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    Cinema Columbus Film Festival Arrives After Years in Waiting

    Molly Kruezman is a Clintonville native who spent 20 years in Oregon, where she made films and managed film festivals. She came back to Columbus for love.

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    “I moved because I had the chance to come home and nobody loves Columbus, Ohio more than I do,” she says.

    Kruezman wasn’t back in town long before she learned of plans for a new film festival. And then, in what seemed like a whirlwind, she was named festival coordinator.

    “It was the brainchild of Chad Whittington from CAPA, then he brought on Jeremy Henthorn from the Drexel, Chris Hamel from Gateway Film Center and John Daugherty, who is our Columbus Film Commissioner,” Kruezman recalls. “It was a big undertaking and all of them have full-time jobs! So I came in and interviewed and here I am.”

    And now, here it is: the inaugural Cinema Columbus Film Festival, April 27 – May 1. Selected films will screen at various venues including Gateway, the Drexel, Studio 35 and Wexner Center for the Arts, a plan hatched three years ago that Henthorn says was interrupted by…you know.

    “We had some plans in place, but of course, the pandemic changed all that,” Henthorn says. “It’s been something we’ve wanted to do for a very long time. Now seems like our best opportunity.

    “The idea is to bring independent film to a larger community. You want to be able to showcase all that Columbus has to offer. Clearly, Columbus has a lot of really nice independent theaters, it has a lot of people that really care about film, so it just makes sense to give an audience the chance to visit all of those theaters and to see it where they want to see it.”

    The Wexner Center’s Dave Filipi agrees.

    “I think that’s a key point. By doing something together, it’s just one of the ways we’re all trying to bring attention to the film culture in Columbus,” Filipi says. “Whether that’s supporting local theaters, supporting local filmmakers, encouraging film production in Columbus, it all fits together and it’s something that we all obviously feel strongly about.”

    “This is going to be a win-win for everybody,” believes Studio 35’s Eric Brembeck. “I think it’s important. A rising tide lifts all boats.”

    “People that love Columbus know the arts are alive,” Kruezman says. “I think we’re really ripe to be on the map with a pretty different film festival that the whole community can be involved in.”

    For the Wexner Center’s Melissa Starker, the festival feels like a long-overdue reunion and a welcome chance to strengthen some bonds.

    “We’re coming out of two years that were incredibly hard for film presenters,” Starker says. “There were lots of really creative and thoughtful initiatives that were put in place to try to maintain the connection between theaters and audiences. But when it comes down to it, nothing can replace that in-person experience. And from a business perspective, there was no way for the at-home streaming options to really present a long-term holistic solution to what COVID did to theaters. It seems like this is a really great moment to highlight the great resources Columbus has in terms of theaters and locally-owned film presenters, and to reestablish that in-person relationship between moviegoers and the theaters that service them.”

    Henthorn explained that it was the post-COVID time crunch that made curating this first year of Cinema Columbus a necessity.

    “We really do have an amazing group of films that will give you an idea of what we’re going to look for in the future,” Henthorn says. “And then, come next year, there will be a full submission and full awards program.” 

    Henthorn is also excited for Cinema Columbus’s chance to serve as a “discovery festival.”

    “A lot of these films that you’re gonna see here are award-winning or very popular on the film festival circuits right now,” Henthorn says. “And it’s our hope to allow the Central Ohio audience to discover those films. Because, as you saw at the Oscars with CODA, sometimes two years down the road the people that played a film festival are the people that then come along at the Oscars. It’s because of discovery film festivals that that happens.”

    Cinema Columbus also marks the return of the Columbus Film Summit, which Daugherty believes is not only a chance for people to catch up on what the Columbus Film Commission has been up to the last couple of years, but an important information session and networking opportunity. 

    “It’s the chance to get people together, including film crew and city officials, talking about the film industry as a whole,” says Daugherty. “What we’re looking at is kind of redefining the film industry in Columbus, so to speak. That would mean expanding the definition to include not only film, but animation and game development, and including VR and augmented reality in this whole definition. Another panel will be on creating opportunities for underserved communities in the film industry. Elizabeth Bell is our keynote speaker. Liz is from Bexley and is now a producer in LA and she’s always been trying to bring films back here.”

    For Hamel, the festival marks the culmination of much hard work, but also the beginning of something that could reap huge dividends in the future.

    “I feel intense optimism about Cinema Columbus and for the future of cinema exhibitions,” Hamel says. “In my opinion, collaborations such as this one, between interesting people and dynamic organizations, create essential opportunities for artists and audiences to connect and share in a passion for visual storytelling.”

    Kruezman agrees, and as opening night approaches, she’s eager to see the vision come to life.

    “I would really love to see the Columbus film scene gather some cohesion and momentum,” Kruezman explains. “There’s so much talent here, and I think there’s more opportunity than people know. I hope this will be another jumping-off point for local filmmakers to come together. Generally, the idea (for film festivals) is you want it in this very small space. But I kinda want to just live on the edge and throw the doors wide open and bring film to people where they are. Can we pull it off? I guess we’ll see.”

