The cancellation of Joss Whedon's Firefly caused a domino effect of unified fan support ending in the production of a major motion picture. It also brought together a family of fans - Browncoats - that believed you should always take the moral high road, and that anything was possible. The release of Serenity in 2005 only reinforced that belief.
In 2007, in celebration of Joss' birthday, 50 cities (including Des Moines, hosting for its first year!) held screenings of Serenity and raised over $100,000 for the group Equality Now , an organization set on protecting human rights for women and girls around the world. This event, known as Can't Stop the Serenity , was one of the best examples of fans joining together to show that through unity and a great deal of love and devotion, you can bring the world's attention to the things that matter the most.
Since 2006, Can't Stop the Serenity has raised over $160,000 for Equality Now.
This year 55 cities are participating in Can't Stop the Serenity, and the goal is to raise over $150,000.
Des Moines, Iowa is proud to be participating in this event for its second year, and hopes to contribute as much as humanly possible to the cause. The Des Moines area screening will offer event t-shirts for purchase, we'll be holding a costume contest (the winners will win swag from one of our sponsors!), there will be door prizes consisting of donated items from global sponsors, and we'll be auctioning off several items, including homemade Jayne hats and a copy of Serenity: Better Days #1, signed by Nathan Fillion himself!
Des Moines, IA at Fleur Cinema
Saturday, June 21
4545 Fleur Dr.
Doors open at 10:00am
After-party begins at 1:00pm (site TBA)
Tickets available soon!
T-shirts available in limited supply!