Documentary Screenings Near Me

Cinema Columbus 2026: Sightlines: Documentary Shorts at the Gateway Film Center!

NOTE: This will be an UNHOSTED EVENT. This is just being listed as a fun opportunity to see some great short docs and support this Cinema Columbus event. But, I have a conflict on this day/time, so I’m only 50-50 if I’ll be able to make it. (If I am able to make it, you’ll see me there!) Tentatively listing it as an “un-hosted event.” But, while no official host will be present, you’ll be able to check the RSVP list so you can keep an eye out for fellow CMG’ers and your for Movie Group friends! \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Join us for a CMG Bonus Event to see five special Documentary Shorts as part of Cinema Columbus 2026! The Cinema Columbus event is now in its 5th year, but this will be the FIRST time the Movie Group will attend! The festival features over 75 feature length and short films shown at a variety of Columbus locations. For our event, we’ll check out the Documentary Shorts section at the Gateway, described below: DESCRIPTION: The 5 documentary shorts explore, “the spaces we inhabit” and why they “matter so deeply.” “The environments we shape mold us. These short visions unearth intimate looks at how physical place informs internal realities.” The Shorts of Ohio includes the following films: \* Elephant Families (15-min), Dirs. Evan Bode & Marvin Wade. A documentary about the resilience of London’s Latin American communities as a wave of regeneration hits Elephant and Castle. \* Prison and Time (7-min), Dir. Elena Escalante. A formerly incarcerated writer speaks about his 25 years in prison and the positive transformation he achieved in spite of, not because of, the criminal legal system around him. \* The Sight Unseen (35-min), Dir. Shawn Antoine II. This documentary explores a writer’s memories and writings, investigating whether a phenomenon experienced in 1971 was divine or a hoax. \* Prettier in Whittier (12-min), Dir. Joe Kowalski. In the town of Whittier, nearly the entire population lives in a single apartment building, bringing new meaning to the idea of getting along with your neighbor. \* Grampy’s Red Rock Rabbit Ranch (32-min) Dirs. Martin Krafft & Laura Asherman. A filmmaker is invited to document her friend’s seemingly idyllic life on an intergenerational farm, but the act of filming becomes entangled with the farm community’s unraveling. PERSONAL INVITATION and Q&A: Martin Krafft, the director of the documentary short Grampy’s Red Rock Rabbit Ranch reached out personally to invite our group to attend! From Martin Crafft: “I'm the director of a short doc, Grampy's Red Rock Rabbit Ranch, having its world premiere at Cinema Columbus Film Festival on September 13th." Martin will be traveling from Berlin, Germany and story co-creator Emily Kleypas, will be traveling from NYC for the premiere and a Q&A after the documentary shorts” and would by “totally honored if the Columbus Movie Group” would attend! PLAN: Please purchase your ticket for the 1:30pm showing on Sunday, September 13th! Recommend arriving in the upstairs lobby area around 1:15pm to meet up with fellow group members. Tickets for this one may move quickly so advance purchase as soon as possible is advised. The total program will be 2-hours. Tickets just $11.57 with no online ticketing fee! You can order yours and find out more about the program here: https://cinemacolumbus.eventive.org/Schedule/6a594d59bc221f005a8b6d48 Hope you can make it, Dan

CMG Special Event: MANHATTAN SHORT FILM FESTIVAL at the Gateway Film Center!

\* One World \* One Week \* One Festival \* Join us as we get together for a CMG special event and fun annual tradition: THE MANHATTAN SHORT FILM FESTIVAL! If you haven’t attended with us before, you’ll LOVE it! (And if you have attended before you probably already signed up!) This event showcases 10 short films selected from hundreds from around the globe! We'll view each of this year’s 10 short film finalists back-to-back then cast our ballots to help pick this year’s winner! Afterwards, we’ll get together for a bite, a drink and to chat about the shorts! Here are complete details for this year’s event: ABOUT THE FESTIVAL: THE MANHATTAN SHORT is the only event of its kind! This year’s Ten Finalists will screen across the world during a one-week period. Finalists are selected from hundreds of films submitted from across the globe with the winner determined by ballots cast by the audiences in each participating venue. Winning films will be announced after the festival and I’ll send an announcement to the group! All of this year’s finalists will be eligible in the Short Film categories at the 2026 Academy Awards. THIS YEAR’S FINALISTS: This year is extra special because for the first time in its history MANHATTAN SHORT has selected ten films from ten different countries, with films from USA, Ireland, Australia, South Africa, United Kingdom, Moldova, Russia, Cuba, Georgia and Mexico! Films include everything from comedy to drama, action to animation, and everything in between! 2026 TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOdETuNe6E0 2025 MANHATTAN SHORT WEBSITE + DETAILS: Click here for more information about this one-of-a-kind festival and to learn more about his year’s finalists: https://www.manhattanshort.com/finalists.html PLAN: We’ll plan for mid-afternoon showing and will meet in the upstairs lobby about 30 minutes before showtime! We always bring a big group and previous events have sold out, so advance ticket purchase as soon as possible via the GFC website is advised! If seat numbers are assigned, please list your seat number in the Comments section for this event. Afterwards, don’t miss joining us for the always-fun post-show conversation, food and drinks at nearby Cazuela’s Mexican Grill! PARKING: Close, convenient parking is available in the garage located behind the theater! Access the garage through 9th or 11th Avenues, near High Street. Get your parking validated at the box office for just $2 and your covered for the night. Can't wait, Dan

