Spanish-dubbed films at Century East providing movie options for Hispanic community in Sioux Falls

The Century East movie theater at Dawley Farm showed Spanish-dubbed versions of three newly released films this past weekend, thanks to an ongoing effort by the South Dakota Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and The Point is to Serve Church in Sioux Falls.

“We were looking to find ways we can support and improve life in our Spanish-speaking community here,” Otto Garcia said.

Garcia is a pastor for the Spanish ministry at o The Point is to Serve Church and a board member for the Hispanic Chamber. He reached out to Century East asking if they would be willing to show Spanish-dubbed films.

“Initially we were thinking it would be one movie once a month, and now here we have three movies this weekend – all fully in Spanish,” he said. “Our goal is for the whole community to benefit from this.”

Overcoming language barriers

“Top Gun: Maverick,” “Lightyear,” and “Jurassic World Dominion,” were the three newly released films with showings in Spanish this past weekend.

Javier Guzman and his wife went to see "Jurassic World: Dominion" on Friday.

"It's great to have these options, and it's important for the community," Guzman said. "I understand some English but my wife doesn't speak the language. Now she's able to understand the movie also."

The Hispanic Chamber also donated 20 tickets to families so they can experience the film together.

“A lot of parents might not know English as well as their kids, so it’s hard for them to connect over these sorts of activities when there’s a language barrier,” Selene Zamorano-Ochoa, president of the Hispanic Chamber, said.

“We wanted to give them something everyone can enjoy," she added.

"We're just so excited," said Maglori De Leon, who brought her family to see "Jurassic World: Dominion." "Our first language is Spanish, so going to the movies is something we can all enjoy a little better now. It's a lot of fun."

Both Garcia and Zamorano-Ochoa said watching films is also a great opportunity for anyone trying to learn another language like Spanish, no matter their background.

At this time, the Hispanic Chamber doesn't know when and if the movie theater will show Spanish-dubbed films again, but they are hoping to see the effort grow in the future.

“I hope that our community will respond well so we can continue doing this," Garcia said. "We want it to have a positive impact on all of Sioux Falls."

Other foreign films

It is not very common for theaters – particularly in smaller communities – to show foreign or dubbed films, but Century Stadium 14 on the west side of Sioux Falls occasionally shows foreign titles in its theater.

In the past, they’ve shown Indian dramas like “RRR" and “83” in their native language with English subtitles. The film “Virata Parvam” was also shown over the weekend.

“Movies are just a good way to experience any culture and bring people together,” Zamorano-Ochoa said.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Spanish-dubbed films in Sioux Falls part of ongoing community effort