Robinson Film Center provides ‘perfect girls’ night out’

Female characters such as Ouiser Boudreaux from “Steel Magnolias,” Carrie Bradshaw from “Sex and the City” and Liz GIlbert from “Eat Pray Love” have made an appearance at Heels and Reels, the Robinson Film Center’s women-driven film series. Along with these heroines, about 85 residents of Shreveport-Bossier City attended the typically sold-out event.

“It’s one of our flagship special programs,” Meghan Hochstetler, education director at RFC, said. Heels and Reels shows female-centric films about once a month, usually on the last Tuesday of the month. Tickets are $23 ($19 for RFC members), including dinner and a movie. Dinner begins at 5:30 p.m., and the film plays at 6:30 p.m.

During the showing of “Eat Pray Love” in September, Italian music played softly as guests entered the events room, located across the way from Abby Singer’s Bistro, upstairs. Bartenders served Sex on the Bali Beach, a themed take on a Sex on the Beach, at the cash bar along with other cocktails. As the room filled, an Italian buffet featuring lasagna, Abby Singer salad and garlic bread was available for the guests, finishing the meal with Indian bread pudding. After the meal, guests engaged in movie trivia, and door prizes, Indian-inspired jewelry from World Market, were awarded. The elements of the evening represented the three countries Liz Gilbert, Julia Roberts’ character in “Eat Pray Love,” visits: Italy, India and Bali.

“Everything from the time you walk in is centered around the film – the music, the food,” Hochstetler said. “We want to immerse people in the world of the film as soon as they walk into the door.” After stepping into its themes, guests watch the film on three screens at their tables. In addition to the buffet dinner, popcorn is available during the movie.

The criteria to become a Heels and Reels film is more than simply being a “chick flick,” Hochstetler said. The RFC programming committee meets to pick films for their various series, selecting films for the quarter. They will select films for early 2015, including Heels and Reels, in December. The committee examines films featuring strong female leads, critically acclaimed films and highest-grossing films of a particular year. They also consider films that are event movies, such as “Sex and the City,” meaning large groups of women went to see the movie as an event.

“It’s not just any girly movie, but something that matters in the scope of film,” she said. Past Heels and Reels movies include “Thelma and Louise,” “The Bodyguard,” “Good Hair,” “13 Going on 30” and “Four Weddings and a Funeral.” Some of Hochstetler’s favorite Heels and Reels heroines include M’Lynn Eatenton from “Steel Magnolias” and Sally Bowles from “Cabaret.”

“M’Lynn is a strong, Southern woman. She holds her family together; I absolutely adore her. Sally Bowles is wild and spontaneous. Every woman wants to have a Sally Bowles side,” she said.

The remaining Heels and Reels screenings for the year include “Scream,” the horror flick starring Neve Campbell and Courtney Cox, on Oct. 28 and “The Holiday,” starring Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet, on Dec. 9. The “Scream” dinner and movie will feature a costume contest and spooky surprises, Hochstetler said.

Though it’s not part of the official Heels and Reels lineup, a past Heels and Reels film, “Steel Magnolias” will be shown at 11:30 a.m. Nov. 1 to celebrate the North Louisiana-set movie’s 25th anniversary. The real-life Weiser Duvall will meet and greet guests. Tickets are $35 ($28 for members), including brunch, the film and meet and greet. Guests can also reserve a table for eight guests for $325.

Though Heels and Reels caters to females, it’s not a girls-only situation.

“It’s definitely female-centric, but men are certainly welcome, and they have a great time,” Hochstetler said. She said she sees a few men every other month or so at Heels and Reels.

Overall, Heels and Reels works to celebrate strong women in film by providing a place for women to socialize and watch these heroines, she said. “Women are looking for a reason to go out and have fun with their girlfriends, and we provide that for them. They get to hang out with their friends, eat dinner and watch a great movie. That’s the perfect girls’ night out. That’s why it’s a popular thing,” she said.

Hochstetler said tickets tend to sell out shortly after films are announced. To purchase tickets, visit robinsonfilmcenter.org, call 459-4122 or visit the ticket office at 617 Texas St. in downtown Shreveport.

–Tara Bullock