Press Release
May 30, 2023
Contact: Jessica Brogdon
Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 405-522-0780
jessica.brogdon@history.ok.gov
www.okhistory.org
Documentary on the Oklahoma State Capitol to Premiere at deadCenter Film Festival
OKLAHOMA CITY — A documentary on the Oklahoma State Capitol will premiere at the deadCenter Film Festival in Oklahoma City. “The People’s House” was directed by Oklahoma native Bryan Beasley and produced with support from the Inasmuch Foundation and Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS).
The premiere on Sunday, June 11, at 1:30 p.m. will take place at the Harkins Theatres Bricktown 16 in Oklahoma City. It is a free screening. No film festival pass is needed.
The trailer features a four-minute drone tour of the Capitol building with a glimpse into the House and Senate chambers, the Supreme Court, the Blue Room and more.
“The drone shot was done to look like a single take. It gives the audience a complete tour of the restoration. It is a visual marvel and something I have never done before in a film,” said Beasley. “My team and I really strived to make this documentary both educational and entertaining for our audience.”
The documentary talks about the history of the Capitol, the importance of the building, the years-long restoration process, its resilience over the decades and more. Interviewees include Trait Thompson, executive director of the OHS, former project manager for the Oklahoma Capitol Restoration project and author of “The Oklahoma State Capitol.”
“With the completion of the capitol restoration project, I felt it was important for the Oklahoma Historical Society to tell the story of this unique building. So much Oklahoma history has happened within its walls and is still happening today,” said Thompson. “The documentary highlights the role the capitol plays in being the place where the voice of the people can be heard through the democratic process. It also portrays the unique story of our state with the amazing art and artifacts throughout the building. I believe those who view the film will come away with a new appreciation for our State Capitol.”
Other interviewees include Dr. Bob Blackburn, former executive director of the OHS; former governors including George Nigh and Frank Keating; and Marilyn Luper Hildreth, daughter of civil rights leader Clara Luper. It is narrated by John Erling, a former Tulsa radio host inducted into the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters’ Hall of Fame.
The film will eventually be shown in the Oklahoma State Capitol Museum, located on the ground floor of the Capitol. It will be submitted to other film festivals around the country and available on YouTube at a later date.
The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.
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