AKRON, Ohio — This weekend, some of Akron’s top filmmakers and film lovers will be in the city’s Highland Square neighborhood to enjoy their very own festival.
The annual Highland Square Film Festival is back after two years and the goal is to celebrate Akron’s film talent.
Brian O’Donnell is one of the filmmakers who will be featured in this event.
He currently lives in New York City but was born and raised in Akron. He made the trip back for this festival.
“It’s an honor really to show the film here again,” O’Donnell said. “It’s wonderful.”
O’Donnell shot “Akron” the film in the city in 2014.
“We’re standing in front of the Square Nightclub where we shot some of the scenes,” he explained. “It’s bringing back memories, too.”
His film is an LGBTQ+ romantic drama that’s set in Akron.
“The drama comes from a different perspective than you are used to seeing,” he explained.
O’Donnell said he is honored to have his film featured by this festival in his hometown.
Directly after the film’s screening, he will be doing a question and answer session with the audience.
“I’ve been involved with other film festivals and I have never been involved with one like this,” he said. “It really is a local film festival. It is really there to promote and support local filmmakers.”
Along with his own work being featured, he was asked to be a judge for some of the other films.
“It was really exciting to see all of the work that people are making here,” he said. “There are all sorts of different expressions, some experimental, some dancers, some singers, some story-tellers, just really highlighting the talent of Akron.”
The film festival takes place this Saturday.
Here are the day’s events from the Highland Square Film Festivals website:
- 9:15-10:15 a.m.: Community yoga with Yoga Squared
- 11 a.m.-1 p.m.: “Akron” the film Q&A with Brian O’Donnell
- 11 a.m. 6 p.m.: Vendor tables open
- 1:15-2:15 p.m.: Free Black! Outside of Mr. Zubs
- 2:30-5:30 p.m.: Selected short films/workshops @ locations throughout highland square
- 6:30 p.m.: Awards @ Mustard Seed Cafe
- 7:00-8:30 p.m.: Dance party with DJ Ben Crazy
You can get tickets day-of at the information booth that will be set up across the Highland Square Theatre.
If you can’t attend the festival, you can find “Akron” the film on Amazon.
