A look back at Barbie Banks' wide-ranging tenure as she leaves Ragtag, True/False

Barbie Banks, a pillar of Columbia's film community, will depart her role as Ragtag Film Society co-custodian at the end of March.

Banks is set to take a position within the University of Missouri's Career Center next month, according to a news release from RFS.

RFS is the organization which oversees both Columbia's indie moviehouse Ragtag Cinema and the annual True/False Film Fest.

Banks, Camellia Cosgray and Arin Liberman took co-director — or co-custodian — roles at RFS in 2020, guiding the organization through pandemic ups-and-downs, rebooting True/False as an outdoor-only event in 2021, then overseeing the fest's return indoors, to something like normalcy.

Cosgray left the organization last fall after 14 years, citing the desire for change. Liberman will remain as RFS' sole executive director, the release noted.

Banks brought a wealth of film-related experience, both inside and outside the RFS organization, to her role as co-custodian. She directed the Citizen Jane Film Festival for several years before taking a leadership position with Ragtag Cinema. Friday's release laid out her resume across RFS, describing Banks as "a positive, passionate, welcoming presence in each role she’s held."

Banks has worked as a festival "Q" queen, its hospitality coordinator and chief people officer before moving into her more steadfast role at the cinema.

"Banks truly embodies the custodial ideal of a cheerful willingness to do whatever is needed to support the team as a whole," the release said.

A background in social work policy, planning and administration, which Banks called upon as RFS continued to grow its education and outreach programs, no doubt will serve her well at MU.

True/False wrapped its landmark 20th edition earlier this month and, ahead of the festival, Banks and Liberman reflected on ways the organization both has grown more sustainable and continues to rebuild itself from the inside out.

More:How True/False Film Fest grew into its 20th anniversary — and where it's going next

Festival staff have grown into a healthier work-life balance than in its earlier years, the two testified. And the behind-the-scenes presence of Columbia lifers and newcomers has led to a greater collision of ideas, rooting True/False in tradition but also granting it momentum, Banks said.

The pair also praised a staff of departmental directors that both made their jobs easier and more focused; the "vision and expertise" of those same leaders will aid Liberman as the cinema continues its daily mission and the fest moves toward a 21st year, the release said.

Aarik Danielsen is the features and culture editor for the Tribune. Contact him at adanielsen@columbiatribune.com or by calling 573-815-1731. Find him on Twitter @aarikdanielsen.

This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Barbie Banks boosted Ragtag Film Society in numerous ways