Tricky Sam Documentary to Premiere in April

The three-part series exploring the life of Milton Covel is scheduled for a theatrical debut on April 10, 2027.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Documentary

Tricky Sam Documentary to Premiere in April

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Do you believe local legends and oral histories are important for preserving your community's history?

Bearhug Productions will release a three-part documentary series about Milton Covel, also known as Tricky Sam or Duke Buddy, on April 10, 2027. The project explores North Carolina folklore and the life of a figure associated with local legends.

Why it matters

The filmmaker created this documentary to preserve firsthand accounts and explore how individual life stories evolve into regional legends. It examines the historical context of local traditions, including hoodoo and rootwork practices.

The upcoming production consists of a three-part series, marking an expansion from standard feature formats. The documentary relies on extensive research and interviews with the subject's relatives and descendants.

The players

Milton Covel

Also known as Tricky Sam or Duke Buddy, he was a North Carolina resident whose life is the subject of a new documentary series.

James Jones Jr.

He is the writer, director, and producer responsible for the documentary production.

Brad Boyd

He is an actor who portrays the title character, Tricky Sam, during the film's dramatic reenactments.

Bearhug Productions

This is the production company behind the new documentary series exploring Eastern North Carolina folklore.

The details

Directed by James Jones Jr., the film utilizes a mix of dramatic reenactments and interviews with eyewitnesses to investigate stories about Milton Covel. The narrative highlights accounts of supernatural events, including a car allegedly operating without an engine.

The death of a resident's father occurred in 2022.
The documentary trailer was released on October 23, 2026.
The theatrical premiere is set for April 10, 2027.

Industry Dynamics

This project participates in the growing movement to document regional oral histories through high-production-value series. It reflects a shift toward capturing local folklore before the memories of eyewitnesses and descendants fade.

Interested viewers should await further announcements regarding the specific theaters and ticketing options for the April 2027 premiere. The release will offer local residents a chance to see stories about their regional history presented on the big screen.

The takeaway

This documentary highlights how local legends often grow from a mixture of real-life experiences and cultural traditions. Readers interested in regional history may consider documenting oral histories from their own family members while those accounts are still available.