Fighting More Than Fire
Fighting More Than Fire is a documentary that explores the untold history of Black firefighters in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
TIME & LOCATION
Jul 19, 2026, 5:15 PM
5:15pm | Screen 4, Circle Cinema
ABOUT
Documentary Film • 1hr 25m • Broken Arrow, Oklahoma • English • Screen 4
$12 members, $15 non-members. Additional Showtimes
Directed by: Keith "Sneak" Daniels
Fighting More Than Fire is a documentary that explores the untold history of Black firefighters in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Through personal stories, first-hand accounts, and following a “day-in-the-life” of these heroes, the film captures the struggles and triumphs of the men who broke barriers in a segregated fire department. This film preserves their legacy and honors the generations who paved the way for today’s firefighters.
About the Director
Keith “Sneak” Daniels is an award-winning Black and Native American filmmaker and photographer and founder of Dreamland Studios LLC. His work often highlights themes of the Black experience, family, and community painted against the backdrop of Afrofuturism. He is best known for co-directing the documentary 'Fire in Little Africa' which was showcased at the DeadCenter Film Festival in 2021.
Director's Statement
For me, Fighting More Than Fire is deeply personal. In the fall of 1996, my mother’s car flipped over three times and caught on fire. She was rescued by an off-duty Black fireman named James "Big Daddy" Walker. That moment stayed with me, and it is men and women like him who inspired me to tell this story and dig deeper into the untold history of Tulsa’s Black firefighters. As I began researching, I quickly realized the weight of what I was uncovering. These were not only stories of bravery in the face of danger, but also of resilience in the face of discrimination. Their fight was never just against fire—it was against systemic barriers, neglect, and erasure. The more I listened, the more I understood the impact this film could have on my community. It became clear that this documentary is not just about honoring the past—it’s about preserving a living history that still shapes Tulsa today. My hope is that Fighting More Than Fire amplifies these voices, ensures their sacrifices are not forgotten, and sparks dialogue for the generations to come.
CAST & CREW
Keith Daniels - Director
Benji Osborne - Director of Photography
Benjamin Lindsey - Editor