With the Cindependent Film Festival slated for its Sept.19-21 run, Cincinnati’s independent film industry is enjoying a well-earned spotlight. The city has been undergoing a steady transformation, driven by diverse voices and new creative energy. At the heart of this shift, womxn are leading a transformation aimed at making the city’s creative landscape more inclusive and accessible.
Editor's note: The term "womxn" is an inclusive spelling that encompasses those in the trans community.
Their influence can be seen not only in the narratives they help shape but in the collaborative environments they work to cultivate behind the scenes.
This new energy is fueled by increased arts funding and a renewed sense of community, with organizations like Film Cincinnati and Women in Film playing a crucial role in driving these changes.
Women in Film, as one of the Cindependent Film Festival’s sponsors, will host the official opening night after-party on Sept. 19 at Arnold’s Bar and Grille, starting at 10 p.m.
The party’s theme, "Silver Screen," will evoke the glamor of classic Hollywood, honoring the trailblazing female directors who made their mark during that era.
Kristen Schlotman, a film producer and executive director of Film Cincinnati, acknowledges the pivotal role of womxn in the industry.
“It’s always been womxn who have lifted me up. Womxn have a tremendous sense of understanding human nature. They also have a tremendous gift for communication,” she said. “Both of these are instrumental in the process of filmmaking and remain the root of why we need to promote and support more and more womxn in film.”
Jaime Meyers Schlenck, an editor and president of Women in Film, Cincinnati, said she resonates with this.
“I think the perspective of womxn during the filmmaking process begins well before the camera rolls,” she said. “Womxn are often mindful of gender balance when putting crews together and will have womxn in multiple positions of power. From my own experience, womxn filmmakers provide a more holistic experience to the filmmaking process. It's a more creative and inclusive atmosphere.”
Erica Bock, a film professor at the University of Cincinnati, distinguished producer, and part of the Women in Film board, also said Cincinnati's appeal for filmmakers lies in its growing opportunities and supportive community.
“Cincinnati is a good place for a filmmaker to pursue a career,” she said. “Not only do we have the opportunity, the community, and the support, but we are really producing people that know how to professionally do their craft.”
Since the formation of its Cincinnati chapter in 2016, Women in Film has been instrumental in building a strong local filmmaking community. Through workshops, networking events and talks with industry professionals, the organization helps emerging filmmakers gain access to an often intimidating industry, creating spaces for connection and growth.
Schlenck talks about the importance of community in the industry. “As I've gained experience and climbed that ladder as a woman, one thing has remained constant: the relationships you create are tremendously important,” she said.
Bock emphasizes that Women in Film is inclusive and open to everyone, not just womxn, with a mission to promote fair treatment for all in the industry. Schlenck echoes this, stressing the organization’s dedication to advancing talent from all backgrounds and tackling industry disparities. In 2023, cisgendered women made up about 32% of producers, 17% of directors and only 6% of composers in behind-the-scenes roles. To address this gap, Women in Film focuses on targeted initiatives to bring in more womxn through their workshops and events, aiming to increase opportunities both on and off camera within its network to improve these numbers.
Despite the statistics, Schlotman, Shlenck and Bock all speak to the importance of dedication to one’s craft, offering valuable insights to filmmakers navigating the industry.
“Never underestimate the power of your passion,” said Schlotman. “There is not one formula to succeed in this industry. Take the time to understand the mechanics and then look within them to see where you see yourself.”
Bock discusses the importance of being proactive. “Just be a go-getter,” Bock said. “Ask for what you want; believe that you're meant to be in the room that you're in. Confidence takes you a long way.”
Women in Film actively creates opportunities for filmmakers to do exactly that through mixers and events that foster collaboration among members and local filmmakers.
Schlenck underscores the value of embracing every opportunity to network, encouraging filmmakers to attend screenings, mixers and film festivals — even when they might not feel like it. She highlights these moments as essential stepping stones for building connections and advancing in the industry.
Bock shares a similar perspective, noting that these seemingly simple events create an environment for film enthusiasts to get to know each other. She points out that their happy hours regularly attract 100 to 150 local filmmakers and enthusiasts, providing a space for meaningful connections.
This spirit of connection continues at this year’s Cindependent Film Festival, where Women in Film, and Film Cincinnati are making a major impact.
Women in Film has curated a block of short films directed by womxn that will screen throughout the festival. The films selected reflect Women in Film’s commitment to supporting emerging filmmakers.
“We’ve hand-selected these films to represent the talent we aim to support,” says Schlenck, noting that the festival’s mission aligns with Women in Film’s goal of elevating diverse voices.
Women in Film will host a booth at Cindependent’s Sept. 21 Cinema Expo, held at Memorial Hall, to share membership information, recruit new members and give out prizes.
Film Cincinnati is also sponsoring the festival’s Master Classes through its new initiative, Film Cincinnati Live!
Both organizations are helping to drive the festival’s success by fostering opportunities for filmmakers and promoting collaboration within the local community.
Looking ahead, Cincinnati's film industry seems poised for success, fueled by the passion and dedication of its filmmakers. The city's evolving landscape, with the unwavering support of organizations like Women in Film and Film Cincinnati, is actively striving for equal opportunity in the film industry.
While progress is being made, true equality for filmmakers of all gender identities and backgrounds remains a goal yet to be reached. However, there's hope that one day it will become a reality.
For more information about Women in Film, visit wifcincinnati.org. For more information about Film Cincinnati, visit filmcincinnati.com.
This story is featured in CityBeat's Sept. 18 print edition.
