It was a scene straight out of a movie as Oakland's Grand Lake Theatre rolled out the red carpet for the premiere of "Freaky Tales" on Wednesday. The film, an anthology set in the culturally rich backdrop of 1987 Oakland, attracted not only the Hollywood elite but also an eager local community ready to see their city illuminated on the big screen. According to The Oaklandside, stars such as Pedro Pascal, Jay Ellis, and local legends like Too Short graced the event, with the latter also serving as a producer and narrator for the film.
Filmmaker Ryan Fleck, who co-directed "Freaky Tales" with Anna Boden, is Oakland's own, and the authenticity of the experience radiated through his speaking to the audience before the screening. "I’m so happy to bring this movie here, at long last," Fleck said, per The Oaklandside. Interestingly, "Freaky Tales" also marks a posthumous appearance for Angus Cloud, an Oakland native whose untimely death shocked fans in 2023. His mother, as reported by KTVU, expressed that the Oakland screening would have meant everything to her son.
The film is a nod to East Bay's rich history, blending magical realism with '80s nostalgia and featuring locations and tunes that resonate with Oakland residents. The soundtracks, curated by Raphael Saadiq, and the familiar East Bay scenes drew "ooohs," "ahs," and cheers during the screening, as mentioned by The Oaklandside. Pascal, known for his work on screen big and small, summarized his experience working on the movie, "I love Oakland. I had such a good time filming here," showcasing the city's impact on the cast and crew.
Meanwhile, on social media, the Oakland Roots Sports Club captured the premiere's vibe, describing "Freaky Tales" as "a love letter to Oakland—raw, real, and unapologetic." The anticipation for the film's nationwide release on April 4 is high, spearheaded by Too Short's reminiscence of the '80s: "We captured this little bit of nostalgia in the 80's when there was a lot going on," he told KTVU.
