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| Filming 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier' on Route 2 - The Shoreway - downtown Cleveland >> |
What if one state could tell the story of American cinema through its people, its places, and its past?
That’s exactly what Ohio Goes to the Movies sets out to do—bringing together a once-in-a-generation cultural celebration that’s as ambitious as it is overdue. As part of the United States’ 250th anniversary in 2026, Ohio will take center stage in a never-before-attempted tribute to its cinematic legacy, with 250 days of film-focused programming across all 88 counties.
From Edison’s early motion picture innovations to the birth of Hollywood itself (yes, really—thank a visionary from Hicksville, Ohio), this project uncovers the hidden influence Ohio has had on the movie industry since its inception. Actors, directors, composers, producers, costume designers, animators—you name it, and Ohio has played a part.
The state is responsible for some of the greatest behind-the-scenes and on-screen talent of all time, from Lillian Gish to Paul Newman, Steven Spielberg to the Russo Brothers, and countless others.
But Ohio Goes to the Movies isn’t just a retrospective. It’s a living, breathing showcase of what happens when a state takes pride in its film roots and dares to celebrate them on a massive scale. With community-hosted screenings, industry panels, red carpet events, and a robust Ohio Movie Database that’s already gaining national attention, this project is elevating Ohio’s story to its rightful place in the spotlight.
We sat down with Molly Kreuzman, Ohio Goes to the Movies’ program director, to learn how it all came together, what’s planned for 2026, and how every cinephile in Ohio can get involved.
Midwest Movie Maker (MMM): How did Ohio Goes to the Movies come to be? What inspired its creation?
Molly Kruezman (MK): The idea came from Stephen George, who was director of the Ohio Bicentennial in 2003. As he traveled across Ohio’s 88 counties, he noticed how often communities highlighted their local film connections—it was a real point of pride, big towns and small. Though the idea wasn’t realized at the time, it was revived as part of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, which led to the development of OGTTM.
Being appointed program director has been one of the greatest thrills of my life. I bring 26 years of experience in all areas of film—from festivals to filmmaking to film commissions and historic theater preservation—and I’m truly honored to lead this project for the people of Ohio.
MMM: How does Ohio stand out when it comes to the world of cinema?
MK: Ohio has a vibrant cinematic legacy—one that people often don’t realize. In many ways, that legacy starts with innovators like Thomas Edison, inventor of the Kinetoscope, who was born in Milan, Ohio.
Then there’s the Warners - Harry, Sam, Albert, and Jack. Did you know they were from Youngstown? Sons of Jewish Polish immigrants, the Warner Brothers started their film business in the Mahoning Valley region of Ohio before moving to Hollywood.
Hollywood itself owes a debt to Ohio. Daeida Wilcox Beveridge, originally from Hicksville, bought land in Southern California in 1887, named it Hollywood, and laid the foundation for the town we know today.
Then you have legendary performers like Lillian Gish, Clark Gable, and Dorothy Dandridge. Stars like Paul Newman, Doris Day, and Dean Martin. Directors like Steven Spielberg, the Russo Brothers, and my hero, Julia Reichert.
Add in modern icons like Halle Berry, Martin Sheen, Beverly D’Angelo, composer Henry Mancini, animator Mark Alan Henn, and Oscar-winning costume designer Paul Tazewell—and the list keeps going.
In fact, the young actress Isabela Merced will soon be seen in the new Superman film, which was made in Cleveland, her hometown.
One of our first OGTTM initiatives was creating the Ohio Movie Database to showcase them all.
MMM: What kinds of events or programming are part of the celebration?
MK: We kick things off on February 11, 2026, at Edison’s birthplace in Milan, Ohio. Then it’s 250 days of Ohio-centric film programming!
Every participating venue—historic, art house, independent, drive-in, or commercial—will host something unique.
But it’s not just theaters. The entire Ohio film ecosystem is getting involved: film festivals, filmmakers, colleges, libraries, parks, even swimming pools! We're working with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on a show-stopping closing event—more details soon.
