Film Streams' Theater Grand Opening

After over two years of planning, fundraising and construction, the Ruth Sokolof Theater, named after the longtime Omaha teacher, opened to the public on July 27.Located on 14th and Webster streets, the Ruth Sokolof Theater began as an ambitious project spearheaded by Film Streams, a non-profit organization that was started in 2005 by Rachel Jacobson. Jacobson, an Omaha native, founded Filmstreams with the goal of celebrating and promoting the art of film. With the help of Saddle Creek Records and the support of donors like Omaha-born director Alexander Payne, Omaha's newest theater became the latest addition to the Saddle Creek Records development area which also includes the Slowdown bar and music venue, which opened in June.

The Ruth Sokolof Theatre contains two screens, one with seating for 96 people and another with seating for 206. And unlike most theaters in Omaha, Filmstreams will be exclusively running new independent, documentary and foreign films in addition to classic films that highlight the history of cinema. Also included will be regular forums, lectures and Q&A sessions with film professionals as well as educational programs aimed at high school students interested in film.

Also unique to the Ruth Sokolof Theater is the choice of coffee from Blue Line Coffee and assorted baked goods in addition to the traditional popcorn, soda and candy.

As part of it's first run, Film Streams is running La Vie en Rose (which continues to run until Aug. 9), a French film directed by Olivier Dahan about French icon Edith Piaf. Additionally, as part of a special screening series, the theater will be showcasing 10 of Alexander Payne's favorite movies. The series runs through the end of August.

Full details on Film Streams, the Ruth Sokolof Theater and the "Alexander Payne Presents" film series can be found by going to filmstreams.org.