CLEVELAND — The countdown to The Cleveland International Film Festival is officially on. One of the longest-running and largest film festivals in the nation is set to take place at Playhouse Square from March 22– April 1.
According to organizers, this year's festival will include 121 feature films and 199 short films, representing 67 countries during its 11-day run.
3News' Kierra Cotton sat down with Patrick Shepard, Associate Director with the Cleveland International Film Festival on Sunday and he highlighted two films with ties to Northeast Ohio that are being screened Join or Die and Olympic Oaks.
Join or Die takes a look at the life and work of Port Clinton native, Robert Putnam and his theory, "social capital."
A synopsis for the film reads, that "Putnam’s findings serve as a launching pad for activism. The film posits clubs and associations as a cornerstone of American democracy, while also unpacking the many societal and economic factors that have contributed to our downturn in civic involvement. With surprisingly upbeat imagery and interview appearances from such political figures as Hillary Clinton and Pete Buttigieg, this documentary shows the impact of America’s pivot from communal participation to individualism and offers hope and strategy for the future."
Click here to watch the trailer.
Shepard also discussed Olympic Oaks, Continuing Jesse Owens' Legacy, which looks at the preservation efforts of four oak trees given to Owens during the 1936 Olympics.
A synopsis for the film reads, "The film explores Jesse’s athleticism and courage, in the face of racism, as well as the journey of Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation, Holden Forests & Gardens, and the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, on their quest to graft the last of the surviving oak trees to honor Jesse’s story for generations to come. "
Click here to watch the trailer.
You can see the full 2023 program lineup HERE.
The in-person event will then be followed by CIFF47 Streams from April 2-9.
Prices are listed as follows:
- Tickets for in-person screenings are $16 for CIFF members and $18 for non-members.
- Tickets for CIFF46 streams screenings are $12 for CIFF members and $14 for non-members.
- If you are not yet a member, you can become one by visiting the Festival’s membership page.
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*Editor's Note: The video in the player above is from a previous, unrelated reported that aired February 6, 2023.