After Sundance Passes on Cincinnati, Local Nonprofit Shows Why the City’s Film Community Is Still Thriving
CINCINNATI, OH — [March 10, 2026] — When the Sundance Film Festival announced it would move to Boulder, Colorado beginning in 2027—passing over Cincinnati as a finalist host city—the decision disappointed many local filmmakers. But for the growing community behind Cincinnati Filmmakers, the moment is also a reminder of something important: Cincinnati already has the talent, the stories, and the collaborative spirit needed to build a thriving film culture.
One of the organizations helping lead that effort is Film Cincinnati, the region’s film commission. For years, Film Cincinnati has played a crucial role in attracting productions to the area, connecting filmmakers with locations, and advocating for the region as a destination for film and television.
Alongside that effort, another grassroots movement has been taking shape.
Cincinnati Filmmakers, a local nonprofit, is focused on something different—but equally important: building the filmmaking community itself.
Building off of the great work of Film Cincinnati and what they do to bring production to the city, Cincinnati Filmmakers aims to help grow the people who will make the films here.
“Our region already has incredible storytellers,” said Joe Porter, Cincinnati Filmmakers Executive Director. “The question isn’t whether Cincinnati has talent. The question is how we help filmmakers find each other, collaborate, and build momentum together.”
Through monthly gatherings, screenings, workshops, and collaborative projects, Cincinnati Filmmakers has become a hub where emerging filmmakers can find something many creatives struggle to discover: their people.
A Story of Community
For many members, Cincinnati Filmmakers has become the doorway into the local film scene.
Nyon Smith didn’t go to film school and needed help getting his script off the ground. So he attended a screening night and made new connections. Nyon received some coaching to get his script idea ready for production. The advice and encouragement will help give him a voice for a powerful story that the rest of the world needs to see. And when he’s ready, Nyon will have a network of filmmakers ready to jump in.
Nyon Smith has been writing fiction for more than a decade, but in 2024, he decided to hone his talents as a screenwriter. The only problem was – he didn’t go to film school and needed help getting his script off the ground.
So Nyon attended a screening night and made some new connections. After receiving additional coaching to get his script idea ready for production, he went to work on his next draft. The advice and encouragement Nyon received will help him create a powerful story that the world needs to see. And when he’s ready to begin production, Nyon will have a network of filmmakers ready to jump in and assist.
Stories like this are becoming increasingly common as more creatives discover the organization’s monthly events and collaborative projects.
A City Ready for Filmmaking
Even though Cincinnati was not chosen as Sundance’s next home, city leaders and film advocates emphasized that the region’s strong arts community and growing film infrastructure made it a serious contender.
Organizations like Cincinnati Filmmakers are helping ensure that momentum continues.
“Our hope isn’t just that great films get made here,” said Joe. “It’s that people find community, develop their craft, and discover that Cincinnati is a place where storytellers can thrive.”
Looking Forward
Cincinnati Filmmakers invites anyone interested in filmmaking—from beginners to professionals—to attend its monthly gathering and screening nights. They meet at 1455 Dalton Ave on the first floor of a beautiful, old building next door to Union Terminal thanks to the generosity of The Warehouse Collaborative.
Because while major festivals may choose their host cities, the future of filmmaking in Cincinnati is being built by the filmmakers themselves.
About Cincinnati Filmmakers
Cincinnati Filmmakers is a nonprofit organization that exists to inspire creativity and create community by bringing people together to produce and enjoy films.
Learn more at:
https://www.cincifilm.org
Media Contact:
Joe Porter
513-335-6044
joe@innovatoryfilms.com
Photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ZMac_ztCiQi1dSn6t29saKAbjbx6Mahc?usp=share_link
Promo Video: https://vimeo.com/1170438324/beeb5f0002
