Kentucky Royalty, Queen City Stage
George Clooney is coming home, and he's bringing the film world with him. This September, Cincinnati will take the spotlight as Clooney headlines Film Cincinnati’s 2025 Gala, a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) Cineposium. On September 15 at MegaCorp Pavilion in Newport, audiences will experience “A Conversation with George Clooney,” a rare and intimate evening with one of the most influential voices in entertainment. The event marks a major cultural moment for the region and reinforces Cincinnati's growing status in the global film industry.
Clooney’s return is more than just a homecoming. Born in Lexington and raised in Augusta, he has never forgotten his roots. In 2011, he chose Cincinnati as a filming location for his political drama The Ides of March, proving the region could stand in for Washington, D.C. with ease. His continued connection to the area is a powerful endorsement, one that sends a message to the film industry that the Midwest has something meaningful to offer.
The AFCI Cineposium is not your average film conference. It is the premier annual gathering for international film commissioners, production executives, and government policymakers. These are the people who decide where major productions take place, how regional film industries grow, and what incentives shape creative investment. Past host cities have included Paris, Seoul, Los Angeles, and Wellington. Now, Cincinnati joins this prestigious list.
That selection is no accident. In the past decade, Cincinnati has become a favorite among directors, location scouts, and production crews. The city offers a unique mix of architectural styles, historical neighborhoods, and financial incentives through Ohio’s Motion Picture Tax Credit. Films like Carol, The Public, Dark Waters, and Hillbilly Elegy have all made use of the region’s versatility, while Film Cincinnati continues to attract new projects year after year.
Clooney’s participation in the Gala brings additional weight to the moment. He represents a bridge between the local and the global, between grassroots storytelling and award-winning cinema. His conversation will touch on his Kentucky upbringing, his career in front of and behind the camera, and where he believes storytelling is headed next. For Cincinnati, this is more than entertainment. It is an affirmation that the city belongs in conversations about the future of media.
The 2025 Cineposium is open not only to AFCI members but also to non-members. This expansion invites students, creatives, business leaders, and civic planners to join discussions that shape the industry. It offers a rare chance to hear from the people who create the conditions for storytelling to thrive. For Cincinnati, it is an opportunity to strengthen its position as a film-ready city prepared to welcome large-scale productions and the economic benefits that follow.
The Film Cincinnati Gala will also offer limited opportunities for sponsors, partners, and VIP guests. Businesses looking to align with a growing creative economy will find this event uniquely positioned. Table sponsorships, branded activations, and direct engagement with global influencers are available now. Interested parties can contact Andrew Reynolds at Film Cincinnati for details.
Hosting the Cineposium and welcoming George Clooney is a milestone. It reflects a city that has been quietly building toward this moment through careful planning, cultural investment, and persistent storytelling. Cincinnati is ready not only to welcome the spotlight but also to keep it shining long after the final credits roll.