Humanist Program

In September we will hear from Fish Stark the American Humanist Association’s Executive Director. "The Religious Right Is Fighting a Holy War. Here's Our Plan To Win. The religious right is waging the most aggressive assault on secular values in a generation — defunding public schools, pushing religion into government, and attacking empathy itself as a weakness and a sin. But the picture isn't all bleak. Efforts to force the Bible into public school classrooms are being defeated in court. The AHA just won major federal cases in Florida and Arkansas. The Congressional Freethought Caucus we helped start is now larger than the Freedom Caucus. And from Minneapolis to Biloxi, humanists are showing what is possible when we show up for our communities." "AHA Executive Director Fish Stark will break down the threats the AHA's legal and policy teams are tracking right now, where the most serious attacks on the First Amendment are coming from, and what humanists can do to fight back and win — in the courts, in Congress, in the culture, and in our communities." The location for this meeting is Graystone Wine Cellar (544 South Front Street Columbus OH 43215). This meeting will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online. The formal presentation will start at noon. Soft drinks and coffee will be provided by the venue. Additionally, we will be providing catered appetizers from Blue Bow Tie Catering and so we would like an accurate count for that. We appreciate your response. Feel free to show up at 11:30am to hang out and talk. The Humanist Monthly Program is our longest running event and still a community favorite. In the old days it used to be called "Going to HCCO" and we still like to think of it as our flagship event. We do request that you RSVP for this event as seating is limited. Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC)

In Person Event: The Secrets to Mental Health

Mental Health, how do you understand it? How can you improve it? How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went? Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence? Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp. This group is hosted by the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

After Love

***After Love*** (2020) is a British drama written and directed by Aleem Khan in his feature-length directorial debut. The film stars Joanna Scanlan as Mary Hussain, a white English woman who converted to Islam after marrying her Pakistani husband, Ahmed. After Ahmed dies suddenly, Mary makes a shocking discovery: her husband had been living a secret double life with another family just 21 miles away, across the English Channel in Calais, France. As Mary begins to uncover the life she never knew about, the film explores grief, love, betrayal, identity, faith, and the question of how well we can ever truly know another person. ***After Love*** is available to watch on Amazon Prime.

Let’s Bring Back Regular Events!

Discount Tuesday: PRACTICAL MAGIC 2 at Cinemark Stoneridge + El Vaquero!

Join us for a Discount Tuesday event to see the supernatural-romantic-comedy, PRACTICAL MAGIC 2! This a light and fun follow-up to the 1998 original stars Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman, Dianne Wiest, Stockard Channing and Joey King. Here are descriptions, trailers and our plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: This romantic-fantasy follows a family of witches, cursed to be loveless for centuries, as they attempt to break the spell. It is directed by Susanne Bier and is based on the 2021 novel The Book of Magic by Alice Hoffman. The film stars returning cast members Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman, Dianne Wiest, and Stockard Channing, along with Joey King, Lee Pace and Maisie Williams. FEATURETTE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GeVmTia6VA PLAN: Details Confirmed! For DINNER BEFORE THE SHOW, please meet at nearby EL VAQUERO at 5:30pm and ask for the Movie Group! For the MOVIE, purchase your ticket for the 7:05pm showing and meet inside the theater lobby at 6:45pm! Tix just $5.50 and advance purchase advised! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event! Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

