Press Release
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Contact: Liz Swaine
Downtown Development Authority
318-222-7403
DDA, DSDC Issue $42,500 Challenge in Support of Robinson Film Center
The boards of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and Downtown Shreveport Development Corporation (DSDC) have challenged others who love downtown, great cinema and Robinson Film Center in particular to share the love this holiday season by supporting downtown’s art house and independent film cinema.
“We’ve had some tremendous announcements recently about new development and business in downtown,” says DDA Executive Director Liz Swaine. “Downtown is only going to be getting better and we want Robinson Film Center positioned to play a big role in that vibrancy.”
The film center is working to raise $94,587 between now and the end of 2014. The whole business of movies has changed over the last several years with the advent of Redbox machines, Pay per View and 70-inch (and larger) home screens. Robinson Film Center is working to be that place that people gather for movies they can’t see anywhere else, for events such as the popular Book Lovers’ Supper Club, Heels & Reels and for great dining at Abby Singer’s Bistro.
“It takes support from a big community to make RFC thrive,” says RFC executive director Alex Kent. “Every donation, sponsorship, membership, and movie ticket purchased helps out.”
The Challenge Grant is intended to focus individuals, businesses and groups on the vibrancy that the film center helps create as a place for not only great film and food, but a gathering spot for film events focusing on food quality, health and wellness, and other timely issues. In addition, RFC hosts a number of topic-specific film festivals each year.
The impact of RFC on downtown is important. “Each year, more than 60,000 people pass through the doors of the film center,” says Kent.
“Those 60,000 come to eat, learn, laugh, cry and have an experience that is simply unique to this place,” says Swaine. “Robinson Film Center has, in effect, become downtown’s ‘living room’—a place where people gather and feel at home. We feel it is important to keep it strong and hope many others feel the same way.”
Robinson Film Center memberships begin at $55 and can be purchased as Christmas gifts.
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