The new film, “Boomtown: An American Journey” will have its broadcast premiere on RSU TV on Tuesday, August 11 at 7 p.m.  The documentary will encore on August 17 at 11 p.m. Produced  by the Tulsa Historical Society (THS), in conjunction with Kirkpatrick & Kinslow Productions, Boomtown focuses on the history of Tulsa, a city known for extremes, from its resilient citizens and indomitable leaders to its troubled cultural past and economic roller coasters.

“Boomtown showcases our city’s heritage of prosperous oil years, wealth, architecture, flourishing arts and philanthropy,” said Michelle Place, executive director of THS. “Interwoven in the film are the storied struggles of our community through the century – from the trials of the Muscogee Creek people during removal to Indian Territory in NE Oklahoma, through the 1921 Tulsa Race Riot, to the hardships of economic downturns. The film answers the question, ‘Why is the study of history important?’”

General Manager Royal Aills sees the project as central to the mission of RSU TV. “We are proud to air the broadcast premiere of this important documentary. As an independent public television station that prides itself on being “Uniquely Oklahoma”, we are always proud to partner with local organizations to tell the fascinating stories of the region.”

Local business and civic leaders, authors and philanthropists featured through interviews in the documentary include:  Sharon King Davis, Linda Frazier, Hannibal Johnson, Phil Lakin, Bill Major, Dennis Neill, Teresa Pena, Ian Swart, Clifton Taulbert, Robb Trepp and Michael Wallis, as well as the late Herb Fritz.

Tulsa composer & musician Aaron Fulkerson created the original score for Boomtown, whose music was performed and recorded at Tulsa Community College Recording Studio by the Signature Symphony at TCC.

According to Russ Kirkpatrick of the production company, “The initial goal was to create a short piece that would explain the mission and programs to museum donors. Soon after we started filming, we knew we had a bigger story. We are thrilled to have collaborated with Oklahoma filmmakers and musicians, along with historians and technical advisors who spent nearly two years working on the film.”

The documentary debuted in theaters on July 28 at the Circle Cinema and was followed by a panel discussion. Subsequent showings of Boomtown will be offered at the Circle Cinema, located at 10 S. Lewis Ave., and at the Tulsa Historical Society & Museum, 2445 S. Peoria Ave., starting on July 29. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm.

“This project has been an amazing collaboration with so many Tulsa organizations,” added Place. “Our special thanks will be in the film credits, but I’d be remiss without mentioning the generosity of time from the Boston Avenue United Methodist Church, Circle Cinema, Greenwood Cultural Center, John Hope Franklin Center, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and the Perryman Family, Signature Symphony at TCC, Tulsa Ballet, Tulsa Opera, Tulsa Public Schools, Tulsa Symphony Orchestra, and the City of Tulsa.”

A trailer for the documentary can be viewed at: https://vimeo.com/129909493.