Ohio's deep connection to Hollywood is taking center stage in 2026 with a first-of-its-kind signature event from America 250-Ohio. Ohio Goes to the Movies (OGTTM), will screen more than 250 Ohio-centric films across all 88 counties, celebrating the incredible talent our state has given to the silver screen. The OGTTM team is still signing up venues and is excited to share a sneak peek at some of the incredible collaborations already planned.
Many venues are creating unique, community-focused events. The McConnell Arts Center in Worthington will screen "Best in Show," featuring actress Rachael Harris who will attend and participate in a post-film Q&A. The event will also partner with a local animal rescue. In Kent, the Kent State University Museum will celebrate its fashion collection with a screening of "The Philadelphia Story," a film written by Ohio's Donald Ogden Stewart. Meanwhile, a Cincinnati theater group will host premiere showings for films starring Ohio actresses Ruby Dee, Doris Day, and Phyllis Diller, complete with red carpets and themed concessions.
The breadth of Ohio's talent is on full display in the planned screenings. The historic Cedar Lee Theatre in Cleveland Heights will host a screening of "Cool Hand Luke," starring Paul Newman, with his daughter Melissa in attendance. Other screenings will feature films connected to:
Woody Harrelson ("The Hunger Games") in Loveland
Dean Martin ("Rio Bravo") in Steubenville
Eleanor Parker ("The Sound of Music") in Archbold
The program also recognizes behind-the-camera talent, with the Robins Theatre in Warren screening "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" from director Chris Columbus, and the Lions Lincoln Theatre in Massillon screening "Spiderman" featuring music from native Macy Gray.
This event kicks off on Feb, 11, 2026, and runs for about 250 days. The deadline to sign up to be an OGTTM venue is Sept. 30, 2025. Events that are selected will be included on the official calendar and promoted statewide. For questions or to sign up, please email Molly Kreuzman and Bethany Berry.
To learn more about OGTTM, to sign-up for its monthly e-magazine, and to look up movie connections from your community, visit the Ohio Goes to the Movies website.