It’s not often that Hollywood takes a back seat when it comes to a movie premiere, but that’s exactly what will happen this year at AirVenture, slated for July 26-Aug, 1, in Oshkosh, when a major motion picture, “Pearl,” will debut.
“Pearl” is the true story of a Chickasaw Indian teen who discovers her dream life as a barnstormer and aviator in the late 1920s. Introduced to flying by legendary aviator Wiley Post, Pearl Carter, at age 13, became the youngest licensed pilot in the United States. Pearl flew her blind businessman father around the state of Oklahoma in her Curtiss Robin and became a well-known barnstormer and performed at countless air shows.
Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby, who knew Pearl well, said that she was a “truly unique spirit” and an “inspiration” to everyone she met. “This film enables people to relive some of the significant moments in her life – moments which define what made her truly great and reaffirm the importance of family relationships,” said Anoatubby.
The Pearl Carter Scott has been inducted into the Oklahoma Aviation & Space Hall of Fame, the Chickasaw Nation Hall of Fame, the International Women’s Aviation & Space Hall of Fame and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian.
Ford Motor Co. sponsors the Fly In Theater at AirVenture, a nightly, open air, free aviation themed movie that attracts thousands of viewers each night. Each movie is preceded with a short interview with someone involved with that particular movie.
Elijah DeJesus, the actress who portrays Pear Carter Scott, will make several appearances at AirVenture. On Friday morning, she will be a guest at the Women In Aviation International breakfast in the EAA Nature Center; on Friday evening, she will be interviewed before the movie premiere at the Fly In Theater; and on Saturday, she will visit Ford’s Autograph HQ to sign autographs for fans.
For more information: PearlTheMovie.net or AirVenture.org
