For Giving and Press and Organization Inquiries: 

Wendell Riley

Executive Director
wendellr@robinsonfilmcenter.org
(318) 459-4111

Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, Wendell Riley has a BSc in Marketing from Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD, and an MBA from Radford University in Radford, VA. Before becoming the Executive Director of RFC, Wendell worked in the animation and film industries here in Shreveport, Louisiana, serving as a Production Manager/Producer on projects for brands such as Disney, Gatorade, Chipotle, Radio Flyer and Unilever. His career journey includes working on animated shorts, branded-entertainment campaigns, mobile and console games, VR experiences, live action films, documentaries and a pilot for Amazon Studios. Riley was most recently the Director of Media and External Relations at Louisiana State University Shreveport.

Favorite Movie: The Exorcist (1973) dir. William Friedkin
Favorite Book: On Writing by Stephen King
Favorite Meal: Pizza

For Operational Inquiries:

Mike Woodfork

Director of Operations
mtwoodfork@robinsonfilmcenter.org
(318) 459-4120

Michael Woodfork joined the Robinson Film Center in 2007 as Director of Technical Operations to help with oversight of construction and installation of systems by contractors and vendors. In 2009, Woodfork was promoted to Director of Operations to provide day-to-day operational management of the facility and systems. He has a strong background in systems management and integration; He gained experience in media and technology systems management while working for the Aerospace Corporation in Southern California and U.S. Navy’s Space and Warfare Center (SPAWAR) in New Orleans, Louisiana. He holds degrees from Los Angeles City College and California State University, Long Beach. Woodfork enjoys restoring and refurbishing classic cars and collecting Haitian and Cuban Art. He lives in Shreveport with his wife and two kids. 

Favorite Film: Pixote: A Lei do Mais Fraco (1981) dir. Hector Babenco
Favorite Book: The Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
Favorite Meal: Medianoche (Cuban midnight sandwich), black beans and fried green plantains

For Administrative, Membership, Ticketing and Volunteering Inquiries:

Alexis Salinas

Associate Director
alexiss@robinsonfilmcenter.org
(318) 459-4113

Alexis Salinas was born and raised in the Shreveport/Bossier City area and graduated from Louisiana Tech University with her BA in Communications. While earning her degree, she studied stage management, arts management, and events management with the Louisiana Tech Department of Theatre and the Louisiana Tech Concert Association. Prior to COVID-19, Alexis worked in Naples, Florida at Gulfshore Playhouse as both the Administrative Assistant and the Donor Relations Coordinator. She is thrilled to be returning to the non-profit arts industry and the opportunity to enrich the lives in her hometown!

Favorite Movie: Almost Famous (2000) dir. Cameron Crowe
Favorite Book: BASIC BLACK: The Essential Guide to Getting Ahead at Work (and in Life) by Cathie Black 
Favorite Meal: Does cheesecake count as a meal?

For Catering and Events Inquiries:

Brandon Manning

Director of Events
brandonm@robinsonfilmcenter.org
(318) 459-4117

Brandon Manning was born and raised in Minden, LA but moved to Shreveport in 2015 where he found his love for the hospitality industry. Brandon has worked in boutique hotels, local restaurants, and bars creating diverse events and bar programs for exclusive clientele. Brandon launched his own cocktail and event production company, Brandezvous Productions, in 2021. Brandon believes in bringing people together through art, music, food, and cocktails! Brandon is excited to bring his expertise to RFC.

Favorite Movie: Soul Food (1997) dir. George Tillman Jr.
Favorite Book: The Color Purple by Alice Walker
Favorite Food: Homemade Pasta

For Bistro Inquiries:

Niematulai “Niema” DiGrazia

Executive Chef
Niema@robinsonfilmcenter.org

Hailing from Sierra Leone, West Africa, Chef Niematulai DiGrazia’s culinary journey was inspired by her mother's resourceful approach to crafting fresh meals with limited resources and lots of love. This early connection with food significantly influenced Niema's perspective. As the founder of RNL Authentics, LLC she strategically integrated her passion for cooking into her business model, showcasing the beauty of West Africa through fashion and food. Chef Niema has been recognized a Chef to Watch 2022 in Southern Living magazine and has competed in Prize Fest’s Golden Fork competition. Niema's journey, from Sierra Leone to a thriving food truck, her own brick-and-mortar establishment, and now Abby Singer’s Bistro exemplifies her unwavering dedication, skill, and the cultural richness embedded in every dish.

