RFC BEGINS RENOVATION OF ABBY SINGER’S BISTRO

Robinson Film Center began renovating its restaurant, Abby Singer’s Bistro, on January 2nd, 2024. The project is scheduled to run for several weeks, with a planned reopening in February. While the restaurant is undergoing its renovation, the bistro will still provide its regular lunch and dinner service, along with takeout options in its Event Space on the second floor of RFC.

The renovation, which will include updated lighting, furniture, painting, and décor, will give the restaurant its first full facelift since it opened fifteen years ago. “We are very excited about this project. We have been planning it for quite some time, and we could not have begun this work without the generous support of many local organizations,” said Wendell Riley, RFC’s Executive Director. “The Downtown Development Authority, The Beaird Family Foundation, Mike McSwain Architect, Fusiform Design Workshop, our board, and our generous supporters during Give for Good all made this possible.”

RFC is working with several local contractors to complete the work and will announce a grand reopening in the coming weeks. Updates will be provided on the Abby Singer’s and Robinson Film Center Facebook and Instagram pages, as well as www.robinsonfilmcenter.org.

For media inquiries, please contact Wendell Riley at wendellr@robinsonfilmcenter.org.

 Robinson Film Center, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit arts organization based in Shreveport, educates, enriches and entertains through the power of film. RFC exhibits independent, international and classic cinema daily in two movie theaters, with a full-service bistro and special events space upstairs. RFC provides film history and media literacy classes for all ages, focusing strongly on K-12 students and senior citizens. RFC also supports outreach programs that promote and strengthen the state’s film industry.

ROBINSON FILM CENTER ADDS OPEN CAPTION FILM SHOWINGS FOR HEARING IMPAIRED PATRONS

Robinson Film Center will add select open caption screenings to some of its film runs, beginning this weekend. Open captions will assist hearing impaired patrons fully experience these films by providing written dialogue and scene descriptors onscreen.

Films with captions will be indicated on the RFC website and at the box office, and will begin with screenings of Blackberry and Asteroid City. “At RFC we serve a wide range of patrons, and we try as much as possible to be aware of and accommodate their needs” said Wendell Riley, Executive Director of RFC. “A number of our long-term supporters have expressed the need for captions, particularly within our senior community.”

As the center pilots this program it will add captions to a few screenings a week, if they are available from the studios. “As we roll this out, we need be mindful of accommodating those in need while not alienating members of the audience who would rather not watch a film with captions,” said Riley. “As a community hub, we need to find the right balance for our patron group. We will assess audience reactions in the coming months and adjust as needed.”  

For media inquiries, please contact Wendell Riley at wendellr@robinsonfilmcenter.org.

 Robinson Film Center, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit arts organization based in Shreveport, educates, enriches and entertains through the power of film. RFC exhibits independent, international and classic cinema daily in two movie theaters, with a full-service bistro and special events space upstairs. RFC provides film history and media literacy classes for all ages, focusing strongly on K-12 students and senior citizens. RFC also supports outreach programs that promote and strengthen the state’s film industry.

ROBINSON FILM CENTER BRINGS BACK FAITH ON FILM SERIES WITH ‘FIREPROOF’

Robinson Film Center is bringing back its Faith on Film series with the modern Christian hit film Fireproof, starring Kirk Cameron and Erin Bethea. The screening, which will be held on March 25th at noon, will feature a special recorded introduction by Bethea, and a live introduction by local actor Ted Ferguson.

“In addition to showing first-run films at RFC, we have many successful series and event screenings under banners such as Silver Screenings, Heels & Reels, and Friday Night Freak-out,” said Wendell Riley, Executive Director of RFC. “Faith on Film is a series that we’ve had in the past, and we are testing the waters with Fireproof, with the goal of bringing the series back every month.”

The series was originally conceived as a way to bring together area clergy members from different religions and denominations to have a conversation about film through the lens of their faiths. The new version of Faith on Film will seek to do the same, by showcasing films that highlight different belief systems and explorations of spirituality.  

 

For media inquiries, please contact Wendell Riley at wendellr@robinsonfilmcenter.org.

 

Robinson Film Center, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit arts organization based in Shreveport, educates, enriches and entertains through the power of film. RFC exhibits independent, international and classic cinema daily in two movie theaters, with a full-service bistro and special events space upstairs. RFC provides film history and media literacy classes for all ages, focusing strongly on K-12 students and senior citizens. RFC also supports outreach programs that promote and strengthen the state’s film industry.

