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AVW Premiere – Short Film Showcase

Join us Saturday, April 19th at 7:00 p.m. for a special screening showcasing short films created by members of AVW (Athens Video Works) Productions!

Admission is FREE and open to the public – Tickets are required

Tickets are available in-person in our lobby prior to the event during normal business hours, as well as at the event

About AVW Productions

This student-run video production house provides experience in all aspects of production from management and advertising to the production process itself. Students learn techniques of field and studio operations while producing video for various outlets. The central mission of AVW Productions is production that is marketable to different regions of Ohio.

About the films

Every Night. Directed by Hayley Hiles. Runtime: 5 min

Synopsis: The song Every Night is by local artist and OU student Jillian Kay. Every Night was written to be a “love letter to Athens” and the video encapsulates this by telling a love story while exploring the sights of Athens. We follow a young woman that follows a leaf leading her to a man who catches her eye. He remains just out of reach as she attempts to interact with him. Eventually they go into the same bar and share a dance to Jillian’s music as she performs.

 

Laughing to Death. Directed by Lily Biggs. Runtime: 11 min

Synopsis: Laughing to Death takes inspiration from the silent film era of the 1920s, with a slight modern spin. The film follows our clutzy Heroine on a night full of mystery, comedy, and vampires… and a little romance.

 

 

Fake to Fan. Directed by William DeBlock. Runtime: 7 min

Synopsis: Join Host Jacob Smith for a thrilling game of wits and niche fandom knowledge. Two teams go head-to-head answering trivia questions on topics one team member is an expert on, but the other is completely clueless. Given only 5 minutes to info-dump their entire topic, who will come out the ultimate fast learner and who will leave as nothing more than a fake among fans?

 

Light Piercer. Directed by Addison Knoll. Runtime: 9 min

Synopsis: For the two-year anniversary of the superhero “Whirlwind”, a documentary crew interviews his nemesis “Light Piercer”, aka Lucas. Watch as they get a peak behind the curtain of his everyday life.

 

 

Manifesto of The Visitors. Directed by Jacob Smith. Runtime: 15 min

Synopsis: A writer facing a creative block discovers a mysterious stone which prompts a bizarre series of trances and messages hinting towards an otherworldly purpose.

 

 

In Love with A TV. Directed by Connor Otte. Runtime: 3 1/2 min

Synopsis: A girl’s obsession with TV sends her boyfriend on a indie-pop journey through the shows she can’t stop watching.

 

 

 

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Running Time: 120 MIN120 MIN
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Sustainability/Earth Day: WATER IS LOVE: RIPPLES OF REGENERATION with Dr. Natalie Kruse

Watch Trailer Director: Ludwig Schramm

Join us on Tuesday, April 22nd at 7:00 p.m. for a special Sustainability Series screening in celebration of Earth Day 2025!

Admission is FREE – Tickets are required

About the film

This inspiring documentary is comprised of stories from people around the world who not only find themselves on the front line of the climate crisis, but who are also trying to do something about it by employing regenerative ecosystem designs and creating more-effective systems of water retention in communities and regions across the globe. The insights expressed in the film detail the science about how water effects our climate and the urgency of making a strong effort to restore water cycles that have been disrupted by human-induced phenomena. You’ll see successful projects in countries like India, Kenya, and Portugal, where activists cultivate the necessary dialogue and take part in fixing our broken approach to combating the climate crisis. Water Is Love: Ripples of Regeneration demonstrates that the solution to one of the biggest problems to ever face humanity may lie in coming together as a community to take up the responsibility for managing our own water needs and revitalizing the world one village at a time.

