When filmmaker Allyson West began traveling the film festival circuit in 2017 with her own short film, “Texican,” she experienced the ups and downs of the festival experience and found herself asking the question: What would I do differently if I were creating my own festival in Cincinnati?
In 2018, Allyson went to work to turn her idea into a reality. She assumed the role of founder and executive director, while bringing together a team of talented collaborators to launch the first Cindependent Film Festival. Molded by her own experiences and desire to give those behind the lens the credit and respect they deserve, the Cindependent Film Festival exists to put independent filmmakers at the forefront and “make them feel like rock stars,” she said.
“From day one, we’ve focused on creating an experience that combines artistic excellence with community engagement, all while fostering an environment of innovation and creativity,” said Allyson. “It’s not just about showcasing films — it’s about supporting filmmakers and nurturing the vibrant indie film culture that makes Cincinnati unique.”
For the first two years, the Cindependent festival was held at the Woodward Theater in Over-the-Rhine, which at the time was primarily a concert venue. Allyson credits her team for transforming the space to give it a cinematic feel by using drop cloths, lighting, signage and furniture.
“We have an amazing group of volunteers who work tirelessly to put on the festival and organize our other events throughout the year,” said Allyson. “Their dedication is the backbone of this festival, and I’m proud of how far we’ve come together.”
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in what was slated to be Cindependent’s third year, Allyson took it as an opportunity to pivot and take her festival on the road. “Reels on Wheels” was created in 2020 by converting a trailer into a mobile movie theater, complete with a large TV and speaker, to take free and family-friendly indie films to over 25 local communities. To Allyson, this moment was pivotal in keeping the spirit of the festival alive in a time of uncertainty, and it remains one of her proudest moments. Now that the Cindependent Film Festival is back up and running at full capacity, you can find Reels on Wheels at the Contemporary Arts Center in Cincinnati or traveling around the area taking films to new audiences.
“With initiatives like Reels on Wheels, we bring indie films to parks and neighborhoods across Cincinnati, while our festival mascots, Crunchy and Bubs, create a playful atmosphere that engages audiences of all ages,” said Allyson. “Cindependent is where indie film meets local culture, making it an experience unlike any other.”
The Cindependent Film Festival went back to in-person showings in 2023 in Cincinnati’s Memorial Hall, in a return that Allyson called triumphant. The following year, the festival exceeded all expectations and increased ticket sales by 100 percent. Eighty-four short films and two feature-length films were shown, along with over 24 hours of indie film content. The Cinema Expo was also launched in 2024, where both local and national film, video and media production organizations gather to connect and collaborate. Screenplay readings, master classes, filmmaker talkbacks and after-parties were all crucial additions to the programming expansion that helped take the festival to the next level.
“2024 felt like the closest we’ve ever been to the vision I had for the festival when we first started,” said Allyson. “The festival has evolved, and it’s exciting to see how it continues to grow, bringing more indie films, more voices and more experiences to Cincinnati every year.”
As Allyson plans for the future, she reflected on pivotal moments that have shaped the Cindependent Film Festival into the premier experience it is today. Ernie Johnson from Detroit, a Cincinnati-based musician, performed at the very first Cindependent festival, and filmmakers Mark Hood and Biz Young – who participated in those early years – have gone on to become professionals in their field of work. Last year, actors H. Jon Benjamin and Karyn Parsons joined the lineup, bringing a new level of excitement and recognition to the festival.
“We’ve also been fortunate to earn numerous awards and consistently rank as a Top 100 Best Reviewed Film Festival on FilmFreeway, which is no small feat considering there are over 14,000 film programming events worldwide,” said Allyson. “It’s humbling to see how far we’ve come and the impact the festival has had on filmmakers and the indie film scene.”
The 2025 Cindependent Film Festival will return to Memorial Hall in Cincinnati the weekend of Sept. 18-20, and tickets are available now. At the self-proclaimed festival “for movie lovers, by movie lovers,” attendees can expect to see a diverse range of films, from drama and comedy to documentaries, horror films and music videos, all with a focus on highlighting underrepresented voices. Allyson also noted the festival’s commitment to both local and out-of-town filmmakers, which aligns with a passion for developing Cincinnati’s own filmmaking talent while also bringing in filmmakers from around the world to show off what makes this city so special.
“This festival is the most important thing I’ve done with my life,” said Allyson. “Cindependent isn’t just a film festival — it’s a movement focusing on creativity, community and innovation. Whether you’re here for the films, the community or the one-of-a-kind experience, there’s something at Cindependent for everyone.”
Cindependent’s convenient location between the Over-the-Rhine and West Fourth Street Historic District neighborhoods gives festival attendees endless options for dining and entertainment. Just steps away from Memorial Hall are the Cincinnati Music Hall, Wash Park Art Gallery and the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company. For sports fans, the Great American Ball Park, TQL Stadium and Paycor Stadium are all five-to-10-minute walks from Memorial Hall. If you’re looking for a premier dining experience, head down to the Smale Riverfront Park area and try local favorites such as Ruth’s Chris Steak House and the Moerlein Lager House.
Cindependent Film Festival
September 18–20, 2025
Memorial Hall, Cincinnati