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Mark Your Calendars for Great Cincinnati Film Festivals

For its growing film industry and commitment to the arts in general, Cincinnati was recently in consideration as the potential new host for the illustrious Sundance Film Festival, as shared by the Sundance Institute. While Cincinnati area residents will continue to have to take a flight elsewhere in order to attend this particular festival, there are many local Cincinnati film festivals that they may choose to attend each year. Keep reading to learn more about these events!

5 Cincinnati Film Festivals

Whether hosting periodic events throughout an entire month or curating an extensive lineup of screenings, educational opportunities and more during one weekend each year, Cincinnati film festivals have much to offer community members and visitors alike. In addition to multiple films and other event activities, festivals may also provide participants with the opportunity to experience some of the most iconic venues and exciting neighborhoods in the city, such as the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Find out more about 5 of Cincinnati’s annual film festivals below.

  1. Cindependent Film Festival

Intended to nurture and celebrate independent filmmaking, the annual Cindependent Film Festival typically takes place over three days in the fall, often in mid-September. It is one of the most well-known festivals of its kind in the city. The most recent hub for these events has been Memorial Hall and other area venues in Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. As shared in the festival’s FAQs, visitors can choose from multiple ticket options, some of which focus on film viewing, while others encompass other activities like Masterclasses or VIP exclusive experiences. Can’t make it in person? A Virtual Festival Pass is also available.

  1. Over-the-Rhine International Film Festival

The 3-day Over-the-Rhine International Film Festival is “the nation’s first diversity film festival led by people from the disability community.” Over the course of this festival, film screenings, panel discussions and other events take place at several of Cincinnati’s notable venues such as the Cincinnati Music Hall, the Contemporary Arts Center, and the Woodward Theatre.

  1. Indian Film Festival of Cincinnati

Another annual Cincinnati film festival is the Indian Film Festival of Cincinnati. Also known as IFFCincy, this festival typically offers a lineup that includes narrative and documentary features in addition to short films. Discussion opportunities are often hosted following the film screenings for those who are interested, either on-site at the screening venue or at popular bars and restaurants in the area.

  1. Mayerson JCC Jewish & Israeli Film Festival

As shared on its website, the Jewish and Israeli Film Festival offers a “diverse, inspiring lineup of award-winning films and engaging, educational programming that connects to Jewish and Israeli stories.” This festival typically happens throughout the month of February with showings occurring at various venues throughout Cincinnati and a virtual viewing option. To learn more about this film festival, you may want to explore the annual program guide, which often includes overviews of that year’s films and a sample of the festival calendar.

  1. OutReels Cincinnati

Typically hosted in November, OutReels Cincinnati is a three-day festival that showcases LGBTQ+ films, including feature films, short films and documentaries. Unlike other festivals where events may occur at several different locations, all screenings for this film festival take place at the Warsaw Federal Incline Theater. Tickets are available by film block or as a weekend package, as shared at Cincinnati Magazine.

In addition to these multi-day film festivals, there are also single-day film festivals in Cincinnati, such as the Wild & Scenic Film Festival and the Avondale Film Festival. As you explore some of the film festivals highlighted here or any others, be aware that the timing of these festivals may vary from one year to the next. For the most current information regarding the event schedule, ticket details and more, check out the website or any available social media pages for your chosen film festival. You may also be able to sign up for emails or newsletters to stay in the loop as details are finalized.

If you look forward to annual Cincinnati festivals of all kinds, then you may want to include one or more of the city’s film festivals on your calendar. If you want to find a great apartment to enjoy when not taking advantage of all that Cincinnati has to offer, our team of leasing experts is here to help! Contact us today for assistance choosing a home in Downtown Cincinnati or in a nearby community like Fort Thomas, KY or South Lebanon, OH!