About the speaker

Dr. Natalie Kruse is a Professor and Director of the Environmental Studies Program in the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service at Ohio University in Athens, OH. Her research focus is on water quality impairment from legacy mining and oil and gas operations, the impact of climate induced hydrologic change on water quality, watershed scale characterization and management, and data-rich approaches to environmental problem solving. She is the recipient of numerous awards for leadership and scholarship and is a member of the Manasseh Cutler Scholars Program Internal Steering Committee and a frequent chair of Cutler Scholars Interview Committees. Dr. Kruse serves as the director of the District 12 Science Day and the Southeast Ohio Regional Science Fair. She sits on the Ohio Academy of Science Junior Academy Council.

Special thanks to the following sponsor organizations: Ohio University Libraries, Office of Sustainability, Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service, and Honors Tutorial College.

 

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The Met: Live in HD: Mozart’s LE NOZZE DI FIGARO

Conductor Joana Mallwitz, in her Met debut, takes the podium to conduct a stellar ensemble cast including American bass-baritone Michael Sumuel as the clever valet Figaro, Ukrainian soprano Olga Kulchynska as the wily maid Susanna, Canadian baritone Joshua Hopkins as the skirt-chasing Count, Italian soprano Federica Lombardi as his anguished wife, and French mezzo-soprano Marianne Crebassa as the adolescent page Cherubino.

The screening will begin at 12:55 p.m. and will conclude at approximately 4:50 p.m.

Admission $20 (Senior $18, Children $8)

OHIO Students Free with valid ID*

*Thanks to support from Arts for OHIO, we are able to offer a limited number of FREE student tickets available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Must have valid student I.D.

Click here to view the rest of the Met: Live in HD schedule

Special thanks to George Weckman and the following supporters:

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Running Time: 235 MIN235 MIN
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OU School of Film: BFA CAPSTONE SCREENING

Come celebrate the excellent work of budding filmmakers from the OHIO School of Film’s Bachelor of Fine Arts program!

Friday, May 2nd at 7:00 p.m.

Admission is FREE and open to the public – Tickets are required

Ohio University School of Film invites you to our 2025 Senior Capstone Showcase at the Athena Cinema on Friday May 2nd at 7pm!

This annual event celebrates the culminating cinematic achievements of the graduating BFA Senior class, featuring short films “Rose Tinted Glases” directed by Jack Connelly, “Laced in Smoke” directed by K.J Roberts, “The Playhouse” directed by Rachel Weisberg, “Tuesday” directed by Amy Mancinelli, “Rue” directed by Emily Skipworth, “The Safe House” directed by James Kelly, “5000//20” directed by Ross Jeffers, “Tonight Corporeal” directed by Jordan Walker, “I Can Be Killed” directed by Horatio Allen and “Insanely Lonely” directed by Zach Hess.

The Films and Filmmakers

Rose Tinted Glasses – Directed by Jack Connelly. Runtime: 12 min 30 sec.

Synopsis: An introverted boy navigates a new and exciting friendship with a girl. Living too much of the relationship in his head, he mis-reads the situation and loses something he once loved.

 

 

Laced In Smoke – Directed by K.J. Roberts. Runtime: 5 min

Synopsis: A laid-back gaming session takes a surreal turn when one of the three friends, Chris, is pulled into a haze of illusion and imagination. But, as Chris slips deeper into fantasy, the line between reality and delusion begins to blur, testing the limits of perception.

 

 

The Playhouse – Directed by Rachel Weisberg. Runtime: 11 min 58 sec

Synopsis: A struggling actor desperate for a job goes on a interview set up by her best friend for what they think is a character actor for children’s birthday parties when, in reality, its for something a little more R-rated.

 

 

Tuesday – Directed by Amy Mancinelli. Runtime: 11 min

Synopsis: Over a quiet pasta dinner, a couple’s conversation takes an unexpected turn when the topic of children arises, unravelling their fears, hopes, and uncertain future.

 

 

Rue – Directed by Emily Skipworth. Runtime: 6 min 56 sec

Synopsis: In the aftermath of a devastating loss, April Searches for lost dogs in an attempt to redeem herself of her sexuality.

