Alumna’s Film a Finalist for U.N.’s International Cinema Education in NYC

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – A documentary film produced by alumna Beth Turner while she was a graduate student at the University of Arkansas has been chosen for screening at a New York City film festival.

Filmmaker Beth Turner created the 15-minute documentary, This Is Sequoyah's House, in 2007 after hearing the idea from Mellissa Catron-Billy in a graduate film class at the University of Arkansas. The film depicts how Sequoyah High School was once a school of last resort for American Indian youth but now reigns as a school of choice. It follows the road to a three-peat victory for SHS girls’ basketball, the first win coming from Catron-Billy’s own senior year of high school.

When asked why the International Cinema Education chose this film, Roberta Seret, president of the organization, said that it’s a perfect fit for teaching new ways of learning about our American Indian heritage.

Upon hearing the news, Turner said, “It’s been hard to comprehend that this is really happening. For me, I think of making a film like having a child. I care for it so deeply and worry over every little thing. To have others appreciate my film in this way, well, I’m sure a parent or a fellow filmmaker can relate to the joy I feel in my heart. Thank you, SHS for granting me the ability to tell your story and allowing this to happen.”

Catron-Billy, whose point of view from which the film is told, said, “I’m very proud of this news. I’m proud of our story and to have this as a legacy for my own children. What an honor to have people in New York City pay attention to our story here in Oklahoma.”

Twenty students and teachers, as well as Turner and possibly Catron-Billy, plan to travel to New York City for the last week in October to take advantage of International Cinema Education’s “Global Classroom,” an opportunity to tour areas of the city such as the United Nations, the New York Stock Exchange and, of course, to participate in all film receptions and screenings involving the film itself.

Dale Carpenter, chair of the journalism department, said, “We are very proud of Beth and Melissa. Their film follows a subject that was close to their hearts and they worked many hours to capture it and make it a reality. It is gratifying to have their effort recognized on a national stage.”