Oneida County Sponsors Award-Winning Film “My Dead Friend Zoe” for Veterans & Active Military

Oneida County is sponsoring a special screening of the movie "My Dead Friend Zoe" at the Stanley Theatre on November 15 at 2 p.m.

The County is covering the cost of admission for veterans and active military. Admission is $5 for other community members.

“Oneida County is proud to sponsor this special screening as a way to honor the men and women who have served our nation and provide them the opportunity to attend for free,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. “‘My Dead Friend Zoe’ sheds light on the challenges veterans face when they return home and reminds us of our responsibility to support them not just with words but with action. We are proud to bring this powerful story to our community in recognition of all who have worn the uniform.”

Funded by Oneida County, with marketing support provided by Brindisi, Murad & Brindisi Pearlman, The People’s Lawyer and Bank of Utica, this powerful and darkly funny film, which stars Golden Globe Award-winning actors Morgan Freeman and Ed Harris, explores grief, healing and the bonds of service through the story of a veteran haunted by her past and her best friend.

This community support highlights a shared commitment to honoring veterans and bringing impactful storytelling to Utica. The Stanley Theatre echoes that dedication.

"The Stanley Theatre is proud to host ‘My Dead Friend Zoe’, a film that shines a light on the experiences of our veterans while delivering a story full of heart," said Maria Alberico Brindisi, president of The Stanley Theatre Board of Directors. "We are thrilled to partner with Oneida County and our community sponsors to bring this award-winning film to Utica audiences."

Kansas City Chiefs Tight End Travis Kelce leads the film’s team of executive producers that includes Ed Harris, Sonequa Martin-Green and Natalie Morales, and directed by Kyle Hausmann-Stokes. My Dead Friend Zoe tells the story of Merit, a U.S. Army Afghanistan veteran grappling with life after service and the lingering presence of her fallen best friend, Zoe. When Merit's estranged Vietnam veteran grandfather begins to lose his way, the family must come together to confront old wounds and rediscover connection.

"Supporting films like ‘My Dead Friend Zoe’ allows us to honor the courage and resilience of our veterans while giving the community an opportunity to engage with meaningful stories," said Louis T. Brindisi, founding partner of Brindisi, Murad & Brindisi Pearlman. "Our office is grateful to help bring this important film to The Stanley Theatre."

At its heart, My Dead Friend Zoe is about friendship, family and the complex ways people process loss. Blending humor and heart, the film honors the experiences of veterans and their families while sparking conversation about mental health and resilience.

“Bank of Utica is proud to support a film that sheds light on the difficulty veterans may experience when acclimating back into their home societies,” said Barry J. Sinnott, senior vice president at Bank of Utica. “We continue to honor our veterans not only for their service but for the courage, sacrifice and steadfast love of country that continue to inspire generations.”

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025

Time: 2:00 PM

Location: The Stanley Theatre, Utica, NY

Tickets: $5 | Free for veterans and active service members (with valid ID)

Rating: Rated R for language, under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit TheStanley.org or contact The Stanley Theatre box office in person or by phone at (315) 724-4000.

“I hope audiences come away with a deeper—or more nuanced—understanding of military veterans,” Hausmann-Stokes said. “Not just because veterans are a good thing for our country and society, but because I think there are so many universal lessons in stories about veterans that anyone can extract and apply to their own lives. In this case, specifically about processing the loss of a loved one.”