9/11 Movie 'Where You Were When' Provides ORU Students the Opportunity to Work on Upcoming Feature

Tulsa, Oklahoma, July 14, 2026-Oral Roberts University (ORU)'s Cinema & Media Arts students recently collaborated with filmmakers from Profound Studios and Heartstrings Presents, in association with Badlands Features, to bring feature film production to campus, placing students on the crew alongside industry professionals. The project gave film students the opportunity to earn official screen credits listed on IMDb, a source for ratings and reviews for movies, TV shows, and celebrity content.

"This collaboration represents the kind of transformational, hands-on learning experience that defines an ORU education," said Dr. William M. Wilson, ORU President. "By engaging directly with industry professionals, our students are not only refining their craft but also being equipped as purpose-driven storytellers who are prepared to influence culture and impact the world."

Filmed on ORU's campus, "Where You Were When" is an ensemble drama that follows a group of teenagers whose ordinary day is interrupted by the events of 9/11. Directed by Kelly Schwarze and written by Kirk Roos, the film is scheduled for theatrical and streaming release in September 2026, commemorating the 25th anniversary of the attacks.

83 ORU students participated in the production of "Where You Were When."

"This film explores how young people find their authentic voices during a defining moment in history," said Roos. "Working alongside ORU students-who bring both passion and purpose to their craft-has made this experience especially meaningful."

Operating as a fully professional production, the film integrated ORU students into industry-standard departments, including camera and electrical, sound, art, costume and wardrobe, props, script supervision, and production. Under the guidance of experienced filmmakers, students gained hands-on experience in professional workflows, on-set protocols, and collaborative production environments. This initiative reflects ORU's strategic commitment to embedding real-world industry experiences within its Cinema & Media Arts curriculum.

"ORU's goal is to raise up industry-ready redemptive artists," said David Ray, ORU's Director of Media. "Pairing our students with seasoned professionals allows them to develop their craft, build relationships in the industry, and step confidently into their calling as storytellers."

A team of 23 industry professionals contributed nearly 3,000 hours of mentorship and instruction, creating an immersive learning environment that combined technical training with meaningful industry networking opportunities. Over two weeks, 83 ORU students participated in the production, with 17 upperclassmen working full production schedules across key departments. One student also secured a speaking role, becoming eligible for SAG-AFTRA membership. Through their involvement, students earned professional film credits-an early and significant milestone that positions them competitively within the media industry.

As the first feature film shot on the ORU campus, this production represents a significant milestone for the Cinema & Media Arts program. Through collaborations like this, ORU continues to equip students to become innovative, Spirit-empowered storytellers prepared to influence the media industry and impact the world.

To explore ORU's Cinema & Media Arts programs and experiential learning opportunities, please visit the Cinema & Media Arts webpage.

ORU students working on the set of "Where You Were When."

Nationally Ranked, Globally Recognized

ORU is a Christian, Spirit-empowered, interdenominational university in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with 17 years of consecutive enrollment growth. Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ORU offers over 150 majors, minors, concentrations, and pre-professional programs at the bachelor's level, ranging from business and engineering to nursing, ministry, and more. In 2024, the Carnegie Foundation recognized ORU with a "Leadership for Public Purpose" award, a distinction earned by only 25 universities nationwide. Under the leadership of President Dr. William Wilson, ORU is preparing students from all 50 states and 176 nations in the last 7 years to be whole leaders for the whole world.