New Faith-Based Movie About Hope Hits Theaters Nationwide Despite Pandemic
By Cooper Dowd, Staff Writer
Although the current pandemic derailed the plans of many major Hollywood studios, it opened the door for small-budget movies like the new faith-based movie TULSA.
“They were in a desperate position and needed new content,” Co-director Gloria Stella of Pryor Entertainment said. “We said, ‘Here’s TULSA if you want to run it.’ Regal was the first one to say, ‘Yeah, give us the exclusive to it, and we’ll put it in all the theaters.’ So we jumped on that opportunity. And really, that’s an opportunity that I believe we only would have gotten because of the pandemic.”
TULSA explores the themes of hope, love and perseverance in the face of tremendous tragedy and hardship. The story follows a 9-year-old foster girl, Tulsa, taken in by her biological father, Tommy. Tommy is a Marine who has PTSD and struggles with alcohol and drug abuse. The two contrasting characters must face reality as their relationship challenges their beliefs about faith, love, and their past.
Scott Pryor, who co-directed and also stars in the movie as Tommy, said he wanted to create a main character that is true to real life.
Pryor hopes TULSA will encourage those struggling by offering hope through a relatable character on screen.
“There’s a tangible vision on screen of a character overcoming these challenges, struggling, but overcoming by the grace and mercy of God,” Pryor said. “I think it can really inspire people to overcome these struggles. And again, just to have hope. It’s a message of hope.”
Pryor believes this is an essential aspect of realism that is missing from faith-based films.
“Redemption isn’t linear. Typically, we get up, we fall, you know, we ask for God’s grace, and he helps us back up and we fall again. I think it needs to be reflected in films and faith-based films where you see the character struggle, because that’s where an audience is going to connect.”
Aside from being a director and actor, Pryor also wrote the script primarily based on true stories he came across during his time as a lawyer.
“I’m a trial lawyer,” Pryor explained. “What I do is I focus on people who’ve been hurt very badly. So this was inspired by true events, based on several cases that I’ve worked on, and conversations I’ve had with some of my clients concerning what they’ve gone through pain- and suffering-wise.”
Pryor said that TULSA is one way to share some of the inspiring stories he has witnessed while being realistic about his clients’ pain.
Although set to be released in theaters, the movie’s small budget, time constraints, and focus on faith did not make production easy for TULSA.
“I think one of the biggest things that I found to be a challenge was that we don’t have the big Hollywood budget that the studio movies have,” Stella said. “So when you’re working on a smaller budget, every penny counts, every day counts, every minute counts.”
“None of us in the leadership have an attitude of ‘if we can get this done’,” Pryor said. “That’s not even a question. It’s ‘how.'”
According to Stella, the team came from all different experience levels and had to grow together on set to be successful for the movie.
“Everyone’s learning at the same time, everyone’s growing,” Stella said. “Even Scott and I co-directing together was our first time in the director role. So everyone is kind of figuring out how to operate in their new role. And then on top of that, you have the added pressure of getting the film done on time.”
In addition to the logistical difficulties, both Pryor and Stella recall the spiritual battle that took place during TULSA’s filming.
“There’s also the added pressure that we are doing something with a kingdom connection that can impact the kingdom of heaven, that can impact people’s spirit and the soul,” Stella said. “And then that puts a target on our back, you know, and so there’s the logistical stuff and then there’s also the spiritual weight.”
Pryor recalled a conversation he had with Steven Kendrick and said that he sees the spiritual attacks as proof that TULSA could have an impact in today’s culture.
“He [Steven Kendrick] said, ‘If it’s of God, you’re going to experience spiritual warfare. You’re going to experience attack like you never have before,'” Pryor said. “And that always stuck with me. And during the filming of TULSA, it was readily apparent.”
Despite these challenges, Pryor said the team’s passion for telling the story well and God’s abundant grace allowed them to preserve and complete the movie.
“First and foremost, it was the grace of God sustaining me and certainly all of us,” Pryor said. “You absolutely have to depend on God because, without His provision, there’s no way we could have done it.”
“But also, we had a fantastic team of everybody who came to the project,” Pryor continued. “It was a passion project for them. Everybody came together, no matter what experience level, and just went the extra mile as a team. In my opinion, we became family. They really understood the vision of the film and the impact that it could have.”
Prayer was an essential part of the process as well, as the team prayed every morning to start each day. Although TULSA’s story is about real struggles in life, it is also a timely reminder of hope and faith amid trying times.
“People are … anxious, they’re depressed, they’re worried about their future, and we need a breath of fresh air,” Pryor said. “We need a breath of fresh air in terms of faith, and I think Tulsa will be sunlight on their soul. So that’s what we hope to accomplish.”
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
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