Named in recognition of an early and important gift from the Sokolof Foundation to our Capital Campaign, the Ruth Sokolof Theater is the two-screen cinema in downtown Omaha that will house Film Streams’ programming.
Opening this Summer, Film Streams’ Ruth Sokolof Theater will be the first and only mission-based cinema in the Omaha-Council Bluffs area. Dedicated to showing films based on their artistic, creative, and social merits, our cinema will feature first-run films – new independents, documentaries, and foreign films making their theatrical premiere in the area – and repertory selections representing the diverse history of cinema.
In addition to screening films seven-days-a-week at the theater, we will also host lectures, forums, Q&A sessions with filmmakers, panel discussions, and other special events intended to foster a continuous dialogue about the medium.
ABOUT RUTH SOKOLOF (1925-1982)
Ruth Sokolof was many wonderful things to the numerous people whose lives she touched during her 56 years: cherished daughter, adored sister, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, dynamic educator, and helping hand to those in need.
Born in South Omaha in 1925, Ruth was the oldest of four children of Sam and Fanny Rosinsky. An avid reader, music lover and cinema fan, she often took her younger brothers to the now-defunct Roseland Theater for Saturday matinees. On a few weekends, she actually watched her future husband, Phil Sokolof, singing in contests held before the screenings.
A graduate of Central High School, Ruth earned degrees in psychology and sociology from the University of Indiana before moving back to Omaha and marrying Phil in 1947. Together, they raised two children, Steve and Karen.
Their grandchildren include Jennifer Javitch, Mark Javitch, Rachel Javitch, and
Phil Sokolof.
A passionate educator, Ruth dedicated much of her life to helping children with disabilities. Starting out as a nursery school teacher at Beth El Synagogue, she was instrumental in establishing a pre-school for visually impaired students. The school later became part of Omaha’s J.P. Lord School, where Ruth worked for many years. Her daughter Karen continued her mother’s legacy of working with visually impaired students – including many of the same children Ruth had taught when they were in pre-school.
Though diagnosed with cancer at age 26, Ruth’s love for her family and zest for life guided her through all challenges. Her strength and determination allowed her to see the birth of two grandchildren, and enabled her to lead a life that to this day remains a source of inspiration to those she encountered.
CINEMA FACTS
- Location: 14th & Webster, Omaha (west of Qwest Center)
- Architects: Alley Poyner Architecture
- Opening: July 2007
- Two theaters (206 and 96-seats)
- 35mm platter and reel-to-reel projection systems in both theaters
- DVD and digital High-Definition projection capabilities
- Films will show evenings Monday-Friday and all day Saturday and Sunday
- The cinema’s theaters, lobby, and second-floor conference room will all be available for event rentals
- Full catering kitchen on cinema’s first floor
- Lobby concessions will include traditional movie theater treats (popcorn, candy, soft drinks), as well as Blue Line Coffee and baked goods
- View a PDF of our cinema’s first and second-floor layout
To find out how you can contribute to Film Streams’ programming at the Ruth Sokolof Theater, please visit our
Support page.
