That's So Cincinnati with Film Cincinnati CEO Kristen Schlotman

·1 hr 4 min·5 clips

Cincinnati shocked the film world by becoming a top-three finalist for the Sundance Film Festival, thanks to its walkable theaters and regional unity.

The episode opens with hosts Burl Love and Cam Knight addressing crime in Cincinnati, sparked by a viral video and a recent stabbing death. Knight provides statistics showing overall crime is slightly down from last year, with shootings on pace to hit a record low since 2009, but notes increases in downtown and Over-the-Rhine neighborhoods. He discusses police responses like drone patrols and lateral officer recruitment. The hosts then transition to guest Kristen Schlotman, CEO of Film Cincinnati. Schlotman recounts how Cincinnati became a finalist for the Sundance Film Festival, detailing the year-long process that narrowed from over 100 cities to a top-three list including Boulder and Salt Lake City. She explains Cincinnati's assets, such as walkable theaters and a supportive community, and views the bid as a win for elevating the city's profile. Schlotman announces the Cineposium conference in September 2025, a global film industry event in Cincinnati featuring George Clooney, Todd Haynes, and panels with major studios. She shares anecdotes about local film productions like 'Mastermind' and 'Superman,' highlighting animal trainers and location scouts. Schlotman emphasizes the film industry's economic impact, with over 2,100 people working locally last year, and discusses how the Sundance bid galvanized regional collaboration. The episode wraps with Knight describing the realities of police reporting, including FOIA requests and crime scene work, contrasting it with Hollywood portrayals.

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