The inaugural festival in 2018 set the tone, with over 160 artists and 200 films and screenplays showcased at The Woodward Theater and Mini MicroCinema. Partnering with 21c Museum Hotel, Cindependent went beyond screenings—hosting city-wide filmmaker tours, four educational masterclasses, and a vibrant networking scene. With over 2,000 attendees and international submissions, the festival made an immediate impact.

Rising Momentum & Industry Recognition

The momentum only grew in 2019. Expanding to four venues—including The Woodward Theater, Mini MicroCinema, Graydon on Main, and Know Theatre—Cindependent welcomed 220+ filmmakers from around the world, including Canada, Mexico, Russia, and India. With multiple sold-out screenings and attendance surpassing 2,500, the festival was cemented as a must-attend event for indie filmmakers.

Recognized for its filmmaker-first approach, Cindependent was honored as a ‘Top 100 Best Reviewed Film Festival’ and secured grants from ArtsWave, the Ohio Arts Council, and the City of Cincinnati. Its commitment to artist development was unmatched, awarding five $500 Filmmaker Development Grants to emerging talent.

Adapting & Innovating:
Reels on Wheels

When the world paused in 2020, Cindependent didn’t stop—it reinvented. Reels on Wheels, a mobile cinema funded by ArtsWave and the Ohio Arts Council, brought films directly to neighborhoods across Cincinnati, screening 25+ times in its first year. The initiative continued in 2022 and eventually expanded in 2024, even earning a spot in BLINK, Cincinnati’s legendary street and light installation.

In 2022, the festival launched Cindependent & Chill, a virtual subscription program that kept artists employed and audiences engaged with 11 months of curated indie film content. Screenwriters were also in the spotlight, with live virtual screenplay readings bringing scripts to life with professional performers.

The Festival Returns, Bigger Than Ever

By 2023, Cindependent was back in full force at Memorial Hall, proving once again why it’s a trailblazer in the indie film scene. Then came 2024—a landmark year for the festival:

• 181 filmmakers from across the globe

• Nearly 5,000 audience impressions over three electrifying days

• 30+ hours of indie films met with packed, enthusiastic crowds

• 6 hours of moderated discussions and filmmaker talkbacks

• The launch of the Cinema Expo, an innovative showcase of cutting-edge indie film tech

Meanwhile, Reels on Wheels continued to break boundaries, becoming a featured exhibit at the Contemporary Arts Center of Cincinnati—a testament to Cindependent’s creative impact beyond the festival.

The Future is Cindependent

As Cindependent looks ahead to its 2025 return on September 18–20 at Memorial Hall, expect even bigger, bolder, and more groundbreaking programming. Whether you’re an emerging filmmaker, a passionate cinephile, or an industry innovator—this is where indie film thrives, evolves, and inspires.

Join the movement. #BeCindependent