On November 1, 2025, Springfield will roll out the red carpet at the historic Gillioz Theatre for the highly anticipated premiere of The Soft Surrender, a powerful full-length documentary and portrait series by local artist and filmmaker Randy Bacon, executive produced by Hospice Foundation for Outreach (HFO).
More than a film, The Soft Surrender is an invitation, to witness courage, love, and dignity at life’s end and to open the door for meaningful conversations about what it means to live and die well. Through intimate storytelling, the film shares the journeys of individuals and families facing serious and terminal illness, along with the hospice and home health care professionals who walk alongside them.
A Springfield Story With National Reach
This project is deeply rooted in our community. The film’s subjects, the care teams featured, Randy Bacon’s artistry, and the mission-driven work of Hospice Foundation for Outreach all come from right here in our region.
We believe this is a film Springfield can proudly stand behind, and one that can make our city known for its compassion and innovation in end-of-life care. Our hope is that after the premiere, The Soft Surrender will travel the film festival circuit, reach national audiences, and one day land on a major streaming platform, spotlighting Springfield and the Ozarks in a powerful, positive way.
A Fundraiser to Expand Compassion
While the red carpet, lights, and celebration make for an unforgettable evening, this premiere is about more than just one night. It’s a fundraising event to help HFO share this life-changing film with other communities and expand end-of-life education beyond the Ozarks.
By attending, sponsoring, or spreading the word, you’re fueling our mission:
To lead and support communities to make a positive impact on the seriously and terminally ill by providing education, administering grants, fostering partnerships, and connecting families to appropriate resources.
Your ticket doesn’t just give you access to a premiere, it helps bring comfort, dignity, and knowledge to families everywhere.
An Unforgettable Red Carpet Experience
The premiere will offer Springfield a true Hollywood-style evening — something special and rarely seen in our city:
- Walk the red carpet and enjoy photo opportunities worthy of the occasion
- See the first public screening of The Soft Surrender
- Engage in a powerful Q&A with director Randy Bacon and experts highlighted in the film
- Celebrate community and compassion with an optional pre-party featuring champagne and charcuterie
It’s more than a screening, it’s a moment to dress up, gather as a community, and experience a night that matters.
Gratitude to Our Sponsors
This event wouldn’t be possible without the extraordinary generosity of our sponsors. Your support is what allows us to dream big, share these stories, and lead with compassion.
We want to give special thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, Central Bank and Trust. Your unwavering commitment to our mission and your investment in this event have made it possible to bring The Soft Surrender to life and to our community’s biggest stage.
To every sponsor, from those bringing golden ticket VIP experiences to those helping us reach new audiences, thank you. Your partnership ensures this night isn’t just beautiful but impactful, propelling education and hope well beyond Springfield.
Join Us
It’s almost here, a celebration of courage, love, and community that will echo far beyond one evening.
- November 1, 2025
- Gillioz Theatre, Springfield, MO
- Reserve your tickets today
Come dressed for the red carpet, bring your friends, and be part of something Springfield can be proud to share with the world.