Moving Pictures
Sometimes the biggest ideas take decades to become reality.
On Wednesday, Oct.14, Ohio Goes to the Movies celebrated its grand finale after engaging an estimated 30,000 moviegoers across all 88 Ohio counties, shining a spotlight on the Buckeye State's extraordinary contributions to filmmaking.
What began as a bold idea from longtime Ohio civic leader Stephen George became a statewide cultural celebration brought to life by Molly Kreuzman, with support from Gov. Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine.
George first imagined a statewide film festival during Ohio's bicentennial celebration in 2003. His travels across all 88 counties revealed remarkable connections between Ohio communities and Hollywood.
More than two decades later, America's 250th anniversary provided the perfect opportunity to turn that vision into reality.
Over approximately 250 days, the initiative featured more than 320 free movie screenings celebrating Ohioans who made their mark both in front of and behind the camera. From Doris Day and Halle Berry to Paul Newman, Steven Spielberg, the Russo Brothers and countless writers, directors, composers and production professionals, the celebration demonstrated Ohio's lasting influence on American cinema.
It also showcased the Ohio locations that helped bring memorable films to life, including “Rain Man” in Cincinnati, “The Shawshank Redemption” in Mansfield and “A Christmas Story” in Cleveland.
The grand finale at the historic Strand Theatre in Delaware, Ohio, featured a screening of “42,” the story of Jackie Robinson, and a discussion of baseball history and the film's Ohio connections.
But the real accomplishment extended beyond the silver screen.
Ohio Goes to the Movies demonstrated what happens when one big idea brings together communities, historic theaters, creative professionals and civic leaders around a shared vision.
It celebrated Ohio's filmmaking heritage while building awareness of the state's opportunities in film production and the creative economy.
George had the vision. Kreuzman brought it to life. Gov. DeWine, Mrs. DeWine and communities across Ohio helped make it a statewide celebration.
The result was more than a film festival. It was a reminder that Ohio has always played a starring role in American cinema.
The final credits rolled, but the future of filmmaking in Ohio has never looked brighter.
–Jackie Reau
