Circle Cinema hosts naturalization ceremony, free screening of 'The Test'

In a moving celebration of citizenship, Circle Cinema will host a Naturalization Ceremony on June 11, welcoming 39 new American citizens in a special event starting at 11 a.m.

U.S. District Judge Sara E. Hill, the first female Native American federal judge in Oklahoma, will preside over the ceremony — a milestone moment both for the new citizens and the Tulsa community. As part of the celebration, all newly naturalized citizens will receive complimentary annual memberships to Circle Cinema.

To honor this powerful day, Circle Cinema is also offering free community screenings of The Test, a 15-minute documentary short that captures the emotional journey of Eric Frimpong, a Ghanaian immigrant preparing to take the U.S. citizenship test. The film will be shown three times: once during the Naturalization Ceremony, and again at standalone showings at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Executive Producer Mary Beth Minnis, an Oklahoma native and award-winning documentary filmmaker, will introduce both afternoon and evening screenings and lead a Q&A session with attendees. Seating is first-come, first-served and all screenings are free and open to the public.

The Test explores the deeply human stories behind immigration and citizenship, highlighting Eric’s dream of reuniting with his family after eight years apart. Alongside senior residents who become his tutors and friends, the film unfolds as a heartwarming tale of intergenerational connection, resilience and purpose.

For more information about the screenings or Circle Cinema events, visit circlecinema.org. To learn more about Mary Beth Minnis and her documentary work, visit MaryBethMinnis.com.