
In the scenic backdrop of T. Jeffrey Patterson’s hometown Oklahoma, “The Rivals of Amziah King” is a multifaceted narrative that resists easy categorization. It weaves together elements of love and reunion, a vibrant portrayal of rural life, an exploration of the beekeeping industry, a tale of revenge, and lively musical interludes featuring Matthew McConaughey as Amziah King, where he strums various instruments like the mandolin, banjo, guitar, or even a kitchen table with his friends and neighbors. In the midst of a film festival that sometimes feels more like a series of corporate brand activations, “The Rivals of Amziah King” might as well be considered outsider art, though this description may underestimate Patterson’s mastery, as he was the founder of his own production company.