COLUMBUS, Ohio – From red carpets and themed exhibits to dog adoption drives and filmmaker panels, theaters across the Buckeye State are preparing for an unprecedented celebration of Ohio’s film heritage. Organizers have unveiled early details for “Ohio Goes to the Movies,” a statewide initiative scheduled to begin in February 2026, as part of the America 250-Ohio commemorations. Over a span of 250 days, every county in Ohio is expected to host at least one event, totaling more than 250 movie screenings and celebrations.
The program aims to highlight the state’s outsized influence on Hollywood and American cinema. From screen legends such as Clark Gable, Doris Day, and Dean Martin to modern icons including Halle Berry and the Russo Brothers, Ohio has long provided some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. Organizers hope the series will not only celebrate this cultural history but also bring audiences back into theaters at a time when moviegoing habits have been reshaped by streaming platforms and the pandemic.
Each participating venue will showcase films with Ohio connections, either through actors, directors, writers, or stories with local ties. Many events are planned as immersive experiences, combining screenings with exhibits, discussions, and community partnerships. The McConnell Arts Center in Worthington will present Christopher Guest’s 2000 comedy “Best in Show,” featuring Worthington-born actress Rachael Harris. Harris, who also attended Otterbein University, will participate in a post-screening discussion and the event will collaborate with an animal rescue group to spotlight adoptable dogs, reflecting the film’s canine theme.
In Kent, the Kent State University Museum will host a screening of the 1940 classic “The Philadelphia Story,” penned by Ohio native Donald Ogden Stewart. The event will be tied to the museum’s fashion exhibition “Hepburn Style: Katharine and Her Designers,” showcasing costumes linked to Hepburn’s illustrious career. Meanwhile, Cincinnati’s only independently owned theater group, which operates the Esquire, Mariemont, and Kenwood theaters, will spotlight Ohio-born actresses including Ruby Dee, Doris Day, and Phyllis Diller. Red carpet photo opportunities, themed concessions from Ohio businesses, and discussions about women in film are expected to add a festive dimension to the screenings.
Cleveland Heights’ historic Cedar Lee Theatre will pay tribute to Paul Newman with a screening of the 1967 film “Cool Hand Luke.” Newman, who once worked at the theater, will be remembered through the presence of his daughter, Melissa Newman, who will introduce the film. She is also scheduled to appear at a nearby library to speak about her parents’ legacy and promote her book, “Head Over Heels: Joanne Woodward & Paul Newman.”
Several other venues across the state have also confirmed participation. In Loveland, Colony Square 7 Cinemas will show “The Hunger Games” from 2012, featuring Ohio-born Woody Harrelson. Steubenville’s Dean Martin Festival will screen the western classic “Rio Bravo” starring its hometown legend. Sauder Village in Archbold will feature “The Sound of Music,” which included Ohio native Eleanor Parker. The Robins Theatre in Warren will revisit the magic of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” directed by Ohio’s own Chris Columbus. The Lions Lincoln Theatre in Massillon will highlight “Spiderman” from 2002, which featured a cameo and music from Macy Gray, another Ohio native.
Organizers say more venues will be added in the coming months, with the final lineup expected to be announced later this year. The deadline for additional theaters to join the statewide celebration is September 30.
Molly Kreuzman, the program director, noted that the initiative has grown beyond expectations. She emphasized that no other state has attempted such a large-scale effort to connect film history with local communities. Kreuzman added that the initiative is not only about celebrating cinematic heritage but also about restoring the unique communal experience of seeing films in a theater.
“Ohio Goes to the Movies” is part of the broader America 250 celebration, marking the nation’s 250th anniversary. As part of the effort, the first comprehensive Ohio movie database has been launched, offering the public a resource to explore the state’s deep ties to the film industry.
For Ohioans, the initiative represents both a nod to the past and an invitation to reimagine the future of moviegoing. By weaving together local history, Hollywood connections, and community engagement, Ohio is positioning itself as the stage for one of the most ambitious film heritage projects in the country.
