The Wexner Center for the Arts celebrates the 25th anniversary of Ohio Shorts

On Thursday, April 15, the Film/Video program from the Wexner Center for the Arts at The Ohio State University will temporarily take up residence at Columbus’ South Drive-In for a free theatrical presentation of the 25th anniversary edition of Ohio Shorts. The program will also stream April 17–May 1 via the center’s website.

“What became our annual program Ohio Shorts was started by an intern in the center’s education department in 1996,” recalls David Filipi, Film/Video Director for the Wex. “Originally titled the Independent Film/Video Showcase, the first iteration was an informal gesture aimed at young people, but it quickly evolved into a more public, statewide event. This was well before YouTube and phone cameras. Most submissions were on VHS tape, and we usually received at least a few submissions on 16 or 35mm film in the early years.”

“Fast forward to 2021 and Ohio Shorts has become one of the most anticipated events for our audience and creators alike,” Filipi adds. “We still get well over 100 entries each year, and we were thrilled to have nearly 4000 people watch last year’s show and related virtual conversations online. It’s rewarding to know that the creative spirit continues to evolve with the technology, and that people still love to gather to celebrate this event each year.”

The 25th anniversary program was organized by Wex Film/Video Studio Curator Jennifer Lange and Film/Video Curatorial Assistant Layla Muchnik-Benali. The program was curated by guest juror Prentiss Haney, a Co-Executive Director of the Cincinnati-based Ohio Organizing Collaborative and an Ohio Shorts alum. His student film Life Stepped In screened in the 2009 program and was awarded second prize by the jury that year.

“Ohio Shorts creates space for artists to be celebrated for who they are and for the important stories they need to tell,” Haney says. “This year's entries are no exception. I curated a show that reflected the energy and themes of 2020: isolation, connection, caring for one another, and social uprisings. My creative audacity grew because of Ohio Shorts. I hope this show will inspire these artists to continue to reflect the times and tell powerful stories.”

A total of 20 films will be presented this year from youth and adult filmmakers spread across the state. All participants are eligible for a $500 Jury Award, selected by Prentiss Haney, as well as a $300 Audience Choice Award, for which viewers can cast ballots online April 15–25. Complete program listings are below.

The April 15 screening at South Drive-In, which is located at 3050 S. High Street, begins at sunset (approx. 8:40 PM). Free admission is first come, first served. For the safety of staff and guests, patron information will be collected using COVID-19 contact tracing. Additional safety protocols and other information about the venue are available at www.drive-inmovies.com and on this handout.

The two-week virtual presentation at wexarts.org, beginning April 17, is also free to view and will be closed captioned. If you have questions about accessibility or require additional accommodations to participate in this event, please contact Accessibility Manager Helyn Marshall at accessibility@wexarts.org or (614) 688-3890.