Movie Madness has gripped the citizens of Atoka.

Waterwalker, "a Generation X film with a faith-based twist," as described by independent film-maker Roger Rohatgi, has centered its filming and production on Atoka.

It is hoped that the film will influence the lives of youth and bring souls to Christ. A partnership has been struck between Rohatgi, Joey Lansdale and Kamikaze Ministries, an outreach of God's House ministries, to produce the film. The release is planned for the first week of June, with a debut at the Kamikaze Camp, the church's youth camp, with a limited release in small theaters this summer.

The idea was conceived almost a year ago, and the dream has grown since. With serious work begun in earnest a few months ago, by the spring of 2005 the project has mushroomed into a film project including a cross-section of Atoka's school, society, business section and government.

Almost everyone in town has had a hand in some aspect of the filmmaking. Dozens, hundreds of people have been joining together as volunteers to help make the dream come true. Tireless effort and countless hours have already been poured into the project, with more to continue.

Filming began this month, with scenes filmed over the weekend in downtown Atoka and at Lake Atoka. Current and future shooting will take place at local businesses and other landmarks in the area, one scene will be filmed at Atoka High School on Saturday, May 7. Hundreds of students and young people are needed for extras in the scene, and volunteers are asked to show up at the school about noon.
 

Rohatgi describes the movie: "Waterwalker is a coming-of-age drama with a sci-fi twist. A Karate Kid meets Harry Potter, a Napoleon Dynamite meets Unbreakable. A somewhat uncool young man, longing to be a hero and discover his destiny, finds himself dealing with his internal problems by having sensational daydreams. This leads to his peers mocking and laughing at him as he unknowingly acts these daydreams out in real life. While blaming himself for the death of his father, he wages a battle against bullies, the 'system' and even himself. In the course of his struggle he finds supernatural aid through the Divine that leads to his endowment of miraculous power. This power is the catalyst that will propel him into the supernatural. It is the spark that will light the path for him to become the hero he always longed to be."

Waterwalker is a chapter in Rohatgi's career. A student of film-making, he is also an actor and director, with several independent careers to his credit. Rohatgi is an emerging force in Hollywood and New York, at the same time at home in Atoka. A native of Houston, he first came to know Atoka through Christian fellowship with locals. When the dream of Waterwalker was conceived, Rohatgi naturally considered Atoka first as the setting for his film.

Starring along with Rohatgi in the film are Melissa Mehrabian and Eric Gray, both studying acting at Southeastern Oklahoma State University; and Shannon Jurkoshek, actress studying at Oklahoma City University. The director of the film is Joey Lansdale, assisted by Rohatgi, who is also co-producer and stars in the picture. Rohatgi wrote the story, and Maigan McPherson and he co-wrote the screenplay.
 

The cast and crew list, with more individuals added as the project continues, includes:
Pastor Darrin Begley as executive producer, Maigan McPherson as co-producer, Cathy McPherson, Daniel Argo, Pam Stroer, Matt Miles, Matt Phillips, Jason Luman, Jeremiah Luman, Wade Snow, Rocky Clayton, Laura Clark, Marshall Clark, Chris Gordon, Rita Phillips, Doug Lewis, Nikki Harrington, Jasmine Clayton, Cameron Gordon, Scott Duke, Emily Lansdale, Austin Mehta, Sheila Begley, Jade Alien, Zack Granger, Leon Carter, Game Warden Larry Luman, Lori James, Jozey Begley, Elise Huskey, Monice Huskey, Alex Schaffer, Nina Schaffer, and many more.

Featuring heavily in the dramatic Lake Atoka scene are local law enforcement agencies, including Atoka County EMS, Atoka Fire Department and Atoka Police. Genuine rescue personnel will be immortalized in the movie with acting parts in several scenes. The agencies have also been instrumental in behind-the-scenes planning.

The cooperative nature of those involved in the filmmaking, in every aspect, has made it possible for the project to carry on. Those involved give the glory to Christ in that the path has been opened.

"My hope is that this movie can impact and change lives and show the love of Christ," said Rohatgi.

For more information on the movie, visit the new website at www.waterwalkermovie.com.
 

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