 

 

Safe House – Directed by James Kelly. Runtime: 21 min

Synopsis: After returning home from a swim meet to find her door wide open, Claire spirals into paranoia as she begins to question whether it’s just her family in the house.

 

 

Tonight Corporeal – Directed by Jordan Walker. Runtime: 10 min 14 sec

Synopsis: Kenneth Boone is house-sitting for his uncle in his secluded cabin in the woods where something begins to haunt him, but he can’t discern if it is an other-worldly beast or his own religious guilt driving him insane.

 

 

5000/20 – Directed by Ross Jeffers. Runtime: 10 min

Synopsis: Breaking up with his estranged online relationship, a contempt boy tries to figure out his identity while having a night out with friends where long-time inhibitions melt into a doomsday house party in August 1999.

 

I Can Be Killed – Directed by Horatio Allen. Runtime: 16 min 26 sec

Synopsis: Not wanting to die in a body that repulses him, Lev, a trans college student, resorts to the most extreme measures possible.

 

 

Insanely Lonely – Directed by Zach Hess. Runtime: 16 min

Synopsis: Milo is just a young ordinary college student. But he struggles with a deep depression and loneliness and is just trying to connect with people because he feels like he doesn’t fit in. Anyways, after a depressing night out, he goes home and just has a nice phone call with his mom that changes his outlook on his situation.

 

 

 

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OU School of Film: 3RD YEAR MFA THESIS SCREENING

Come celebrate the excellent work of student filmmakers from the OHIO School of Film’s Master of Fine Arts program!

Saturday, May 3rd at 7:00 p.m.

Admission is FREE and open to the Public – Tickets are required

The screening will consist of a series of short films created exclusively by student filmmakers who are in their 3rd year of Ohio University School of Film’s Master of Fine Arts program. Trust us…you don’t want to miss this special event!

The Films and Filmmakers

Maya – directed by Sharique Siddiqui. Runtime: 10 min 33 sec *

* NOTE: This film will screen in the School of Film Screening Room on the bottom floor of 31 S. Court St. from 6:00-7:00 p.m. and from 9:00-10:00 p.m., before and after the event at The Athena

Synopsis: Maya is a 360° Cinematic VR film that immerses the viewer in a surreal world shaped by a mysterious woman named Maya, who blurs the line between illusion and reality. Inspired by the ancient Vedic concept of Māyā, the film traps the audience in her ever-shifting dreamscape, challenging their perception at every turn.

 

THREADS – directed by James Joseph. Runtime: 19 min

Synopsis: Over the Christmas holidays, Jane becomes trapped in a mall washroom. But the true escape lies not in breaking the door—but in reconciling with the past she’s spent a lifetime avoiding.

 

 

Ashanti Immigrant – directed by Peter Owusu. Runtime: 17 min

Synopsis: A fading artist and her young assistant battle personal insecurities, cultural differences, and creative tension as they attempt to complete one final masterpiece together.

 

 

Sawt: An Oral History of Resettlement Campuses – directed by Yana Durado. Runtime: 18 min

Synopsis: Ṣawt: An Oral History of Resettlement Campuses amplifies the voices of refugees who have found safety and solidarity within U.S. campuses, weaving together stories of home, hope, and human connection.

 

 

From Athens, With Love – directed by Aram Riazi. Runtime: 14 min

Synopsis: A cinematic letter from Athens to home, from Aram’s journey to the United States.

 

 

 

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Be Vicarious – directed by Samuel Coletta-Bates. Runtime: 15 min 30 sec

Synopsis: Herman makes a living off of recording and selling his own memories. He’s employed by Elise, a wealthy agoraphobe, and, as the two continue to meet, the nature of their relationship begins to blur.

 

 

A Force of Some Kind – directed by Constanze Brodbeck. Runtime: 16 min 3 sec

Synopsis: Through loving, losing, and playing punk music, Constanze learns what love is all about.

