Building Belonging

Areli’s Ohana brings free summer family films back to Cliftex Theatre with focus on fun, community & mental health

A summer tradition returns to historical downtown Clifton this month as the Cliftex Theatre opens its doors for a series of free family films made possible by Areli’s Ohana and Major Real Estate.

The “Summer Kids Films” series will be held every Tuesday from June 2 – July 28 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., with doors opening at 9:30 a.m. Admission is free for all ages.

This year’s remaining lineup includes The Mighty Ducks on June 16, The Rescuers Down Under on June 23, Space Jam on June 30, Ice Age on July 7, Dr. Dolittle (1998) on July 14, Home on July 21 and Robots on July 28.

The movie series is one of several community programs supported by Areli’s Ohana, a nonprofit established in memory of Areli Villalpando, who died by suicide Feb. 15, 2022, at the age of 15.

For Areli’s mother Amanda and her family, the free films are about more than entertainment. They are also about creating opportunities for people to gather, connect and support one another.

“We are most proud of how our community is coming more together to help others – to help be more of a solution,” Villalpando said.

That spirit reflects a growing awareness of mental health across communities nationwide. More Americans of all ages, backgrounds and education levels are seeking ways to combat loneliness, isolation, anxiety and depression through connection with others.

Placemaking experts often describe movie theaters, churches, coffee shops, libraries and similar gathering spots as “third places” – locations outside the home and workplace where people can relax, build relationships and strengthen community ties.

American sociologist Ray Oldenburg, who popularized the concept, described “third places” as informal public gathering places that help foster belonging and social connection. Researchers and community-development groups have increasingly highlighted the role such spaces play in improving a neighborhood’s well-being.

The Cliftex, Texas’ oldest continuously operating movie theater has served as one of those gathering places in Bosque County since 1916.

The films themselves offer a variety of adventures and themes. The Mighty Ducks centers on a youth hockey team learning teamwork and confidence. The Rescuers Down Under follows two mice on a mission to save a boy in the Australian Outback. Space Jam combines basketball and animation as Michael Jordan helps the Looney Tunes. Ice Age features an unlikely group of prehistoric animals forming a family. Dr. Dolittle follows a doctor who discovers he can talk with animals. Home tells the story of an alien and a young girl forming an unexpected friendship, while Robots celebrates creativity and perseverance in a world of machines.

While the movies provide a few hours of summer fun, Villalpando said the nonprofit’s mission grew from a painful lesson her family learned after losing Areli, whose favorite films such as Polar Express, Coraline and Conjuring.

“We had no clue about signs of depression or anxiety,” Villalpando said. “So, we didn’t know we needed to reach out for that kind of help for her.”

Since its founding, Areli’s Ohana has worked to increase awareness of mental health resources, sponsor art classes, support scholarships, host public events and organize its annual “Walking Together for Tomorrow” suicide awareness and prevention walk in August.

Villalpando believes those efforts are helping create a more open conversation around mental health in Bosque County.

“We are starting to change our community,” Villalpando said. “We are helping those to finally share their voice.”

This summer’s movie series aims to continue that work in a welcoming environment where families can spend time together, enjoy a classic film and connect with neighbors.

“Areli always wanted to work in a field of service to help others, so that is what she is still doing through us,” Villalpando said.

According to Villalpando, attendees can expect a fun and relaxed morning experience. Villalpando said Behavioral Health Network representatives will again attend several screenings and help connect themes from the movies to discussions about mental health. Villalpando is also planning surprises throughout the summer.

“We are going to have so much fun,” Villalpando said. “My favorite part of these movies is hearing all the laughter from not just the kids but the adults as well.”

The free screenings are sponsored by Major Real Estate and are open to the public at 306 W. 5th Street in Clifton.