Esquire: Then and Now

Esquire Theater

Saturday, September 26 2026 from 10:30 PM to 11:15 PM

About the Film

This curated screening celebrates the enduring legacy of the Esquire Theatre—one of Clifton’s most iconic cultural landmarks—through a blend of archival history and past promotions.  The program includes The Esquire Mystery Event in it's entirety, unseen since it played at the Esquire Theatre April 21st 1991 starring Jerry Springer, Robin Wood, Eddie Fingers, Norma Rashid, David Mann and many more! 

Alongside this rich look at the Esquire's past, the program also looks forward, featuring present-day content created by Esquire staff, including playful and inventive social media clips that reflect how the theatre continues to evolve with its audience. Also included are 3 Noir vignette's featuring the Esquire Marquee as the star by local Photographer Patrick Mcclure. Together, these pieces offer a living portrait of a neighborhood institution—honoring its past while celebrating its ongoing role at the heart of Clifton’s creative life.

About the Artist

A cornerstone of Clifton’s cultural identity, the Esquire Theatre has long been more than a movie house—it is a cultural institution and gathering place deeply woven into the fabric of the neighborhood. For decades, it has served as one of the region’s most dedicated champions of arthouse, independent, international, and local cinema.

In an era where many theaters focus primarily on mainstream releases, Esquire stands apart as a rare and vital space for films that might otherwise go unseen. From independent productions and documentaries to global cinema and work by local filmmakers, the theatre has consistently created space for voices and visions outside the Hollywood system—offering Cincinnati audiences access to films that challenge, expand, and inspire.

As the only locally owned theater of its kind in the area with this sustained level of commitment to independent, international, and locally made film, Esquire has built a legacy not only as a place to watch movies, but as a home for film culture itself. Through community partners, curated series, and the best Indie and Foriegn Films available, it continues to nurture curiosity, conversation, and a deep appreciation for cinema in all its forms.