The Center for Documentary Studies (CDS) will present see seven short documentary films produced by continuing studies students in collaboration with the citizens of Bladenboro, N.C. "Anytown, USA: The Beast of Bladenboro." was made as art of the Anytown, USA series of courses at the CDS.
For more information about CDS continuing studies courses, check the web at http://cds.aas.duke.edu/courses/conted.html or email docstudies@duke.edu. Saturday, January 24, 7 - 9 p.m. Richard White Auditorium, East Campus, Duke University Directions: http://fvd.aas.duke.edu/about/white_directions.php Free and open to the public. The Vampire Beast of Bladenboro, Laura Dunne (9:00) More than 50 years ago, residents of the small community of Bladenboro, North Carolina, were terrorized by a predator that viciously killed numerous domestic animals. The events of those few weeks in January 1954 are told through accounts of five individuals who were children or teenagers living in Bladenboro at the time. They are joined by two carnivore behavior "experts," who speculate on what this creature could have been. The Beast of Bladenboro Festival, Jon Parker (10:00) Filmmaker Jon Parker returns to his ancestral roots to document BeastFest 2008 - "The Beast of Bladenboro Festival." Filmed on October 25, 2008, this video features the sights, the sounds, and the spirit of the day from pre-dawn to after-hours. Hope you enjoy the ride! Spirit of Bladen High, Chak Koonapareddy (10:59) When Bladen County consolidated its school system in the late 1990s, the town of Bladenboro lost more than its high school. Some of its traditions, rich culture, and commerce faded. The voices in this documentary, like many people in and nearby the town today, help bring the spirit back to Bladenboro. Nuts About Bladenboro, Kim Best (9:54) Despite having fallen on hard times, Bladenboro is keen to revitalize financially and has much to offer potential businesses. Boat building? Peanut processing? Who knows what's next. The bottom line is it's time to "rural source" to towns, like Bladenboro, where people have strong mechanical skills, a solid work ethic, and a great attitude. Diamond Dave's the Heart of Bladenboro, Teresa Pigeon (10:40) Most small towns have at least one central gathering spot: a place where friends and family young and old come to replenish the body and soul; a place where social connections are just as important as the food. In Bladenboro, Diamond Dave's is just that kind of place. Come on inside; let's take a closer look. Cruising for the Community, Jim Millay (12:00) Stories from Bladenboro's Southeastern Cruisers car club. The Big Hairy Beast of Bladenboro, Adair Hill (4:40) This short documentary is a child's retelling of the Beast of Bladenboro legend. Interviews with the younger generation of Bladenboro residents soon reveal that this beast is not just a legend, but an active source of fear and wonder. For more information, click here.