Tanner Ray
Directing
Biography
Tanner Ray, also known as Wicked Stew, is a self-taught filmmaker from rural Oklahoma, now transitioning into narrative filmmaking inspired by the life he's lived. He creates films about the human experience, blending the grit and heart of his small-town upbringing with the energy, emotion, and themes he's gathered from traveling and living in cities. His work fuses raw, unscripted moments with cinematic visuals, capturing real life with a narrative feel. His debut film, An Oklahoma Summer, premiered at the Admiral Twin Theater and highlighted the spirit of small-town life and unexpected friendships. Tanner's passion is to craft immersive, character-driven stories that reflect his background, his journey, and his evolving vision as a filmmaker. - mini biography by: Abbie de Vera
Known For
After a trip that changes everything, an 18-year-old returns to his quiet Oklahoma town feeling out of place and disconnected. With only his camera to keep him company, he searches for something real in a world that seems to have moved on without him. Just when he’s about to give up, an unexpected group of wild truck kids invites him into their world, showing him that belonging can come from the most unlikely of places.
An Oklahoma Summer
A recent 18-year-old high school graduate, feeling trapped in his small farming town, meets a mysterious stranger who offers him the chance of a lifetime. The offer? A cross-country road trip, living out of his car, chasing freedom, and pursuing his wildest dreams. Connecting the Dots is a raw, true story of a young man's leap into the unknown. It's a wild, unscripted adventure of self-discovery, freedom, and the search for belonging. This isn't just based on a true story; it is a true story.