Nowhere in Ohio is the appreciation of film more robust than at the Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF) held each spring at Playhouse Square in downtown Cleveland. In Ohio and nationally, CIFF is among the longest running and largest festivals to present films to educate, entertain and celebrate the human experience.
When it was established in 1977, CIFF presented eight films from seven countries. In 2024, the festival presented 138 feature films and 225 short films from 60 countries to more than 35,000 attendees at Playhouse Square, with another 34,000-plus online streams. Audience and juried awards totaling $136,500 in 34 categories were awarded ranging from best documentary, global health, Central and Eastern European film and American independents to local heroes, student choice and audience choice winners.
With a reputation for respecting filmmakers, the 2024 festival welcomed 361 guest filmmakers who connected with attendees, fellow artists and industry professionals through talkbacks, community events and patron and filmmaker gatherings.
CIFF has been ranked for multiple years as one of the top 100 Best Reviewed Film Festivals on FilmFreeway and named one of MovieMaker Magazine’s 50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee and one of their 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World.
Among CIFF’s most appreciated programs is FilmSlam®, a media literacy initiative for students in grades 5–12. The curated lineup of films provides students with the ability to evaluate and critique film while encouraging them to participate in thoughtful discussion and embrace curiosity and creativity.
Gearing Up for CIFF49
The excitement is mounting for the 49th Cleveland International Film Festival which takes place from March 27 to April 5, 2025, at its permanent home in the historic theaters of Playhouse Square. CIFF49 will again present hundreds of films and more than $130,000 in cash prizes for juried and audience awarded feature and short films.
Attendees have the opportunity to become a member for early access to festival tickets and reduced prices on tickets, merchandise, day passes and other special events, plus exclusive access to a festival parking pass and ticket 10-packs. Interested in more information? Visit the festival’s website at https://www.clevelandfilm.org.
New Leadership for the Future of CIFF
CIFF49 will be the first festival for its new executive director, Hermione Malone. Hermione took the reins in June 2024, succeeding Marcie Goodman, who led CIFF for 23 years. Originally from Detroit, Hermione spent 13 years in Cleveland in leadership positions before moving to New Orleans in 2016. “I have always said that the Cleveland International Film Festival is one of the best things about living in Cleveland,” Hermione said. “I am thrilled to return to the city to lead CIFF, working with a talented staff and board to create a sustainable future for CIFF, one that enhances the city’s dynamic arts and culture landscape and allows more residents and visitors alike to see themselves at CIFF.”
Hermione Malone, CIFF executive directorMallory Martin, CIFF artistic director
Hermione is partnered with artistic director Mallory Martin, who travels the world in search of the best films to bring back to the festival, participating in festival juries, panels, workshops and pitch sessions. Mallory has been with the festival for nearly 14 years, including spearheading CIFF’s first interactive exhibition and guiding the content and viewing experience for the online CIFF that took place during COVID and remains a vital avenue for film buffs to participate.
FUN FACT CIFF is one of the few festivals in the world that is Academy Award qualifying for all three categories of short films – live action, animated and documentary.
Audience in line outside for screening of “Devo” Festivalgoers happy to see each other at CIFFFimmaker panel discussion at CIFF
