COLUMBUS, Ohio — Earlier this month, Ohio Goes to the Movies kicked off with a screening of the documentary "Apollo 11" (2019) at the historic Lincoln Theatre in Columbus.
Part of the United States' 250th Anniversary celebration, "Ohio Goes to the Movies" is a project that will culminate in a 100-day film festival in 2026 that will highlight actors and filmmakers from all 88 counties across the Buckeye State.
From Thomas Edison to the Warner Brothers, Ohio has a long history of contributions to the art and business of filmmaking.
Golden age stars such as Clark Gable, Paul Newman and Doris Day were all from Ohio, as well as silver screen contemporaries like Beverly D'Angelo, Katherine Hahn and Janelle Monae.
This project will not just look back, it will also look forward to the future of film in Ohio.
"We know films like 'Shawshank Redemption' that were made here, but there are so many extraordinary small films and local films and even student films that are made here," explained Molly Kreuzman, program director for Ohio Goes to the Movies.
Kreuzman pointed out productions such as the major independent "Down to the Felt," which recently finished principal photography in Columbus, and the upcoming Superman film that is slated to shoot this summer in the state as examples of how Ohio's connection to the film industry continues to grow.
Kreuzman will spend the next two years connecting with cinemas across the state and curating the films that will become part of the celebration.
She encouraged individuals to reach out to their local theaters if they would like their communities included in the festival and connect with the Ohio Goes to the Movies project.
For more information, visit: https://america250-ohio.org/