CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Shot in Chillicothe by area film professionals, the independent film "Without Her" is set to hold its world premiere at the city's historic Majestic Theatre on Oct. 5.
The film aims to raise awareness around domestic violence. Told from the unique perspective of an abuse victim's beloved dog, the film explores the difficult decisions that face victims who are reluctant to leave abusive relationships out of fear of what will happen to their pets.
"With many domestic violence shelters, there are no pet-friendly resources available," explained Jessica Griesheimer, the film's writer and director who drew inspiration from her own experiences as a domestic abuse victim-turned-survivor. "A lot of these women choose to not go to the shelter, even if they do know of the shelter, because they don't want to leave their pets behind."
The film is a labor of love for the Griesheimer family. Jessica's own dog Stormagheddon stars as "Storm" in the film and she partnered with her husband Daniel's Chillicothe-based film company Ohio Creations to produce the project.
"Really it all started with the Chamber of Commerce in Chillicothe," explained Daniel Griesheimer, who serves as an executive producer on the film.
Businesses and organizations like the Shawnee Lanes Bowling Alley, Paper City Coffee, Mill City Apparel, Ross County Community Action and the Chillicothe Police Department opened their doors to the production. According to the Griesheimers, the community embraced not only the message of the film, but the push to produce "Without Her" as well as countless future production as local art that represents the tight-knit community.
"It makes the entire movie - it makes the entire movement - possible," praised the director of the area's outpouring of support.
"Without Her" premieres Saturday, Oct. 5 at the Majestic Theatre in Chillicothe with an all-day "Purple Carpet" celebration. The film will have two screenings and the event - billed as a "Paw-Miere" - will feature live music from some of the film's stars as well as activities for attendees and their four-legged friends.
If you or someone you know needs help to get out of an abusive situation, call the free National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or LSS CHOICES 24/7 hotline at 614-224-4663.