'People Like Us' to premiere at Rodeo Cinema April 15, elevating those with intellectual disabilities

The Center of Family Love is gearing up for the premiere of its internationally acclaimed documentary People Like Us, a powerful film that spotlights the stories, struggles, and triumphs of individuals with intellectual disabilities.

The film, which has already won 25 national and international awards, will debut at Rodeo Cinema on April 15 at 7 p.m. A VIP experience is also available starting at 6 p.m. for an additional cost.

Shawn Dillon and Shay from the Center of Family Love joined News 9 on the Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages Porch to discuss the impact of the documentary.

Q: Can you tell us about the movie?

A: "So People Like Us started as a small idea, and it's now won 25 international awards and national awards. It's told, and I think the reason is it's told from the perspective of our residents who have intellectual disabilities--their struggles their pains, and then their triumphs as they reach their goals in life, and it's additionally about the opportunities that are being brought to Oklahoma, that the Center of Family Love is spearheading this effort to fill a gap in the transition from high school and home into careers."

Q: Who would you like to attend the premiere?

A: "We would love for individuals and families of individuals with intellectual disabilities and neurodiversity to be able to come out and see all the opportunities that this documentary is producing because it's changing the narrative from what they can't do to what they can do."

Q: Can you tell us about the Center of Family Love?

A: We provide quality lifetime care for adults with intellectual disabilities. Currently, we have 130 adults. We have a couple of openings. Normally we don't. And we pride ourselves on providing developmental support to each individual, no matter where they are. We meet them where they are and provide them, whether it's programming, life skills development, All the way up to actual careers we have four in-house businesses including our floral shop, and our horticulture business, which is farm to fork. We serve over 30 restaurants currently. And we also have a filter shop where we provide state-use contracts across the state. Additionally, just any business or homeowner that wants to buy a filter.

Q: How much will the event cost?

A: "The cost for the ticket is $75, and then there's also a VIP experience that starts at 6 p.m. for an additional $50."

Related: Rodeo Cinema: OKC's only nonprofit theater bringing film, art, and community together