 

 

 

 

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Running Time: 180 MIN180 MIN
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Hocking College: 5TH ANNUAL CAPSTONE SCREENING

Join us Friday, May 9th at 7:00 p.m. for a special event screening featuring the work of student filmmakers from Hocking College’s 2nd-Year Film & Video Production program!

We’re proud to host this special event celebrating the work of student filmmakers — and we’re especially thrilled to welcome the talented members of Hocking College’s Film & Video Production Program! Join us in honoring the creativity, passion, and hard work of these rising storytellers. The event will feature a series of short films created by Hocking College 2nd-year Film & Video Production students.

Admission is free and open to the public – Tickets are required

 

About the films and filmmakers

Unknown – Directed by Liam Morgan. Runtime: 5 min

Synopsis: When a student is dared to explore the school’s video archives, he discovers a tape labeled “Unknown.” What he finds is far more disturbing than he ever expected. This film is an Award Winning Short for OU’s 48 Hour Shootout.

 

Sleep – Directed by Cameron Cornelious. Runtime: 2 min

Synopsis: A man glimpses eerie visions of a future he may be powerless to change.

 

 

Samurai Town – Directed by Mark A. Minter. Runtime: 7 min

Synopsis: Samurai Town is a short documentary on Okazaki City in Japan and the community life of the owners, host family, and students of the Global Studies Cafe.

 

 

Breathe – Directed by Skye Farkas. Runtime: 3 min 30 sec

Synopsis: What begins as a pleasant evening for Leigh quickly spirals into a waking nightmare. As unsettling events unfold around her, confusion, anxiety, and terror take hold, trapping her in a relentless cycle she cannot escape.

 

Reincarnated  – Directed by Luke Fisher. Runtime: 8 min

Synopsis: While visiting home for a family gathering, a young man is forced to have a long overdue conversation with his father.

 

 

CTRL – Directed by Ellijah Sherrill. Runtime: 10 min 30 sec

Synopsis: One ordinary day slips into a fractured reality. Jason can’t leave, but he knows he shouldn’t stay. Is it just a nightmare—or something much more real?

 

 

One Shot – Directed by Luke Duncan. Runtime: 11 min 45 sec

Synopsis: A man named Duncan wakes up to a phone call telling him he’s in deep debt. He decides the best way to solve this problem is to risk it all in an underground casino.

 

 

Fatal Fortune – Directed by Hunter Purcell. Runtime: 16 min

Synopsis: A Vault Dweller wandering the wasteland to fix a broken Pip-Boy comes across an uncanny heist, involving some dangerous individuals and a large reward.

 

 

 

 

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The Met: Live in HD: Strauss’s SALOME

Met Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin takes the podium to conduct Richard Strauss’s famous (and infamous) one-act tragedy. Leading the company’s first new production of the work in 20 years, Claus Guth, one of Europe’s leading opera directors, gives the biblical story a psychologically perceptive Victorian-era setting. South African soprano Elza van den Heever leads a celebrated cast as the abused and unhinged antiheroine, with Swedish baritone Peter Mattei as the imprisoned prophet Jochanaan; German tenor Gerhard Siegel as Salome’s lecherous stepfather, King Herod; American mezzo-soprano Michelle DeYoung as his wife, Herodias; and Polish tenor Piotr Buszewski as Narraboth.

The screening will begin at 12:55 p.m. and will conclude at approximately 3:10 p.m.

Admission $20 (Senior $18, Children $8)

OHIO Students Free with valid ID*

*Thanks to support from Arts for OHIO, we are able to offer a limited number of FREE student tickets available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Must have valid student I.D.

Click here to view the rest of the Met: Live in HD schedule

Special thanks to George Weckman and the following supporters:

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Running Time: 135 MIN135 MIN
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Mt. Zion Black Cultural Center Presents: BLACK WALL STREET ATHENS Episode 2

Watch Trailer Director: Kingsley Lims Nyarko

Join us on Monday, May 19th at 7:00 p.m. as we help kick off Berry Day Week with a special event premiere screening of the latest episode of “Black Wall Street Athens”, presented by the Mt. Zion Black Cultural Center!

