Robert Shields — who has lived in the Verde Valley for many years — will be in attendance at each screening and will host a Q&A discussion following the film.

“Robert Shields: My Life as a Robot” was the top award-winning film at the recent Sedona International Film Festival, garnering both the Audience Choice Best of Fest Award and the Marion Herrman Award for Excellence in Filmmaking.

“No words” can describe him — literally. Robert Shields is one of the most unique performers of the 20th century. He has earned proclamations and awards; has performed for two Presidents and a Queen; gained the admiration of many of Hollywood’s greats — and he has done it all without saying a word!

Marcel Marceau called him “the greatest mime in America”. Robert wanted to break the mold of being a mime, bring it more mainstream, make it more accessible — take it to the streets where people from all walks of life could enjoy it. Union Square in San Francisco was the canvas for his unique style of performance: a mixture of mime, mimic, robot and (do NOT try this one at home) street skier. Hundreds of fans came every afternoon to watch him perform and, hopefully, become part of his show. Even today he continues to inspire countless artists.

There are renowned dancers doing mechanical men and Popping and Locking who credit Robert as their inspiration. He and Lorene Yarnell’s mechanical couple, “The Clinkers,” delighted and astonished fans around the world with their eerily blank staring, non-blinking eyes and movements that would make you swear they weren’t human. Join us for the zany romp that is Robert Shields’ story — and you may just learn that there’s a lot more to a mime than keeping his silence.

“Robert Shields: My Life as a Robot” will be shown at the Mary D. Fisher and Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatres May 17-23. Showtimes will be Friday, Saturday and Monday, May 17, 18 and 20 at 4:00 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, May 21 and 23 at 7:00 p.m.; and Wednesday, May 22 at 3:30 p.m.

Tickets are $12, or $9 for Film Festival members. For tickets and more information, please call 928-282-1177. Both the theatre and film festival office are located at 2030 W. Hwy. 89A, in West Sedona.