In all its efforts, Ragtag strives to champion independent film and the arts in ways that stimulate and enrich downtown Columbia and all of central Missouri. We do this by:

  • Attending to film as an art form. Commercial theaters severely limit audience expectation of media art. First and foremost, Ragtag exists to provide a venue for the best in U.S. independent and international filmmaking. We believe that film is the dominant art form of our age and that it has the power to change minds and hearts. It is therefore critical that audiences have a breadth of film options.
  • Promoting media literacy, education, and new ideas. Media literacy is vital for healthy modern life in an age where everything is mediated. Ragtag seeks to provide films that spark dialogue and on occasion force an intellectual reorientation. We also offer more traditional educational opportunities like workshops with schoolchildren and post-film discussion.
  • Supporting local media artists. Creating media art can be lonely work in Missouri. While our focus remains on presentation, Ragtag leverages its resources to support local filmmakers. Ragtag provides a creative home and venue, serves as fiscal sponsor for individual filmmakers, and advocates for local media artists.

Community enrichment and supporting Columbia's downtown culture. Ragtag works to forge partnerships with local nonprofits, schools, businesses and interest groups. In addition to film, we also support the creative endeavors of local musicians, painters, photographers, and cultural activists. We believe independent and alternative media informs dialogue between people of different cultures, backgrounds, and identities, and we aim to grow a vibrant and energized geographic core for the city.

Board List

President
Nola Ruth
Executive Director, Missouri Association of Community Arts Agencies, retired

Vice President
Dr. Nancy Martha West
Associate Professor and Associate Chair, Department of English, University of Missouri

Treasurer
Julia Alexander
Executive Director -University YMCA

Secretary
Dr. Harriet M. Yelon, Professor
Dept. of Sociology/Social Work
William Woods University

Holly Roberson
Bonavita Enterprises

David Michael Wilson
Co-director, True/False Film Festival
Co-founder, Ragtag Film Series

Anna Lingo
Attorney at Law

Dr. Sarah Riddick
Board of Directors, Friends of Arrow Rock
Board of Directors, University of Missouri Museum of Art and Archeology

Josh Oxenhandler
Tofle & Oxenhandler, Attorneys, P.C
Board Member, Phoenix Program
Local Advisory Board, True/False Film Festival

Carol Moseley