This event will also include a screening of Episode 1 of the “Black Wall Street Athens” series

Admission is FREE – Tickets are required*

*Tickets will be available in-person in The Athena lobby during normal business hours up to and during the evening of the event

Special Themed Cocktail (available all week):

“Berry Hotel Bramble”

West End CiderHouse Eleven Square Vodka, delicious blackberry syrup, fresh lime juice, a splash of club soda, garnished with mint and fresh berries

About the films

Black Wall Street Athens: Episode 2 is the latest installment in a three-part documentary series from the Mount Zion Black Cultural Center. This episode explores the legacy of the Albany Enterprise Academy—Ohio’s first Black-owned and operated school—and the lives it shaped, including Milton Holland and Olivia Davidson. It continues with the story of Ed and Mattie Berry, Black entrepreneurs and owners of the Hotel Berry in Athens. Together, these narratives reveal a powerful lineage of Black achievement in the region, set against a backdrop of ongoing architectural and historical erasure in the Appalachian Ohio River Valley. Directed by: Kingsley Lims Nyarko.

For more information about the Mt. Zion Black Cultural Center, Berry Day Week, and Black wall Street Athens, visit the Mt. Zion website below:

MtZionAthens.org

Special thanks to the following organizations for sponsoring this event: African American Community Fund, Waymakers Collective, and Athens Sunrise Rotary Club

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Running Time: 29 MIN29 MIN
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The Met: Live in HD: Rossini’s IL BARBIERE DI SIVIGLIA

Closing out The Metropolitan Opera’s 2024–25 Live in HD season is Rossini’s unforgettably effervescent comedy Il Barbiere di Siviglia. Russian mezzo-soprano Aigul Akhmetshina headlines a winning ensemble as the feisty heroine, Rosina, alongside American tenor Jack Swanson, in his Met debut, as her secret beloved, Count Almaviva. Moldovan baritone Andrey Zhilikhovsky stars as Figaro, the ingenious barber of Seville, with Hungarian bass-baritone Peter Kálmán as Dr. Bartolo and Russian bass Alexander Vinogradov as Don Basilio rounding out the principal cast. Giacomo Sagripanti conducts Bartlett Sher’s madcap production.

The screening will begin at 12:55 p.m. and will conclude at approximately 4:30 p.m.

Admission $20 (Senior $18, Children $8)

OHIO Students Free with valid ID*

*Thanks to support from Arts for OHIO, we are able to offer a limited number of FREE student tickets available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Must have valid student I.D.

Click here to view the rest of the Met: Live in HD schedule

Special thanks to George Weckman and the following supporters:

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Running Time: 215 MIN215 MIN
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Athens County Public Libraries Present: FREE FOR ALL: THE PUBLIC LIBRARY

Watch Trailer Director: Dawn Logsdon, Lucie Faulknor

Join us on Saturday, May 31st at 3:00 p.m. for a special event screening of a thoughtful and timely documentary that demonstrates the crucial role that public libraries serve in our communities!

Admission is FREE and open to the public – Tickets are required*

*Tickets can be claimed in-person at the Athena lobby during our normal business hours

This screening will also include a Q&A panel discussion with ACPL Librarians after the film

About the film

Free for All: The Public Library tells the story of the quiet revolutionaries who made a simple idea happen. From the pioneering women behind the “Free Library Movement” to today’s librarians who service the public despite working in a contentious age of closures and book bans, meet those who created a civic institution where everything is free and the doors are open to all.

Special thanks to WOUB/Independent Lens and the Friends of the Athens County Public Libraries for sponsoring this event

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Running Time: 85 MIN85 MIN
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