September 16th | Festival Opening NightThe Grand Reopening Gala
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 Greiwe 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!
What to Expect
Wednesday, 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
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.
Dress
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.
Restaurant vendors include
Dilly Deli
Emery
laRosa’s
National Exemplar
Quarter Bistro
Reception and Celebration
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.
The Film
Presented by FotoFocus, Academy Award-winning filmmaker and Cindependent alumnus Jack Piatt will join us for this historic celebration alongside Director Liz Sargent of TAKE ME HOME.
Special Guests
Want to support but can’t attend?
Want to support even more?
Check out our Silent Auction/Raffle online here: https://app.galabid.com/grand-reopening-gala/items
Items include
$200 Gift Card to Woodhouse Day Spa in Crestview, KY
$500 Gift Card to Trevor Furbay
Karen Rolfes Original Painting
Free Popcorn for a Year!
The Ultimate Movie Experience Package
Take Me Home (2026, dir. Liz Sargent)
The Singers (2025; dir. Sam Davis)
Premiere Ticket
$200.00
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.
Studio 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.
Director’s 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.
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.