    Tickets to individual films are on sale now. Pre-purchasing is recommended, but if inventory allows, tickets may also be purchased at the door. All tickets are $10 and can be purchased in-person at the CBUSArts Ticket Center (39 E. State St.), online at www.CinemaColumbus.com, or by phone at (614) 469-0939. 

    CINEMA COLUMBUS 2022 FULL SCHEDULE

    Wednesday, April 27

    7 p.m. – Linoleum (2022)

    Southern Theatre (21 E. Main St.)

    Director: Colin West

    Genre: Comedy, Drama, Sci Fi

    When the host of a failing children’s science show (Jim Gaffigan) tries to fulfill his childhood dream of becoming an astronaut by building a rocket ship in his garage, a series of bizarre events occur that cause him to question his own reality.

    Kreuzman was thrilled to get Linoleum for the kickoff of the festival.

     “I tell ya, when they agreed to be the opening night film, I was dancing around the office!” Kreuzman says. “Six or seven of the people on the crew, including writer/director Colin West, grew up in Upper Arlington, that’s another reason it’s so special.”

     Post-Screening Event: Moviegoers are invited to attend a post-screening, live Q&A with the film’s writer and director, Columbus native Colin West, producer Chad Simpson, and cast member Amy Hargreaves.

    Thursday, April 28

    1-5 p.m. – 2022 Film Columbus Summit

    Gateway Film Center (1550 N. High St.)

    Film Columbus and the Greater Columbus Arts Council will present a discussion on the present and future state of the film industry in Columbus. Topics will include the Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit, Columbus incentives, growing the local infrastructure and crew base, and how to set up a project/business for success. Admission is free with online registration. Networking opportunities to follow the discussions.

    7 p.m. – The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain (2020)

    Gateway Film Center (1550 N. High St.)

    Director: David Midell

    Genre: Drama, Thriller

    Based on the true story of the events that led to the death of Kenneth Chamberlain Sr., an elderly African American veteran with bipolar disorder, who was killed during a conflict with police officers dispatched to check on him.

    7 p.m. – Freakscene: The Story of Dinosaur Jr. (2021)

    Studio 35 Cinema and Drafthouse (3055 Indianola Ave.)

    Director: Philipp Virus

    Genre: Documentary, Music

    Homage of one of the most influential bands on the American East Coast which inspired the rock scene—an emotional, tragically funny, and sometimes noisy rollercoaster ride by a dysfunctional family—Dinosaur Jr.

    Featured short: “Stranger Than Rotterdam with Sara Driver”

    Friday, April 29

    7 p.m. – Happening (2021)

    Drexel Theatre (2254 E. Main St.)

    Director: Audrey Diwan

    Genre: Drama

    Adapted from Annie Ernaux’s autobiographical novel, Happening recounts the journey of a young woman’s physical and emotional battle to access illegal abortion in a desperate race against the clock.

    7 p.m. – Night’s End (2022)

    Wexner Center for the Arts (1871 N. High St.)

    Director: Jennifer Reeder

    Genre: Horror

    An anxious shut-in moves into a haunted apartment, hiring a stranger to perform an exorcism which quickly takes a horrific turn.

    Starker says screening Reeder’s new film was an easy choice for the Wex.

    “We have a really great relationship with her, this seems like a really great opportunity to see her latest work on the big screen,” Starker says.

    Post-Screening Event: Moviegoers are invited to attend a post-screening, live Q&A with director Jennifer Reeder and Columbus filmmaker and editor Mike Olenick.

    Saturday, April 30

    1 p.m. – Petite Maman (2021)

    Drexel Theatre (2254 E. Main St.)

    Director: Céline Sciamma

    Genre: Drama, Fantasy

    After the death of her beloved grandmother, 8-year-old Nelly meets a strangely familiar girl her own age in the woods. Instantly forming a connection with this mysterious new friend, Nelly embarks on a fantastical journey of discovery which helps her come to terms with this newfound loss. (French with English subtitles.)

    2 p.m. – Marcel the Shell with Shoes On (2021)

    Gateway Film Center (1550 N. High St.)

    Director: Dean Fleischer-Camp

    Genre: Comedy

    Feature adaptation of the animated short film interviewing a mollusk named Marcel, an anthropomorphic seashell outfitted with a single googly eye and a pair of miniature shoes.

    3:30 p.m. – Women-Directed Shorts

    Drexel Theatre (2254 E. Main St.)

    “When I looked at our shorts, I realized we had a really terrific opportunity to highlight female directors,” Kruezman says. “And as a female director myself, I know it’s still an unbalanced scale. It felt really exciting – especially because they’re shorts. You’ll be able to sit in this block and really get a woman’s perspective of story and filming and all that. We’re gonna have panel discussions. It’s going to be really fascinating. and a great touchpoint for some pretty good conversation.”

