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MOV Film is preparing to expand its public programming this fall after receiving a $5,000 grant from the Ohio Arts Council, according to a release from the organization.
The ArtsRISE grant will support MOV Film's Appalachian Film Access and Workforce Initiative, the release said. The project period will run from Sept. 15 through June 30, 2027, and the organization's proposal calls for approximately four free public film screenings and three panel discussions or presentations.
According to the release, the grant can support eligible expenses including venue and audiovisual costs, guest filmmakers and panelists, marketing and promotion, accessibility services and event materials. The grant does not require matching funds, and MOV Film said it can adjust the proposed programming to fit the $5,000 award.
One of the screening events could be the return of the Colony Short Film Festival, which disappeared during the COVID-19 era, the release said.
MOV Film is searching for a venue and a Saturday date in October or November for the one-day festival. The current proposal includes films divided into geographic screening blocks, lunch and dinner breaks, an hourlong filmmaker or industry presentation and an evening awards ceremony.
Once a venue and date are secured, the organization plans to launch the festival on FilmFreeway and begin accepting submissions, according to the release. Organizers would then select judges, develop the program, recruit volunteers and promote the event.
The release said MOV Film's board is also considering purchasing a large projection screen and projector for the festival and other community programs. According to the organization, owning the equipment could allow it to use venues without built-in screening capabilities and avoid repeatedly renting equipment. The board will vote before moving forward with the purchase.
MOV Film is also preparing to launch "Between Takes," a podcast about movies, filmmaking and stories from behind the scenes, according to the release. The podcast is expected to include conversations with filmmakers, actors, crew members and others working in the industry, along with discussions about movies.
The organization plans to record a trailer episode this weekend before beginning production on its first full episode.
MOV Film said it has contacted the publicity team for "Union County" about the possibility of featuring members of the film's team on the first episode.
According to the release, the Ohio-shot feature was written and directed by Adam Meeks and stars Will Poulter and Noah Centineo. The film premiered in the U.S. Dramatic Competition at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival.
The release said "Union County" is set against the backdrop of Ohio's opioid crisis and combines professional actors with people involved in recovery and drug court programs. MOV Film representatives recently attended a prerelease screening of the film.
Another locally produced film supported by the organization has been submitted to a West Virginia film festival, according to the release.
"Something Beckons," an Appalachian horror short filmed in the Mid-Ohio Valley this summer, has been submitted to the Deadhead Film Festival in St. Albans, the release said.
MOV Film said it helped connect participants in its Kenny Chaplin production assistant training program with opportunities to work on the film's crew. The organization described the production as an opportunity for participants to move from workforce training into hands-on experience.
The release also announced plans to refresh the organization's website, MOVFilm.org. According to MOV Film, Michael Bond, owner of Spoken Tap to Talk AAC, offered the time and expertise of an intern to help redesign the website using Squarespace.
The updated website is expected to feature information about local film resources, upcoming events, training opportunities, "Between Takes," the Colony Short Film Festival and ways to support or become involved with MOV Film.
MOV Film has also been promoting its work through local radio programs, the release said. Board member Aaron Whited recently appeared on WMOA Radio during a Marietta Area Chamber of Commerce segment. Board Chair Erin O'Neill is expected to appear with Eric Little on his Seven Mountains Media community program.
According to the release, MOV Film offers sponsorship opportunities ranging from Friends of Film, for contributions of $250 or less, to Executive Producer sponsorships of $5,000 or more. The organization said sponsorships support filmmaker outreach, workforce training, marketing, infrastructure and community programs.
Those interested in sponsorships or other ways to become involved can email info@movfilm.org or visit MOVFilm.org.