Tulsa comedy scene takes center stage in new Evan Hughes docu-dramedy

A new film highlighting Tulsa's thriving comedy subculture is set to debut at this year's Circle Cinema Film Festival. The docu-dramedy, titled I've Been Blessed By Evan Hughes, was directed by Abbie de Vera—News On 6's Coca-Cola Porch Producer—and follows the life and influence of local comedian Evan Hughes.

The film premieres Monday, July 14, as part of the festival's Comedy Evening.

Finding the Story

De Vera said the idea for the film came to her while she was sitting in the audience at the 2024 Circle Cinema Film Festival.

"I had been searching for a good story that inspired me for a film project for a while," she said. "About eight people in the community had told me about this local comedian within a two-week span and I had never heard about Evan. He kind of reminded me of Napoleon Dynamite."

That was when she knew she had found a story worth telling.

"I knew there was a worthwhile story with Evan and thought it would be fun to highlight the Tulsa Comedy Scene," she said.

Filming in Tulsa

The project was filmed entirely in Tulsa between July and November of 2024. While the production didn't have a large budget or high-end equipment, de Vera said the story carried the film.

Shooting locations included WOMPA, the Spotlight Theatre, Belefonte, the Whittier Bar, the Tulsa Comedy Club and Heirloom Rustic Ales.

"A lot of the interviews and reenactments were shot at WOMPA," de Vera said. "Many of the interviews are comedians and people in Evan's life who love him. It was so much fun capturing this story."

Meet the Cast and Crew

The hour-and-ten-minute film features several local voices from the Tulsa arts scene.

Among those interviewed are:

1. Evan Hughes
2. Tulsa comedians Nicole Miller, Cepeda Cheeks, Peter Bedgood and Kels Cooper
3. Artists Laura Voth and Cara Cox
4. Rapper St. Domonick
5. Muriel Fahrion, creator of Strawberry Shortcake
6. Lauren Maffey, executive director of the Spotlight Theatre
7. Evan's mother, Mary Pezold
8. Jessica Herman, owner of Heirloom Rustic Ales

The soundtrack features all Tulsa musicians, including CLIFFDIVER, Professional Golfer, Groucho, Desi & Cody, Winston Churchbus, OmaleyB, Hector and the Hexed, and St. Domonick.

De Vera cited Clerks, the debut film by director Kevin Smith, as a major influence.

"It was an independent, low-budget film, but I thought it was quirky and unique," she said.

What's in a Name?

The film’s title stems from a real-life inside joke known to many locals on social media.

"One of the things that Evan Hughes is known for is randomly liking about 50 of your past posts at the same time," de Vera explained. "Then, people will take screenshots of Evan's likes and post them on social media, stating they've been 'blessed by Evan Hughes.'"

She said the phrase perfectly captured the spirit of the film.

"I thought it sounded like the perfect title, because if you know what it means, you know; if you don't know, then perhaps you should watch the docu-dramedy to find out."

Comedy Evening Schedule

The screening takes place Monday, July 14, as part of a comedy-themed evening at the Circle Cinema Film Festival:

1. 6 p.m. — FACE/ON, a comedy special by Lacee Rains
2. 7:30 p.m. — Reception featuring improv group 66Kicks
3. 8:30 p.m. — I've Been Blessed By Evan Hughes screening, followed by a Q&A session

Both Rains and 66Kicks are also former Porch participants.

Watch the trailer below:

What's Next?

De Vera is already working on her next project—a documentary about Tulsa artist Daniel Gulick.

"It explores his struggles with mental health and his journey to continue to create out-of-the box art, no matter what he faces," she said. "I am working with a completely different cinematographer. This project is going to feel and look completely different."

She said the variety is part of what excites her most.

"That's what I love about storytelling, finding new ways to tell worthy stories."