Walk & Talk About Life's Big Questions

[The Board Walks](http://www.theboardwalks.com/) are for curious people who love deep conversations. If that sounds like you, **bring a thoughtful topic** and join us for a 5-mile walk (10,000+ steps!). **HOW IT WORKS** **Step 1: Bring a topic** Before you arrive, think of **one** topic you want to explore. A question. A thought that's been on your mind. An obsession you want to geek out on. This is your ticket to the event. **Step 2: Circle up & share** We gather in a circle. Your friendly walk host gives a speech to set the tone. Everyone shares: your name, what you're grateful for, and your topic. That's it. 60 seconds. **Step 3: Walk, talk & float** We walk 5 miles. You naturally drift into conversation with 2-3 people at a time, pulled by topics that spark your curiosity. When you're ready to move on, just say: "I'm going to float!" **Step 4: Feel more alive** Two hours flies by. You're back where you started — but you feel different. More alive. More energized. More connected to yourself and others. That's why regulars join 20+ times. *For more details, read our [Orientation Guide.](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation)* **HOW TO BRING A GREAT TOPIC** A great topic = something you're genuinely curious about. Recent topics include: * "What are you passionate about right now?" * "What makes a good friend?" * "What's a belief you used to hold that you've completely changed?" * "How do you want to be remembered?" * "What would you do if money wasn't a factor?" Think of your topic like the dish you're bringing to our conversational potluck. If everyone brings an A+ dish (i.e. energizing, uplifting, expansive), we'll all walk away feeling lighter and brighter. **WHAT TO EXPECT** This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together, beyond small talk. *If you're looking for light banter or a standard networking event, this probably isn't the right fit.* But if you crave depth, genuine connection, and conversations that make you feel alive? You'll love it here. **FAQ** * Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk! * We have multiple first-timers at each event. We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space. * We welcome people of **all** ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this space. * Rain or shine, we've been out here nearly every week since July 2022. If the event is cancelled, we'll let you know. * Dogs, babies in strollers, parents, and friends are welcome — please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic! **LOGISTICS** * If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we suggest skipping the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and your host can't answer messages during the event. * This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). This format works best when the whole group moves in unison. If you have mobility limitations, we kindly encourage you to find an event better suited to your needs. * Read our [Orientation Guide](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation) for full details. * If you enjoy the event, send **[this](http://www.theboardwalks.com/)** to a friend or sign up for our **[newsletter](https://theboardwalks.beehiiv.com/)**. We're in multiple cities with more on the way. 🤠👋 **IF YOU WANT TO GO DEEPER...** [The Board](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board) is the next step: a high-trust collective for renaissance people devoted to creating, connecting, and building lives that light us up. * This is a global HQ for people who crave big talk, deep connection, and dream collaborations with people across industries. If the walks feel like a spark... The Board is the fire. Apply [here](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board).

Open Barn Day in September at Sunrise Sanctuary!

## Time & Location Sep 19, 2026, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Marysville, 16730 Martin Welch Rd, Marysville, OH 43040, USA ## About the event Open Barns are a chance for us to open our doors to the public. You can come and meet our 140+ beloved animal residents, tour our scenic property, ask our dedicated volunteers questions, and capture it all on camera. Tickets are required. $10 for adults, $5 for ages 4-17, and under 4 are free. ***As a vegan, volunteer-run nonprofit, all*** ***proceeds from our Open Barns go directly to the care and keeping of our precious animals.*** ***Advance tickets are required.*** To register for tickets[ ](https://sunrisesanctuary.app.neoncrm.com/forms/september-19th-2026-open-barn-day-registration?event=1263&&fbclid=IwY2xjawStIuZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFSOE5FM0hFenFRcm9GZjg1c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHjNL-3pyDbZKTQBRblmshYCP9VPrnZuRoHYf81oadvNRGuyQ7-E81rtSClJI_aem_hIeSy01ebVyG1ac_G8Xajw)**[CLICK HERE](https://sunrisesanctuary.app.neoncrm.com/forms/september-19th-2026-open-barn-day-registration?event=1263&&fbclid=IwY2xjawStIuZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFSOE5FM0hFenFRcm9GZjg1c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHjNL-3pyDbZKTQBRblmshYCP9VPrnZuRoHYf81oadvNRGuyQ7-E81rtSClJI_aem_hIeSy01ebVyG1ac_G8Xajw)**. We also love produce donations, especially melons, apples, pears, carrots, pineapple, squash, pumpkins, and lettuce. For the safety of our dogs, please no grapes.

Vegan Movie Night

Join Columbus Vegan Events for a cozy Vegan Movie Night! 🌱🎬 Come hang out with the vegan community, enjoy some pizza, and settle in for a movie night at Xander on State's in house movie theatre. Whether you come with friends or on your own, this is a casual night to meet new people, grab some food, and enjoy a movie together. 📅 Saturday, September 26 ⏰ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM 📍 Xander on State 265 E State St, Columbus, OH 43215 🎬 Movie: TBD 🍕 Pizza will be provided! We’ll be announcing the movie soon, so stay tuned! This event is hosted by Project Animal Freedom. 🌱 Come hungry, get comfortable, and enjoy a fun night with the Columbus vegan community. 🍿🎥 If you find that you can no longer attend, please update your status!!!!!!

Saturday Mornings @ East Market

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who enjoy talking to people from other countries, and those who would like to discuss international travel and culture, and who enjoy getting together for good conversations."

Columbus Oktoberfest with friends