‘Pike Off OTA’ documentary premieres at Circle Cinema film festival

A new documentary highlighting a major public fight over Oklahoma’s turnpike system is set to debut at the Circle Cinema Film Festival on Monday, July 14.

Titled “Pike Off OTA – Turnpike Access Denied,” the film examines the controversy surrounding Governor Kevin Stitt’s $5 billion turnpike expansion plan, first introduced to the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority Board in 2022.

A three-year grassroots battle on screen

The filmmakers describe the documentary as a powerful chronicle of community pushback against state leadership.

“Three years of pushing back against the biggest bully on the Oklahoma block is rolled into one fantastic film,” they wrote. “This documentary takes you back to February 22, 2022, when our journey began and rolls you through the peaks and valleys through June of 2025. Bring your tissues, it is an emotional ride.”

Behind the turnpike expansion plan

Governor Stitt’s ACCESS Oklahoma initiative proposed significant turnpike expansions through Cleveland, Okla. and other counties, prompting widespread backlash from residents over property concerns and lack of transparency.

Legal battles, public meetings and protests have unfolded since the plan was announced.

Festival screening and Q&A

The screening of “Pike Off OTA” begins at 1:30 p.m. at Circle Cinema as part of the 20-25 Film Festival lineup.

After the documentary, the director, producer and several participants featured in the film will hold a Q&A session to take audience questions and share behind-the-scenes insight.

Tickets are available on Circle Cinema's website.