ROBINSON FILM CENTER TO HOST SPECIAL SCREENING OF ‘TILL’ WITH WRITER/PRODUCER KEITH BEAUCHAMP

Shreveport, LA - Robinson Film Center (RFC) will host a special screening of the film Till featuring a live introduction and Q&A with the film’s writer and producer Keith Beauchamp on November 10th at 7pm.

According to the film’s official website, “Till is a profoundly emotional and cinematic film about the true story of Mamie Till Mobley’s relentless pursuit of justice for her 14 year old son, Emmett Till, who, in 1955, was lynched while visiting his cousins in Mississippi. In Mamie’s poignant journey of grief turned to action, we see the universal power of a mother’s ability to change the world.” The movie has been playing at RFC since October 28th, and has garnered stellar reviews nationwide during its theatrical run.

Beauchamp, who co-wrote the film with Michael Reilly and Chinonye Chukwu, grew up in Baton Rouge and has familial ties to Shreveport. Beauchamp began researching and writing for a documentary about the Till case in the 1990s, building a close relationship with Mamie Till Mobley that lasted until her death in 2003.  He has been featured on '60 Minutes', ABC World News Tonight 'Person of the Week,' Court TV, MSNBC, 'Good Morning America,' CNN, BBC as well as in hundreds of publications around the world including The New York Times, Washington Post, USA Today, Associated Press and the Chicago Sun Times. Beauchamp’s past works included TV One’s 'Murder in Black and White' hosted by Rev. Al Sharpton and 'Wanted Justice: Johnnie Mae Chappell’ for the History Channel and ‘BET’s Exceptional Black Women.’

 “We are so honored that Keith is taking time out of his insanely busy schedule to come to Shreveport to present his film,” said Wendell Riley, Executive Director of RFC, “It is important for this story to be shared with our community, and to have the opportunity for additional insight and discourse related to the movie is extremely meaningful to us at RFC.”

Tickets to the screening are available to the public at http://robinsonfilmcenter.org/ or by calling the box office at (318) 459-4122.

For press availability contact wendellr@robinsonfilmcenter.org. For more information about Keith Beauchamp visit https://www.tillfreedomcome.com/about-keith-beauchamp.

RFC Offers $3 Movie Tickets on September 2nd, 3rd, and 4th

Shreveport, LA – Robinson Film Center will offer $3 movie tickets to all shows on September 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, expanding the nationwide effort by The Cinema Foundation to offer $3 movie tickets this Saturday, in honor of National Cinema Day.

“We wanted to join the effort of selling discounted tickets to our community this weekend,” said Wendell Riley, Executive Director of RFC. “But we wanted to take it one step further, and offer $3 tickets over three days, to celebrate a return to cinemas, to say thank you to our patrons, and to recognize that in the current economic climate many people are looking for affordable entertainment options.”

RFC will be showing the critically acclaimed French Film Waiting for Bojangles, along with George Miller’s Three Thousand Years of Longing this weekend. For showtimes and tickets visit http://robinsonfilmcenter.org/ or call the box office at (318) 459-4122.

 FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Wendell Riley, RFC Executive Director
(318) 459-4111, wendellr@robinsonfilmcenter.org

Chef Tootie Morrison Bids Farewell to Abby Singer’s Bistro

Shreveport, LA – Chef Tootie Morrison bid a fond farewell to Abby Singer’s Bistro and the Robinson Film Center today.   

Chef Morrison, who has been with RFC since 2011, informed the staff and board of her intention to leave earlier this year. “Chef Tootie is inextricably linked to the growth and stature of RFC in the community over the last decade,” said Wendell Riley, Executive Director of RFC. “Even though she felt that the time was right to move on, she was gracious enough to continue with us while we transitioned between Executive Directors.”

While her departure means that guests will no longer be able to interact with her at the bistro, operations will continue as normal, with fan favorites remaining on the menu for the foreseeable future. “RFC and Abby Singer’s go hand in hand, and it is important for us to continue the legacy of what has been built, and what our patrons have come to expect from us in terms of quality and service,” said Riley. “We’ve worked with Tootie to make sure this transition is as seamless as possible, with no disruption for our customers.”

“RFC has been an important part of my culinary career,” said Morrison. “Even though I am leaving, it will always have a special place in my heart.”

“Above all, we want to extend our sincere and heartfelt thanks to Tootie for everything she has done for RFC,” said Riley. “On behalf of the staff and board of RFC, I want to wish her every success in her future endeavors.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Wendell Riley, RFC Executive Director
(318) 459-4111, wendellr@robinsonfilmcenter.org

Robinson Film Center to Unveil Newly Renovated Event Space

Robinson Film Center to Unveil Newly Renovated Event Space

 Shreveport, LA – Robinson Film Center will unveil its newly renovated event space at an open house on August 11th, from 5-7 pm.   