MMM: How long does the celebration run, and what are the highlights?
MK: It runs about 250 days—from mid-February to October 2026. Highlights include film screenings in all 88 counties, from indie gems to blockbuster favorites. We’ll also feature special interest and industrial films with strong ties to Ohio. The full schedule will be released later this summer.
MMM: How are local theaters, museums, or communities getting involved?
MK: Each venue is planning its own special event—think pre-screening gatherings (red carpets, trivia contests—you name it), followed by the film and a Q&A session, often featuring someone involved in the production. Communities are encouraged to host screenings and related events. To get involved, visit ohiogoestothemovies.org.
MMM: What are some of the most iconic films made in or inspired by Ohio?
MK: Some of the standouts include:
But Ohio Goes to the Movies isn’t just a retrospective. It’s a living, breathing showcase of what happens when a state takes pride in its film roots and dares to celebrate them on a massive scale. With community-hosted screenings, industry panels, red carpet events, and a robust Ohio Movie Database that’s already gaining national attention, this project is elevating Ohio’s story to its rightful place in the spotlight.
We sat down with Molly Kreuzman, Ohio Goes to the Movies’ program director, to learn how it all came together, what’s planned for 2026, and how every cinephile in Ohio can get involved.
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| Comedian and actor Nick Kroll on the set of 'My Blind Brother' shooting in Lakewood, Ohio (photo: Lakewood Observer) |
Midwest Movie Maker (MMM): How did Ohio Goes to the Movies come to be? What inspired its creation?
Molly Kruezman (MK): The idea came from Stephen George, who was director of the Ohio Bicentennial in 2003. As he traveled across Ohio’s 88 counties, he noticed how often communities highlighted their local film connections—it was a real point of pride, big towns and small. Though the idea wasn’t realized at the time, it was revived as part of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, which led to the development of OGTTM.
Being appointed program director has been one of the greatest thrills of my life. I bring 26 years of experience in all areas of film—from festivals to filmmaking to film commissions and historic theater preservation—and I’m truly honored to lead this project for the people of Ohio.
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| The Warner Brothers, Harry, Albert, Sam and Jack |
MMM: How does Ohio stand out when it comes to the world of cinema?
MK: Ohio has a vibrant cinematic legacy—one that people often don’t realize. In many ways, that legacy starts with innovators like Thomas Edison, inventor of the Kinetoscope, who was born in Milan, Ohio.
Then there’s the Warners - Harry, Sam, Albert, and Jack. Did you know they were from Youngstown? Sons of Jewish Polish immigrants, the Warner Brothers started their film business in the Mahoning Valley region of Ohio before moving to Hollywood.
Hollywood itself owes a debt to Ohio. Daeida Wilcox Beveridge, originally from Hicksville, bought land in Southern California in 1887, named it Hollywood, and laid the foundation for the town we know today.
Then you have legendary performers like Lillian Gish, Clark Gable, and Dorothy Dandridge. Stars like Paul Newman, Doris Day, and Dean Martin. Directors like Steven Spielberg, the Russo Brothers, and my hero, Julia Reichert.
Add in modern icons like Halle Berry, Martin Sheen, Beverly D’Angelo, composer Henry Mancini, animator Mark Alan Henn, and Oscar-winning costume designer Paul Tazewell—and the list keeps going.
In fact, the young actress Isabela Merced will soon be seen in the new Superman film, which was made in Cleveland, her hometown.
One of our first OGTTM initiatives was creating the Ohio Movie Database to showcase them all.
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| Behind the scenes: A shot from 'Rain Man' |
MMM: What kinds of events or programming are part of the celebration?
MK: We kick things off on February 11, 2026, at Edison’s birthplace in Milan, Ohio. Then it’s 250 days of Ohio-centric film programming!
Every participating venue—historic, art house, independent, drive-in, or commercial—will host something unique.
But it’s not just theaters. The entire Ohio film ecosystem is getting involved: film festivals, filmmakers, colleges, libraries, parks, even swimming pools! We're working with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on a show-stopping closing event—more details soon.
