Zeitgeist Films

BORN: July 27, 2007

AFFILIATION: Operated by Film Streams, a non-profit organization dedicated to furthering the concept of film as art and encouraging educated discussion of cinema. Oscar-winner Alexander Payne is a board member and frequent collaborator.

SPECIAL SKILLS: The theater offers a monthly Free Student Night (first Monday of every month), and their concession stand offers wine, OMAHA STEAKS BEEF STICKS (which exist and sound delicious), and local coffee and beer (among other, healthier snacks). Oh, and scones (arguably the greatest baked breakfast good).

DCP ? : Currently, the larger theater (there are two) offers digital projection, but both screens will soon be DCP compatible.

PRICE OF A SMALL POPCORN: Technically the small is $4, but they also offer a Fun Size® for $3. 

FIRST ZEITGEIST FILM: Up The Yangtze 

In 2005, Rachel Jacobson did what half of us have been threatening to do for years, leaving New York for greener pastures – her hometown of Omaha, specifically, where she had dreamed of opening an art-house theater. Just a year later, construction began on what would become the Ruth Sokolof Theater, which opened July 27, 2007 with screenings of La Vie en Rose and Seven Samurai. 

What we really admire about Film Streams is their commitment to education and community enrichment – they have their own education program, which teaches film history and criticism to high school students. Q&A screenings with visiting filmmakers supplement their community development and education programs, as does the aforementioned Student Night. Aspiring Omaha filmmakers can submit their work to Film Streams’ Local Filmmakers Showcase. 

Approaching its five-year anniversary, Film Streams has screened films for over 210,000 visitors and presented more than 200 First-Run premieres of American independents and foreign films.  Their annual gala - Feature - draws spectacular guests for thought-provoking conversations about film. Jane Fonda will be at this year’s gala (July 22) in conversation with Alexander Payne. Oh, and Elena opens there today.

Check out Film Streams’ new blog to learn more about this amazing theater!