The Song of the Cicada, a haunting yet uplifting documentary featuring Texas mortician Dale Carter, will have its Dallas premiere at the historic Texas Theatre on Friday, bringing a locally produced film to one of the city’s most storied cinematic venues.
The film, directed and produced by Dallas-based filmmakers Aaron and Robert Weiss, offers an intimate portrait of Carter, a Galveston-based funeral director whose work and philosophy on life and death unfold in a deeply introspective narrative. Through stunning cinematography and immersive storytelling, The Song of the Cicada explores Carter’s unique perspective as he navigates the world of the deceased, shedding light on his work with unclaimed bodies and his contemplative views on mortality. Carter told Buddy Magazine that he has embalmed over 30,000 people in his career.
First released to festival audiences, the documentary has been praised for its atmospheric depth and its ability to humanize an often-misunderstood profession. The Weiss brothers, known for their work in independent filmmaking, spent nearly a decade following Carter, capturing his story with a mix of poetic beauty and stark realism. The film won the People’s Choice Award at the Austin Film Festival in 2022.
Waxing on the existential aspects of the movie’s theme, Carter told Buddy Magazine, “in life when you drink tea, choose sweet tea. Avoid bitter tea, because the taste is not pleasant. I choose to be pleasant. You can react to life, or you can make life happen.”
The screening will take place at the Texas Theatre, an iconic Dallas landmark known for its role in history as the site where Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Today, the venue is a cultural hub for independent cinema, live performances, and community events, preserving its vintage aesthetic while serving as a premier destination for film enthusiasts.
Following the screening, the filmmakers will participate in a Q&A session, offering insights into their creative process and discussing the themes explored in The Song of the Cicada.
Tickets for the premiere are available through the Texas Theatre’s website. The event is expected to draw a diverse audience, from documentary film lovers to those intrigued by Carter’s compelling story and the broader conversation about death and remembrance.
For more information on the film and future screenings, visit the Texas Theatre website.
You can check out the film’s official website here.
