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Former Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College (NEO) instructor Jim Conard will debut the pilot for his short documentary film “The Great Race” at Miami, Okla.’s 125th anniversary celebration. The pilot project film highlights Miami’s unique relationship to one of the United States’ most notable byways: Route 66. “The Miami community had such an impact on me,” said Conard. “It always interested me how many prominent people have come out of such a small area; Mickey Mantle, Charles Banks Wilson, and Nick Calcagno among many others. We have had two artists featured in the National Portrait Gallery, that’s just not something you see in every small community.”
“I wanted to make this pilot project to give back to the Miami community,” continued Conard. “While I was involved in the NEO Development Foundation board of trustees, I saw a powerful connection between NEO A&M College, the city of Miami, and Route 66. I wanted to highlight that connection so people could see the family and American values that I do in Miami.”
The pilot film is currently on a five-month loan to NEO, and will play at the 125th anniversary kick-off event at the Miami Civic Center on Thursday, March 3. During the loan, the NEO Development Foundation is welcoming feedback on the project. The Civic Center will feature exhibits and photo galleries from noon to 3 p.m. and at 2 p.m., there will be a celebration ceremony. Following the celebration, there will be a parade at 4:30 p.m. in downtown Miami.
