Cindependent grows Cincinnati's film ambitions
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The Cindependent Film Festival returns to its Memorial Hall home this week for a new-look event that has grown from three days to five. Photo: Courtesy of Cindependent
Who needs Sundance? Local Cindependent has big plans to turn Cincinnati's film festival into something to attract independent filmmakers and movie fans.
Why it matters: City leaders pitched Sundance Film Festival as a chance to bring international attention and audiences to Cincinnati. Losing out to Boulder stung, but Cindependent has spent nearly a decade building an event of its own.
Driving the news: Cindependent and the Over-the-Rhine International Film Festival merged this year, bringing together two established Cincinnati film organizations.
- The new-look Cindependent Film Festival, presented with LADD, runs Sept. 16-20 with more than 80 films from more than 10 countries.
- That's five days, up from three, anchored at Memorial Hall and the Cindependent-run Mariemont Theatre — with parties, filmmaker talks, screenplay readings and other events around town.
What they're saying: Cindependent founder and executive director Allyson West wanted Sundance here, too.
- "From an economic standpoint, having Sundance here likely would have accelerated the work that myself and my team have been doing for a number of years," says West, who's also a filmmaker.
Yes, but: West has built toward this since 2017, when she founded Cindependent as a nonprofit after touring the festival circuit with her own film.
- "There needs to be a space where all stories matter in Cincinnati."
What's happening: The festival opens at Mariemont with a 1930s-inspired street party, live music, local food and a filmmaker welcome party.
Other highlights:
- Oscar-winning Cindependent alum Jack Piatt attending a screening of "The Singers," followed by Sundance screenwriting award winner "Take Me Home."
- "The Boys and the Bees," about a Black family in rural Georgia raising bees and caring for the land.
- The festival program features 27 local films, including a "Homegrown" block with "Savor the Moment," a one-minute ode to Cincinnati chili, and the near-future "Homebodies."
The big picture: Cindependent wants to support filmmakers, not just screen their movies.
- Its programs span education, screenplay readings and fiscal sponsorship, with support through different stages of filmmaking.
The merger with LADD's OTR Film Festival also brings a greater focus on disability representation and accessibility.
- "Filmmaking is a place where unique identities and voices can be heard," West says.
What's next: West wants to add more filmmaker support, including grants, while continuing to build around the Mariemont Theatre.
- "This is an opportunity," West says. "It's a way to deepen our connection to each other and support our ideas while investing in our community."