Hollywood is heading to the Queen City, and George Clooney is leading the charge.
The Oscar-winning actor, filmmaker and philanthropist will take center stage at the 2025 Film Cincinnati Gala for a live, onstage conversation about film, family and the future of storytelling. The event, set for Sept. 15 at MegaCorp Pavilion in Newport, will also mark the opening of the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) Cineposium – and celebrate the group’s 50th anniversary.
Clooney, a Kentucky native with long-standing ties to the Cincinnati area, has helped bring multiple productions to the region over the years, most notably “The Ides of March” in 2011. His presence at the gala is both a nod to his roots and a spotlight on the city’s rising status as a destination for filmmakers.
“We are thrilled to host AFCI’s Cineposium at the annual Film Cincinnati Gala and welcome George home for a conversation on the film industry,” said Kristen Schlotman, president and CEO of Film Cincinnati.
Bringing Hollywood to Ohio
Cineposium is AFCI’s annual global conference, drawing film commissioners, studio executives and policymakers to share ideas and promote production partnerships. It’s one of the largest gatherings of its kind, aimed at fostering collaboration between governments and the entertainment industry.
Film Cincinnati – the region’s film office – secured the conference through a competitive bid process alongside meetNKY, Northern Kentucky’s tourism bureau. The win puts Cincinnati in elite company – past hosts include Barcelona, Paris, Seoul, Los Angeles and Wellington, New Zealand.
“Partnering with Film Cincinnati for AFCI’s 50th Anniversary highlights this city’s significant role in the film industry and our shared commitment to storytelling,” said Marnie Gee, board chair of AFCI. “We’re honored that George Clooney, an accomplished storyteller deeply connected to this region, is welcoming AFCI on behalf of Film Cincinnati.”
What to expect
The 2025 edition will feature workshops, panels and networking events showcasing Greater Cincinnati as a premier location for media production – complete with its historic architecture, production infrastructure and state tax incentives.
For Clooney’s keynote-style conversation, only a limited number of table sponsorships and partnership opportunities are available. Interested parties can reach out to Andrew Reynolds at Film Cincinnati for details.
More information on Cineposium registration is available on the registration website
“Cincinnati has a long-standing commitment to storytelling and artists, and this conference is a perfect opportunity to showcase the city’s ability to host world-class productions,” Schlotman said.
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