DUNCAN, Okla. - "Pearl," the first feature film produced by the Chickasaw Nation, won the award for best overall film Jan. 24 at the Trail Dance Film Festival in Duncan.

The true story of a Chickasaw girl from Marlow, Oklahoma, who became the youngest licenesed pilot in the U.S. in 1928, also won the aware for "Best Naitve American Film."

"Pearl" is set during the tumultuous teen years of the late Pearl Carter Scott, a Chickasaw girl who was befriened by famous aviatior Wilepy Post in the late 1920s. The film sold out the 700-plus seat theatre in the Simmons Center, a first for the Duncan film festival.

Anthony Foreman is president of Trail Dance Film Festival. "I think the film really hit home, especially with Pealr being from Marlow, Oklahoma, which is only about a 15-minute drive from Duncan," said Foreman. "The community took hold of the film because of everyone being so close to it."

A sustained spontaneous ovation broke out as the credits began to roll at the close of the film Saturday night.

Gov. Bill Anoatubby said the positive repsonse showed what a profound impact Mrs. Scott has on the people of her community.

"We are very pleased to receive this kind of reception from the the people who knew Pearl best," said Gov. Anoatubby. "This helps confirm that we have captured some of the resolve of this dynamic, caring woman who explemified the finest qualities of Chickasaw People."

While man in the audience knew about the local here, others were unaware of the story.

"A lot of people were very excited because they didn't know someone of such stature had come from a place so close," said Foreman. "I think it opened a lot of people's eyes. Those who didn't know Pearl, I think wish they did know Pearl and wish they knew more about her now."

Response from audiences in Duncan was similar to the reception the film has receive across the U.S.

In October, 2009 "Pearl" sol out four matinee performances at the Heartland Film Festival, well known as one of the largest family-oriented film festivals in the world.

"Pearl" also won a prestigious "Best of Show" award from the Indie Fest, and swept the feature docudrama category at the International Cherokee Film Festival.

Producer David Rennke said that he film had a unviersal message.

"It is very satisfying to see how people relate to issued in this film," Rennke said. "It is about the importance of family and community adn the importance of pursuing your dreams. Hopefully people will get an inkling of the spirit that pervadees the Chickasaw Nation."

For more information, visit www.chickasaw.net or www.pearlthemovie.net

Contributed by: Tony Choate, Tribal Media Relations