The Springdale Public Library will host a free screening of Godzilla and Mothra: The Battle for Earth on Friday, June 13, starting at 6:30 p.m.
The event, organized in partnership with local film group Kaiju Club, includes themed mocktails, popcorn, and a soundtrack performance by C. Felton, a regular member of the club. The 1992 film, known in Japan as Godzilla vs. Mothra, is the 19th entry in the Godzilla franchise and features the giant moth-like creature Mothra teaming up with Godzilla to defend against a trio of extraterrestrial threats.
The screening takes place in the library’s main meeting room at 225 W. Johnson Ave. Admission is free and open to the public. Supplies are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
More Than a Movie Night
For C. Felton, the evening includes more than just a film. Before the screening, they’ll perform a live set drawing from ambient and electronic influences, meant to complement the movie’s tone. “It’s not just about watching a movie,” Felton said. “It’s about building a shared experience around something nostalgic and weirdly meaningful to a lot of us.”
Kaiju Club, which regularly screens Japanese monster films across Northwest Arkansas, has grown from informal gatherings into a structured group with monthly events. The club typically draws between 20 and 50 attendees, depending on location and film selection. Past screenings have included classics like Ghidrah, the Three-Headed Monster and Destroy All Monsters.
“We’re trying to make these events feel like celebrations,” said Kaiju Club organizer and Springdale resident Marla Denton. “The films are fun, but they also open up conversations about environmentalism, mythology, and even Japanese history.”
The club has previously partnered with the Fayetteville Public Library and the Siloam Springs Public Library. This marks its first collaboration with the Springdale location, which has historically focused on family programming and literacy-based events.
Community Ties and Creative Outreach
The Springdale Public Library has increasingly opened its doors to niche cultural programming as a way to engage diverse age groups. In the past year, the library has hosted anime marathons, local band showcases, and tabletop gaming nights. According to Branch Manager James O’Rourke, the goal is to create space for community expression beyond traditional library services.
“We’re always looking for ways to bring people together,” O’Rourke said. “When Kaiju Club approached us with this idea, it felt like a natural fit. It’s family-friendly, creative, and taps into something people genuinely enjoy.”
Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, as seating is limited. The event will also feature a photo booth with kaiju-themed props and a display of fan art submitted by local artists. A list of past contributors can be found on the Kaiju Club Instagram page.
The film will be shown in its original Japanese audio with English subtitles. English-dubbed versions are not available for this screening. Families with younger children should note that while the movie is rated G in Japan, some scenes may be intense for viewers under 10.
Kaiju Club plans to announce its next screening in early July. Previous events have taken place in Fayetteville and Siloam Springs, with Bentonville and Rogers on the tentative list for later this summer.
Source: Reddit NWA/Fayetteville
