes.

Oklahoma teens bring personal story to the screen in award-winning short film

A bathroom mirror becomes the stage for a mental battle in Self-Reflecting, a short film written and directed by Tulsa's Lucas J. Jackson. The 4-minute film follows a young man coping with a panic attack and confronting a version of himself—his intrusive thoughts personified in the reflection.

Hey Neighbor!

Pass holders can unlock exclusive deals through our Hey Neighbor! partnership. Offers are valid only during the week of the festival. To redeem, All Access pass holders and Filmmakers must show their festival lanyard at any of the participating partner locations listed below.

All Access Pass Holders get 1 free hot or iced coffee at SheBrews

All Access Pass Holders get $4 beer + 1 Shot combo at The Whittier Bar

All Access Pass Holders get 15% off your purchase at Jo and June Vintage

All Access Pass Holders get one $4 16oz pour of any draft at Heirloom Rustic Ales

All Access Pass Holders get 20% off purchases of $50 or more at The Sobo

All Access Pass Holders get 20% off purchases of $50 or more at By.everyone

All Access Pass Holders get Happy Hour pricing all day long at 473

All Access Pass Holders get 15% off everything in store + custom framing at Ziegler Art & Frame

All Access Pass Holders get 15% off clothing purchase of $25 or more at The Flipside Collective

All Access Pass Holders get 10% off any craft supply purchase at Community Craft

All Access Pass Holders get one free order of Boujee or Trashy Tots at The Pump Bar

All Access Pass Holders get 10% off one order of ceviche or lomo salteado at Inkanto Peruvian Cuisine.

2025 Walk of Fame Medallion Recipients

Each year during the Circle Cinema Film Festival, we celebrate Oklahomans who have made significant contributions to the entertainment industry by adding a concrete medallion in their honor to our Walk of Fame. Located on the east sidewalk of our building, the Walk of Fame commemorates the achievements of actors, writers, directors, musicians, and more. All of whom have called the Sooner State home at some point in their lives.

Writer, Director

Hank Byrd

Hank Byrd is a screenwriter, producer, director, and author with 15 years of experience bringing collaborative storytelling to life. He created the web series "Blerds" and was a head writer on the 2024 crime thriller "Boneyard" starring Mel Gibson and Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson.

Actor

Vera Miles

Born in Boise City, Oklahoma, Vera Miles rose to fame in the 1950s with standout roles in films by Alfred Hitchcock and John Ford, including "The Searchers," "Psycho," and "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance." A former Miss Kansas, Miles brought her striking presence and talent to dozens of film and TV roles over a four-decade career.

Actor

Ben Johnson

Born in Oklahoma, Ben Johnson went from rodeo performer to Hollywood stuntman and actor, working with legends like John Wayne and John Ford. After briefly returning to rodeo to win a world roping championship, he came back to film, ultimately appearing in over 300 movies.

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Set Designer

William F. Matthews

William F. Matthews (1942–2023) was a production designer and art director known for his work on "Innerspace" (1987), "Hollywood Homicide" (2003), and "The Karate Kid" (1984). Born in Marietta, Ohio, and later residing in Tulsa, Oklahoma, he was married to Diana Folsom and left a lasting impact on film through his visual storytelling.

Thank you to the 2025 Friends of the Festival Sponsors!