COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio will host hundreds of free movie screenings across all 88 counties next year as part of the United States’ 250th anniversary celebration.
The initiative, called “Ohio Goes to the Movies,” will run from Feb. 11 through October, featuring films with connections to Ohio through actors, directors, writers, producers, composers or filming locations. Screenings will include “The Shawshank Redemption” in Mansfield and Upper Sandusky, “A Christmas Story” and “The Avengers” in Cleveland, and “Rain Man” in Cincinnati.
“Ohio has played a significant role in the history of American film and continues to attract talent, productions and storytelling that resonate around the world,” Gov. Mike DeWine said in a statement. “Ohio Goes to the Movies ensures that residents in every community can participate in the America 250 celebration and rediscover the films that connect us.”
Molly Kreuzman, program director, said the initiative is designed to reflect Ohio’s creative depth and community pride.
“This celebration honors Ohio filmmakers, both in front of and behind the camera, and the towns and cities that brought some of America’s most beloved stories to life,” Kreuzman said. “By offering more than 250 free events across all 88 counties, we are making the America 250 celebration accessible and meaningful for every Ohioan.”
Screenings are planned at historic theaters, including the Ohio Theatre in Columbus, Murphy Theatre in Wilmington, and Music Hall in Cincinnati, as well as at libraries, high schools and even a swimming pool. Many events will offer interactive activities such as red carpet photo opportunities, filmmaker panels, themed concessions, and community tie-ins like animal adoptions and museum exhibits.
Kreuzman also said the initiative aims to help revitalize movie-going in Ohio following the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Of everybody that’s come back from the pandemic, our theaters are some of the last, they are still struggling,” Kreuzman said in a July interview with NBC4. “I’m very hopeful that this will bring young people into theaters. Most people under 30 have never seen a film in a theater, and it’s such a magnitude of difference to sit in a dark theater with a group of people and have this experience together.”
Confirmed events include “Best in Show” in Worthington, with actress Rachael Harris attending a post-film discussion; “Cool Hand Luke” in Cleveland Heights, introduced by Paul Newman’s daughter, Melissa Newman; and “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” directed by Ohio native Chris Columbus, in Warren.
Other screenings will highlight the work of Ohio-born stars such as Dean Martin, Eleanor Parker, Woody Harrelson, Doris Day, Ruby Dee and Halle Berry.
Ohio Goes to the Movies has also launched the state’s first movie database, providing a public resource of all Ohio-connected films.
A full calendar of events is available at OhioGoesToTheMovies.org.
