September 16th | Festival Opening NightThe Grand Reopening Gala
What to ExpectWednesday, September 16th
5pm Celebration begins
Music by Matt Tolentino and the Singapore Swingers
Libations from Rhinegeist
Street Performers
A ‘Taste of Mariemont’ food stations throughout the Fountain Green
Free popcorn and water inside the cinema
6:30pm Announcements and Ribbon Cutting
7:10pm Film Screening begins
7:30pm Film Screening begins
7:50pm Film Screening begins
Premiere Ticket
$200.00
On one unforgettable evening, Cincinnati welcomes back a landmark.
After months of repair, installation and the extraordinary support of our community, the Mariemont Theatre will once again light its marquee and open its doors. This Grand Reopening Gala marks the beginning of a new chapter - not only for one of America's most beloved historic cinemas, but for independent film in Cincinnati.
The Grand Reopening Gala serves as the official Opening Night of the 2026 Cindependent Film Festival, presented with LADD, launching five days of world-class independent cinema, filmmakers, and unforgettable stories.
This event is Chaired by Molly Smyth, Ben Press, Cheryl Rose and Jeff Chapman.
This event is Co-Chaired by Barbara Hauser, Barbie Griewe and Jack Crumley.
Please note, the Village of Mariemont will be re-routing traffic in front of the Mariemont Theatre. Our reception begins on the Fountain Lawn and proceeds into the cinema. All ticket purchasers will be emailed as details are finalized for this event. Save the date!
Reception and Celebration
Presented by Croke Fairchild, Begin the evening with a pre-screening celebration at Mariemont Fountain and Lawn as guests gather to celebrate the next chapter of the Mariemont Theatre.
The Film
Presented by P&G, this special Opening Night screening begins with the short film THE SINGERS from Cindependent alumnus and Academy Award®-Winner Jack Piatt, who will be in attendance. Following is a special presentation of TAKE ME HOME, a Best Screenwriting Winner from Sundance 2026.
Special Guests
Presented by FotoFocus, Academy Award-winning filmmaker and Cindependent alumnus Jack Piatt will join us for this historic celebration, with additional filmmakers and special guests to be announced.
The Singers (2025; dir. Sam Davis)
Inspired by the 19th-century short story, The Singers follows a group of down-on-their-luck bar patrons as they find unexpected connection through an impromptu sing-off. 2026 Oscar Winner and Cindependent Alum Jack Piatt (Producer) will be in attendance.
Director’s Ticket
$150.00
Celebrate Opening Night alongside this year's newest class of Cindependent filmmakers in The Friedlander Family Auditorium. Seating is first-come, first served.
7:30pm Showtime. Seating is first-come, first served.
Studio Ticket
$100.00
An intimate Opening Night screening in The Movieola Auditorium. Perfect for guests who want to experience the excitement of the festival in a welcoming, stadium-seating environment.
7:30pm Showtime. Seating is first-come, first served.
Dress
Step into the year the Mariemont Theatre first opened. Whether you arrive in formal wear or with a nod to 1930s Hollywood glamour, we invite you to dress for an unforgettable premiere beneath the marquee.
Take Me Home (2026, dir. Liz Sargent)
Anna, a 38-year-old Korean adoptee with a cognitive disability, cares for her aging parents in a fragile balance of meeting one another's needs. When a Florida heat wave shatters their family and Anna's routine, her future is uncertain until she creates a world where she can thrive.
Newsreel Ticket
$50.00
A classic moviegoing experience in one of our original screening rooms - the Mark & Marilyn Wendling Auditorium and the Mariemont/Columbia Township/Fairfax Auditorium - just like stepping into a neighborhood picture palace in the 1930s!
7:50pm Showtime. Seating is first-come, first served.
Our signature Opening Night experience. Share the evening in The Jim Evans Auditorium with sponsors, VIP guests, featured filmmakers, and community leaders.
7:10pm Showtime. Seating is first-come, first served.
Post-Film Q&A.