    • “My House” (Mary Elizabeth Boylan)
    • “Character” (Vera Brunner-Sung)
    • “What Travelers Are Saying About Jornada del Muerto” (Hope Tucker)
    • “It’s Getting Bad Again” (Sarah Reyes)
    • “Black Beauty” (Elle Moxley)
    • “One Last Time” (Anna Dominguez, Sydney Lawson)
    • “The Ritual to Beauty” (Shenny de Los Angeles)

    Post-Screening Event: Attendees are invited to a post-screening, live Q&A.

    4:30 p.m. – Bad Axe (2022)

    Gateway Film Center (1550 N. High St.)

    Director: David Siev

    Genre: Documentary

    A real-time portrait of 2020 unfolds as an Asian-American family in Trump’s rural America fights to keep their restaurant and American dream alive in the face of a pandemic, Neo-Nazis, and generational scars from the Cambodian Killing Fields.

    7 p.m. – Framing Agnes (2022)

    Drexel Theatre (2254 E. Main St.)

    Director: Chase Joynt

    Genre: Documentary

    After discovering case files from a 1950s gender clinic, a cast of trans actors turn a talk show inside out to confront the legacy of a young trans woman forced to choose between honesty and access.

    7 p.m. – Kaepernick & America (2022)

    Gateway Film Center (1550 N. High St.)

    Director: Tommy Walker, Ross Hockrow

    Genre: Documentary

    “(The festival) is heavy on documentaries,” Kreuzman says. “And that wasn’t something we set out to do. One of the things I feel about documentaries specifically is it’s where you can be exposed to a different way of viewing the world that is safe for you to view it and gives you time to actually process that information.”

    Kaepernick & America explores the intersection between Colin Kaepernick’s anthem protests and the reactions they spurred in the U.S., revealing unique insights into America’s ongoing racial turmoil. 

    Featured short: “Walls Cannot Keep Us from Flying”

    9:30 p.m. – Vortex (2021)

    Gateway Film Center (1550 N. High St.)

    Director: Gaspar Noe

    Genre: Drama

    A retired psychiatrist with dementia and a struggling author with a heart condition live their final days together in an apartment.

    Featured short: “Motorcyclist’s Happiness Won’t Fit into His Suit”

    Sunday, May 1

    2 p.m. – Bad Axe (2022)

    Drexel Theatre (2254 E. Main St.)

    Director: David Siev

    Genre: Documentary

    A real-time portrait of 2020 unfolds as an Asian-American family in Trump’s rural America fights to keep their restaurant and American dream alive in the face of a pandemic, Neo-Nazis, and the generational scars from the Cambodian Killing Fields.

    2 p.m. – Calendar Girls (2022)

    Gateway Film Center (1550 N. High St.)

    Director: Maria Loohufvud, Love Martinsen

    Genre: Documentary

    A coming-of-golden-age film about Florida’s most dedicated dance team for women over 60—the Calendar Girls. Shaking up the outdated image of the “little old lady,” the film is a calling for everyone to dance their hearts out while they still can.

    4:30 p.m. – Iron Family (2022)

    Drexel Theatre (2254 E. Main St.)

    Director: Patrick Longstreth

    Genre: Documentary

    Jazmine Faries, a 32-year-old woman with Down syndrome, is obsessed with soap operas, Barbie dolls, and Matthew McConaughey. For the past five summers, her family has performed her original stage plays for a small audience in their town of Iron River, Michigan. This film follows the creative process of writing, rehearsing, and performing the sixth season of the play.

    Featured short: “A Beloved Community: A Healthier Linden”

    4:30 p.m. – Women-Directed Shorts

    Gateway Film Center (1550 N. High St.)

    • “My House” (Mary Elizabeth Boylan)
    • “Character” (Vera Brunner-Sung)
    • “What Travelers Are Saying About Jornada del Muerto” (Hope Tucker)
    • “It’s Getting Bad Again” (Sarah Reyes)
    • “Black Beauty” (Elle Moxley)
    • “One Last Time” (Anna Dominguez, Sydney Lawson)
    • “The Ritual to Beauty” (Shenny de Los Angeles)

    Post-Screening Event:Attendees are invited to a post-screening, live Q&A.

    7 p.m. – Sylvie of the Sunshine State (2022)

    Drexel Theatre (2254 E. Main St.)

    Director: Sasha Levinson

    Genre: Documentary

    Second-grader Sylvie navigates the absurdities and emotional turbulence of her eccentric, multigenerational Jewish matriarchy, a dad who lives far away, and life gone virtual, seen through the lens of her filmmaker single mom.

    Cinema Columbus 2022 is debuting as an independent film showcase and will evolve into a traditional, submission-based film festival starting in 2023.

    Please visit www.CinemaColumbus.com for the most up-to-date information.

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    George Wolf
    George Wolf
    George Wolf is a member of the Columbus Film Critics Assoc. and a freelance contributor for Columbus Underground covering film. George can also be heard on Columbus radio stations Rewind 103.5, Sunny 95, QFM96 and Mix 107.9.
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