Favorite Movie: Coming to America (1988) dir. John Landis
Favorite Book: Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
Favorite Meal: Jollof Rice served with whole Fish or any kind of seafood stew. (Sierra Leonean Dish)

Matthew DiGrazia

Chef de Cuisine
mdigrazia@robinsonfilmcenter.org

Chef Matthew DiGrazia's culinary journey is a testament to passion and perseverance. While pursuing an architecture degree, he stumbled upon his true calling—cooking, which quickly transformed into a lifelong dedication to the culinary arts. Matthew's quest for growth took him to esteemed establishments including the fine dining New American restaurant Charley G’s, the Hilton Hotel in Lafayette, Louisiana, and Zuzul Coastal Cuisine here in Shreveport. Through experience, he honed his skills and developed a unique culinary style that blends creativity with tradition. Matthew and his wife Chef Niematulai DiGrazia launched RNL’s Cookery Corner together in 2020, a West African and Afro Fusion food truck that quickly garnered critical acclaim. His passion for introducing customers to innovative flavor profiles and unforgettable dining experiences is evident in every dish he creates. Through his craft, Matthew invites everyone to join him on this flavorful journey, celebrating the art of cooking and the joy it brings to our lives.

 Favorite Movie: Pulp Fiction (1994) dir. Quentin Tarantino

For Financial Inquiries:

Carly Kintzing

Controller
accounting@robinsonfilmcenter.org
(318) 459-4114

Carly joined the Robinson Film Center in June 2021 as the Controller. After growing up in Plano, Texas, Carly graduated from Centenary College of Louisiana with a degree in accounting. Carly previously worked in public accounting and the Oil and Gas industry. She is married with two children.

Favorite Movie: The Sound of Music (1965) dir. Robert Wise
Favorite Book: The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
Favorite Meal: Tacos

For Film & Education Programming Inquiries:

Rich Hansil

Director of Education
rhansil@robinsonfilmcenter.org
(318) 459-4112

Rich Hansil started volunteering at the Robinson Film Center shortly after moving to Shreveport from Los Angeles joining the staff in 2019. He shares the Director of Education and Programming position with his wife Rachael. Rich is active in the local arts scene, working as a Director, DP and other roles on Prize shorts and having directed “White Christmas” at the Shreveport Little Theater. He also works as a showrunner and consultant for TV networks like Magnolia, Netflix, A&E and feature films.

Favorite Movie: Rotates frequently, but Blade Runner (Ridley Scott) is always among the top 10
Favorite Book: Also rotates, but The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling is a constant
Favorite Meal: Sushi

Rachael Hansil

Director of Education
rhansil@robinsonfilmcenter.org
(318) 459-4112

Rachael Hansil was born and raised in Shreveport, went to college in East Texas, and started working in the film industry the week she moved home from college. Her career eventually led her to Los Angeles where she has worked as both a producer and a production manager. After moving home to Shreveport she has worked with the Louisiana Film Prize while still working freelance jobs on TV series and documentaries.

Favorite Movie: Midnight in Paris or O Brother, Where Art Thou?
Favorite Book: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Favorite Meal: Cheese fondue

For Marketing and Graphics Inquiries:

Madison Kane

Marketing Coordinator
madisonk@robinsonfilmcenter.org
(318) 459-4121

Madison joined RFC in 2021 as the Marketing Coordinator. She was raised in Shreveport and received her BFA in Graphic Design from Louisiana Tech University in 2016. Before joining RFC, Madison did Graphic Design work for various businesses in the Shreveport/Bossier City area. Madison is passionate about the arts and enjoys spending her free time painting, attending music festivals and, of course, watching movies.

Favorite Movie: Alice in Wonderland (1951), or anything by Wes Anderson
Favorite Book: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
Favorite Meal: Macaroni & Cheese!