Okie native returns home for film screenings
- Some of Beesley's films will be shown at the OCCC Film Showcase
- Beesley has directed popular documentaries, such as "Okie Noodling" and "Fearless Freaks"
Bradley Beesley
By Melissa Chasteen, News Writing Student
Oklahoma filmmaker Bradley Beesley will be on campus Friday, Oct. 26, to talk about his films and answer questions.
Two of his films will be shown at the “OCCC Film Showcase-A Celebration of Oklahoma,” in the college theater at 5:30 p.m.
Beesley, whose company is based in San Francisco, has been selected as one of Filmmaker Magazine’s “Top 25 Independent Filmmakers” of the year.
The first Beesley film being screened is “The Creek Runs Red.” It’s a documentary about Picher, Okla., and how it’s recovering from the damages done by mining waste. It’s set to air on PBS this fall.
“I saw ‘The Creek Runs Red’ for the first time in San Diego,” said English Professor Clay Randolph, who also teaches film classes at OCCC.
After seeing the film, he suggested to Barbara King, Library Services director, that Beesley would be a good director to include in the showcase.
The second film being shown is “Fearless Freaks.”
This is a widely-known documentary about the Oklahoma band The Flaming Lips, which has been screened worldwide but has also aired on the Sundance Channel.
“It’s very entertaining and gives insight into the background and lives of the rock band,” King said.
His other films include “Sum-mercamp!” and “Roller Girls.” Another one of his films, “Okie Noodling,” is frequently played on PBS, and his first film “Hill Stomp Hollar” won first runner-up at the 1999 SXSW film festival.
Beesley also has co-directed 10 music videos for the The Flaming Lips.
