MMA drama 'The Martial Artist' screens 1 night only in Tulsa

A gripping story of self-discovery, identity and resilience unfolds in The Martial Artist, a new independent film that follows an MMA fighter’s journey to greatness—only to realize his toughest opponent is himself.

The film’s director and star, Shaz Khan, appeared in Tulsa alongside actress and Tulsa native Thesa Loving to promote the project ahead of a special one-night-only screening Thursday at the AMC 20 Theater near 41st Street and Yale Avenue.

A Story Rooted in Redemption

Khan said the feature-length project has been years in the making, first taking shape as a short film about a boxer titled Say It Ain’t So.

“That was sort of the genesis of the film,” Khan said. “The feature was the real expanded version of it. I’ve been working on it for some time while acting and doing other projects. It came together during COVID.”

Though the pandemic halted early production, the team completed filming over several years, capturing scenes across the U.S. and abroad, including Death Valley, Las Vegas, Orange County, Central America and the northern regions of Pakistan.

“It’s untouched—it’s like God’s country,” Khan said of the Pakistani landscapes. “We also filmed near the ancient pyramids in Belize, which was pretty cool.”

A Mother’s Strength at the Heart of the Film

Loving, who portrays the fighter’s mother, said her character’s arc is emotionally intense and deeply rooted in protecting her sons.

“She has come from this part of the world and married into the other,” Loving said. “You just see the journey of the two boys. They have this wonderful talent in the martial arts—and it is an art.”

While she praised the film’s emotional depth and scenic backdrops, she also applauded Khan’s approach behind the camera.

“He’s an actor’s director,” she said. “It was a wonderful experience. I loved every moment.”

A Life in the Arts, From Tulsa to Broadway

A graduate of the Actors Studio Drama School in New York, Loving has built a vibrant career that’s taken her from Branson to Broadway—and even to cruise ships.

“I’ve lived 35 lives since I left here,” she said. “I wouldn’t trade a thing. I’ve done a lot of traveling with shows and I have loved every minute of it.”

How to See the Film

The Martial Artist will screen for one night only at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 22, at the AMC 20 Theater. The auditorium opens at 6 p.m.

Important: Tickets must be purchased online in advance. They are not sold at the door.

🎟️ Purchase tickets here

Streaming options for the film are expected soon. Khan said the release date for digital platforms will be announced in the near future.