 RFC offers the second-floor multi-purpose space to the community at affordable rates, allowing guests to host events such as parties, banquets, corporate trainings, and seminars. The center also offers rentals of its theaters, and a full on-site catering service. RFC’s location downtown, along with being the home of Abby Singer’s Bistro, makes it an attractive location for events of all types and sizes.

 “This space is unbeatable in terms of cost and location,” said Wendell Riley, Executive Director. “However, it has gotten a needed facelift, with new floors and equipment that matches the intended versatility of the room.”

 Longtime visitors to RFC are familiar with the event space, as RFC regularly hosts programming such as the Date Night series, along with film-related classes and summer camps there. The space is also the annual site for the Prize Foundation’s Louisiana Film Prize Top 20 announcement. “Everyone at RFC is excited about the new features in the room,” said Rich Hansil, Education Director at RFC. “We couldn’t have done this without the time and effort put forth by our Board to help us revamp the space to make our programming, classes and camps more impactful while making it more appealing overall.”

 "We want everyone to check out the space, whether they are looking for a cool wedding reception venue or a place for a corporate retreat,” said Riley. “And of course, in addition to the great food from Abby Singer’s, we have awesome popcorn.”

 To RSVP for the unveiling event, email robinsonfilmcenter@gmail.com. Members of the press are invited to attend. For more information about hosting an event at RFC, visit http://robinsonfilmcenter.org/rentals.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Wendell Riley, RFC Executive Director
(318) 459-4111, wendellr@robinsonfilmcenter.org

Robinson Film Center Names New Executive Director

SHREVEPORT, LA –The Board of Directors at Robinson Film Center (RFC) has named Wendell Riley as the incoming Executive Director of the Shreveport-based nonprofit. Riley will replace outgoing interim Executive Director Rich Hansil.

Riley, who is currently the Director of Media and External Relations at LSU Shreveport, has been a part of the Shreveport-Bossier film community for over a decade, working on Emmy, Cannes, Clio, Telly, and Webby award-winning projects at Moonbot Studios and Rational Middle Media. He has also worked with the Louisiana Prize Fest team and was instrumental in the early growth of Film Prize Jr., an acclaimed filmmaking competition and festival for high-school students. Riley has been

a longtime supporter of RFC and has recently been a volunteer instructor for film analysis classes in the center’s Filmmaking 101 series. Along with his educational and non-profit work, Riley has experience working with international clients such as Disney, Amazon, Gatorade, Chipotle, Dolby, Unilever, and Michelin. Riley is also a judge at the annual Cinema on the Bayou festival in Lafayette, Louisiana.

“I’m so excited to join RFC in the coming months,” Riley said. “I feel like I’m joining a winning team, as RFC has already cemented its place as a cultural jewel in Shreveport. My goal is to build upon what has already been done, as I believe in the transformative power of the arts, and the medium of film in particular. We can do so much more to bring all that RFC has to offer to wider and traditionally underserved communities, and leverage partnerships with area organizations to continue to nurture the local film industry.”

Hansil, who will be returning to producing TV and film while continuing to serve as Co-director of Education and Programming at RFC along with his wife, Rachael, joined the RFC team in 2019, with the goal of developing more robust and hands-on film education offerings in the Shreveport- Bossier region. As practicing filmmakers, they focus on providing applicable training across the entire film production pipeline, taught by industry professionals, many of whom are based in the region. When former Executive Director Meghan Hochstetler Avallone announced her departure, Hansil stepped in to run the center, and in his brief tenure he has worked closely with the board to

identify new opportunities and efficiencies on both the operational and public-facing sides of the house.

“I love being part of the team at the Robinson Film Center, and I can’t think of a better choice than Wendell to lead our group,” Hansil said. “He has the perfect mix of for-profit and non-profit experience, is an experienced leader, and truly loves cinema. He’s seen firsthand the impacts film can have on the lives of the people of our region.”

“When we began our search for a new executive director, we knew we had big shoes to fill,” said Anna Gleason, President of RFC’s Board of Directors. “Wendell couldn’t be a more perfect fit for this role. I’m excited to see some of his ideas come to fruition, and we’re looking forward to his insight and leadership through the Robinson’s next era. The future for RFC is bright and full of potential, and we believe Wendell is the ideal person to lead the charge.”

Riley will begin his tenure at RFC on August 1st, 2022.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Richard Hansil, RFC Interim Executive Director
(318) 459-4112, rhansil@robinsonfilmcenter.org

Anna Gleason, RFC Board President
(318) 505-8681, agleason@rbm.com