MMM: How long does the celebration run, and what are the highlights?
MK: It runs about 250 days—from mid-February to October 2026. Highlights include film screenings in all 88 counties, from indie gems to blockbuster favorites. We’ll also feature special interest and industrial films with strong ties to Ohio. The full schedule will be released later this summer.
MMM: How are local theaters, museums, or communities getting involved?
MK: Each venue is planning its own special event—think pre-screening gatherings (red carpets, trivia contests—you name it), followed by the film and a Q&A session, often featuring someone involved in the production. Communities are encouraged to host screenings and related events. To get involved, visit ohiogoestothemovies.org.
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| The crew of 'A Christmas Story' film a scene in a Cleveland area school |
MMM: What are some of the most iconic films made in or inspired by Ohio?
MK: Some of the standouts include:
Each has strong Ohio ties, whether through location, story, or production.
MMM: What’s something most people don’t realize about Ohio’s film legacy?
MK: Ohio isn’t just known for Hollywood hits—we have a deep history in industrial and educational filmmaking, too. Companies like Procter & Gamble, the Cleveland Clinic, and others produced training and promotional films. There are tons of sports reels and historic footage that help tell Ohio’s story through film. These often-overlooked works are an incredible cultural resource.
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| Setting up a shot for 'Lost & Found in Cleveland' |
MMM: Any surprising Ohio film connections you’ve discovered?
MK: What’s been amazing is how much we’ve learned from the people of Ohio! Many communities have uncovered unique cinematic ties—whether as filming locations or hometowns of industry professionals. We invited the public to share what we might have missed, and they’ve really delivered.
MMM: How can someone get involved, whether they’re a casual fan or a cinema buff?
MK: I always tell people who feel like they’re not "film experts'—you actually are! You know what you love and how it makes you feel. That’s enough. Experts are welcome, too, of course, to share their knowledge and lead discussions. Everyone can attend free screenings, volunteer, or just spread the word.
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| Checking out the 'Sweetest Day' set up through the monitor |
MMM: Are there ways to volunteer, attend, or host a screening?
MK: Absolutely. We encourage people to volunteer, attend events, or even host screenings. Start by checking with your local theater to see how you can help, and find more info on the OGTTM website.
MMM: Can Ohioans submit their own movie memories or stories?
MK: Yes! While we can’t feature everything, we love hearing from people. Some of our best stories have come from the public and are highlighted in our monthly e-magazine. I highly recommend subscribing!
MMM: What’s your long-term vision for OGTTM?
MK: It’s bittersweet knowing this is a one-time event, but I hope it inspires a new wave of film appreciation and creation in Ohio. The goal is to celebrate and preserve our film legacy while sparking community pride and maybe even future filmmakers.
MMM: How can people stay updated as new events and features are added?
MK: Visit our website and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. We also publish a free monthly digital magazine—subscribe to stay in the loop!
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| Shooting a scene from 'The Shawshank Redemption' (photo: 'American Cinematographer') |
MMM: What’s your favorite movie with an Ohio connection?
MK: I can’t pick just one, but The Shawshank Redemption—filmed at the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield—deserves a special mention. It shows up on nearly every "Best Films" list, and while parts are tough to watch, it’s deeply satisfying. I have to stop and watch every time it’s on. It was beautifully cast by D. Lynn Meyers of Cincinnati’s Ensemble Theatre—another Ohio gem.
MMM: If you could screen one Ohio-made movie in any Ohio town, what would it be and why?
MK: I had the honor of screening Gahanna native Todd Douglas Miller’s Apollo 11: First Steps Edition. It features never-before-seen 70mm footage and tells the story of the moon landing with incredible care and authenticity. Composer Matt Morton, also from Gahanna, recreated 1969 synthesizer tech just to stay true to the era!
I'd love to show it in Wapakoneta—Neil Armstrong’s hometown—as a tribute to Ohio’s role in space exploration. That would be a thrill.
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