North Little Rock residents will have a chance to see a powerful new animated short this Sunday, Nov. 8, that tells the courageous story of Oklahoma City bombing survivor Daina Bradley. The film, titled Will I Dance Again?, dramatizes the 1995 attack that claimed the lives of Bradley’s mother, son and daughter and left her trapped beneath rubble.
Film details and honors
The short uses animation to convey the intensity of the day when a bomb exploded at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, killing 168 people. Bradley, then 19, was pinned by a boulder on her right leg. Doctors were forced to amputate the limb on site without anesthesia to free her. The film captures that moment of terror and the subsequent journey of recovery.
Voice talent includes Oscar‑nominee Alfre Woodard, and ballet legend Misty Copeland lends her presence to the project. The film recently earned the Best Animation award at the Fayetteville Film Festival, underscoring its artistic merit and emotional impact.
Screening information
The screening will take place at Birdies Cabaret, a local venue in North Little Rock, beginning at 5 p.m. A VIP meet‑and‑greet with food and drinks starts at 4 p.m. Tickets are $15 for the VIP experience and $5 for general admission. The event is marketed toward mature teens and adults; organizers note it is not intended for younger children.
Following the film, a Q&A session will feature Arkansas filmmaker Princella Smith, who directed the short, and Daina Bradley herself. Attendees will hear directly from the survivor about her experience and the healing power of storytelling through animation.
Community significance
Beyond honoring a local hero, the event highlights the role of faith, family and resilience—values that resonate deeply in Arkansas communities. Bradley’s story underscores the importance of supporting survivors of tragedy and preserving their narratives for future generations.
Local nonprofits and veteran groups have expressed enthusiasm for the screening, seeing it as an opportunity to raise awareness about the long‑term impacts of terrorism and the strength found in communal support. The film’s emphasis on perseverance aligns with the region’s tradition of standing together in the face of adversity.
How to attend
Tickets can be purchased through the event’s official page (link provided in the original announcement). Seating is limited, so interested residents are encouraged to secure their spots early. For those unable to attend in person, a trailer is available online, offering a glimpse of the animation style and tone.
By bringing this moving tribute to North Little Rock, organizers hope to inspire conversations about courage, recovery, and the power of artistic expression to heal wounds that run deep.
Original reporting: KATV Little Rock (local) — read the source article.
