Queen City to Cannes
The rolling hills of the Queen City are about to meet the glamorous shores of the French Riviera, and the global film world is taking notice. Cincinnati, a city long celebrated for its architectural charm, vibrant neighborhoods, and world-class arts scene, has emerged as a powerhouse in the international film industry—and now it’s taking center stage at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.
At the helm of this meteoric rise is Film Cincinnati, a nonprofit film commission that has spent decades quietly laying the groundwork for the city’s cinematic renaissance. Founded in 1987, Film Cincinnati has transformed from a regional film office into an internationally respected engine for economic and cultural development. The organization’s mission is simple yet ambitious: to attract film, television, and commercial productions to Cincinnati, and to do so in a way that leaves a lasting impact on the local economy and creative community.
This May, Film Cincinnati CEO Kristen Schlotman will represent the Queen City on one of the world’s most prestigious stages. Schlotman has been invited to speak at Cannes as part of the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) panel, Driving Production for 50 Years—Celebrating a Legacy with Association of Film Commissioners International. The event will take place on Saturday, May 17, at the legendary Palais des Festivals, the epicenter of global cinema.
Schlotman will be joined by an elite group of industry leaders including Bavi Yassin (Kurdistan Film Commission), Daniel Celli (Rio Film Commission), Ruriko Sekine (Japan Film Commission), and Melissa Heuer (Amazon MGM Studios). Moderated by Edmonton Screen CEO Luke Azevedo, the panel promises to offer rare insights into the evolution of global film commissions and the role they play in fostering world-class filmmaking in unexpected places.
For Cincinnati, this appearance is not just ceremonial—it’s symbolic of a much larger movement. In just over a decade, Film Cincinnati has helped to put the city on the map for major productions. From Carol and The Killing of a Sacred Deer to Dark Waters and Bones and All, the Queen City has served as a versatile, film-friendly canvas for some of the most visionary directors of our time. With its rich architectural heritage, ranging from grand Italianate buildings to mid-century modern gems, Cincinnati can double for nearly any location in the world.
Schlotman and her team offer far more than just scouting picturesque streets. Film Cincinnati operates as a full-service concierge for filmmakers, providing end-to-end support on permitting, logistics, crew recruitment, and vendor relations. It’s this “above and beyond” approach that has made the city a cost-effective and artistically inspiring choice for filmmakers and studios alike.
The organization’s vision is also deeply local. Film Cincinnati has invested heavily in workforce development, partnering with universities and colleges to train the next generation of film professionals and create a sustainable pipeline of talent right here in Cincinnati. That commitment to community building will be on full display this fall when the city hosts the 2025 AFCI Cineposium from September 15-18. This exclusive global conference will bring together leading producers, studio heads, and film executives to explore everything Cincinnati has to offer as a premier filming location.
As if Cincinnati’s Cannes presence wasn’t enough to celebrate, the festival will also mark the world premiere of “The Mastermind,” an electrifying crime drama filmed entirely in Cincinnati last year. Directed by the acclaimed Kelly Reichardt, “The Mastermind” has been selected to compete for the Palme d’Or, Cannes’ highest honor. It’s an extraordinary achievement that not only spotlights Reichardt’s artistry but also showcases the city’s capability to stand shoulder to shoulder with the most iconic film locations in the world.
Cincinnati’s moment in the cinematic sun is no accident. It is the result of decades of strategic planning, deep community partnerships, and an unyielding belief in the city’s potential as a cultural powerhouse. With Schlotman and Film Cincinnati leading the charge, the Queen City is poised not just to be represented at Cannes but to redefine what it means to be a world-class filmmaking hub.