Film Streams is located at 1340 Mike Fahey Dr in Omaha, NE
Last night I had the pleasure of attending the local filmmakers showcase at Film Streams in Omaha, NE. This is a theatre I’ve been dying to go to and was just being built (not 2 blocks from my old office building) as I was moving back to rural Nebraska. So, as I've been getting settled here for going on 3 years, I had not gotten the chance to go enjoy anything there, though I’ve been admiring from afar and wish-listing films to see.
Just to give you a little background about this theatre, it was the dream of Omaha native Rachel Jacobson, who moved back to Omaha from New York to make it a reality.
Rachel Jacobson, Director of Film Streams
It runs American independents, documentaries, and foreign films, as well as classic films, themed series and director retrospectives. Nebraska native Alexander Payne was one of the first directors featured in the retrospective series. Laura Dern and Debra Winger have also graced this theatre as featured special guests.
I grew up with a love for the classics, in fact, at any given time I pop in to see my mom, you can bet if she’s watching TV, a black and white is on the screen. I also have a great love for independent films and documentaries. So, to have moved away from this, was a pretty big blow.
This being my first trip to the theatre, did not disappoint! With my passion for all things Nebraska, it was an awesome experience to see Nebraska filmmakers showcased in this way. The audience received a sampling of several genres of film and I can’t say that I didn’t care for any of them. I’m pleased to say I was completely fascinated, belly laughed and bawled my eyes out all in one sitting!
The film that stood out for me was, “My Dad’s Illness,” directed by Megan Plouzek. A very candid story about her family’s struggle with her dad’s mental illness. She tells this story in hopes it will spark a conversation about mental illness. It was so poignant and refreshing to see the entire family participating not only in the support process, but in the film as well.
Megan Plouzek, director of “My Dad’s Illness”
For me, this film was 21 minutes of bawling my eyes out. The minute I saw those family members’ faces, I knew I would lose it. It hit home with me having my own struggle with depression previously and family as well as close friends who have struggled with mental illness throughout their lives. Some of those people did not win their battle. I don’t know if Megan’s dad feels he is winning, but he is here, and seems to feel very loved by his family, especially his wife. I’m so glad Megan shared her story with the world.
I’m always inspired that so much talent finds a home in Nebraska and I look forward to spending more time going to films at this theatre. I felt like a kid on Saturday morning watching commercials and wanting everything when they showed the previews for upcoming films.
Visit the site to learn more about Film Streams and check showings. The Local Showcase is running through August 25th. A must see!
Located next door is another piece of Nebraska awesomeness, The Slowdown.
This previous “no man’s land” north of downtown area was inadvertently developed by Saddle Creek Records owners and the city of Omaha who proposed they take the future of their neighbors into their own hands. And it completely revitalized the area! Here’s their history.
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