Close-Up Magic
In the world of movies, summer means blockbusters!
As we head into summer, Ohio Goes to the Movies puts a unique spin on big screen offerings. From local landmarks serving as backdrops to legendary actors and directors who got their start here, a series of films celebrates the Buckeye State’s massive impact on the silver screen.
The summer season kicks off with a heavy hitter right in our backyard. This Friday, May 15, the Contemporary Arts Center hosts a special 80th-anniversary screening of the Golden Age masterpiece “The Best Years of Our Lives.” Guests are invited to mix and mingle in the CAC lobby at 7 p.m. (Keep an eye out for a photo-op with the Cindependent mascots!) At 7:30 p.m. settle in for the film introduction and screening in partnership with the Cindependent Film Festival and the Cincinnati Public Library.
The blockbuster feel continues through June, as the Ohio Goes to the Movies series rolls into more of the state’s 88 counties. Whether it’s a cult classic filmed in the streets of Cleveland or a documentary highlighting a hometown hero from Dayton, the schedule is packed with reasons to grab some popcorn.
Many of these events feature behind-the-scenes extras like – guest speakers, local historians, or trivia – that you won't find at your local multiplex.
In an era of streaming, there’s still something magical about the shared experience in a movie theater. But Ohio Goes to the Moviesisn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about recognizing the talent—like Paul Newman, Ruby Dee, and Woody Harrelson—that Ohio has exported to the world.
So skip the long lines for the latest franchise reboot. This summer’s best stories are the ones that were filmed right down the street.