Published: September 16, 2025; Aithor: Julia Sonrisa
Address: 333 West 23rd Street, New York, NY 10011, United States
Phone: +1 212-592-2980
As part of After School Special: The 2025 School of Visual Arts Alumni Film & Animation Festival, we are pleased to present the documentary Raoul’s, A New York Story (2025), which examines the history behind the iconic restaurant Raoul’s in the Soho neighborhood of New York City. Starting from humble roots, the restaurant became loved by Soho’s art crowd in the 1970s and 1980s, and quickly became one of the city’s most renowned restaurants — and the template for a New York-style French bistro that is oft-copied, but never truly replicated. Tom Colicchio, Thomas Keller, and Andrew Zimmern are just a few of the food world icons featured in the film. Join co-directors Greg Olliver (BFA 1996 Film and Video) and Karim Raoul, the restaurant’s owner, for a delicious chat after the film, moderated by current SVA student Erin De la Mota (BFA 2026 Film).
Synopsis: A unique portrait of New York’s iconic Raoul’s Restaurant — told through the eyes of a filmmaker-turned-accidental-restaurateur who was trying to make a film about his father, who is also a filmmaker-turned-accidental-restaurateur.
This film premiered at the 2025 Tribeca Festival in New York City.
Raoul’s, A New York Story, is not rated by the MPAA, and some material may be inappropriate for children under the age of 13. Children ages 3 and under may not be admitted.
Doors will open approximately 30 minutes before each screening. Guests can enjoy a special selection of music videos by Amanda DiMartino (BFA 2017 Film) in the lobby while waiting to enter.
All After School Special 2025 screenings are free and open to the public. General Admission RSVPs via Eventbrite are appreciated, but not necessary, and do not guarantee admittance. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you would like to attend this event, but require assistive devices and/or accommodations, please email svatheatre@sva.edu or call 212-592-2980 at least one week prior.
SVA Theatre does not offer concessions, but will offer water to guests.
Please contact svatheatre@sva.edu with questions. Guests are subject to change.
Time: 7:30 pm EST
Free!
Detailed information and discussion of the event.