Film Commission

Columbus, Indiana is more than just a Midwest town—it’s a location with range. Known worldwide for its modernist architecture, our city has already proven it can deliver a cinematic experience unlike anywhere else. Filmmakers here don’t just shoot scenes; they collaborate with a city that understands the power of design, atmosphere, and storytelling.

Columbus made its cinematic debut in kogonada’s 2017 masterpiece Columbus, a film that critics praised for treating the city’s architecture as a lead character alongside Haley Lu Richardson, John Cho, and Parker Posey. The modernist landmarks became as much a part of the narrative as the actors themselves, proving how deeply a place can shape a story. The film established Columbus as an international destination for visionary filmmakers who see setting not just as background, but as voice.

That reputation continues to grow. Acclaimed director Kelly Reichardt (First Cow, Showing Up) chose Columbus as the setting for her 2025 feature The Mastermind, starring Josh O’Connor, Alana Haim, and Gaby Hoffmann. One of the city’s most recognized landmarks, the Cleo Rogers Memorial Library, seamlessly transformed into an art museum and set the stage for a pivotal crime scene. It’s just one example of how Columbus’s buildings adapt to cinematic storytelling, offering filmmakers spaces that are both iconic and versatile.

What sets Columbus apart is its extraordinary range of looks in close proximity. Within a few blocks, you can capture sleek modernism, authentic small-town Americana, and timeless Victorian streetscapes. Minutes outside the urban core, productions find farmland, forests, and lakes—ideal for rural drama, period settings, or natural backdrops. This flexibility allows filmmakers to shoot “big city” and “small town” scenes in the same day without moving far from base.

The community here is film-friendly and collaborative. Columbus welcomes the opportunity to work with filmmakers at every stage of production, from scouting and permitting to connecting with local crews and resources. The city’s reputation for design excellence extends to hospitality and logistics, making it an easy place to bring a project to life.

For directors and producers looking for a location that can play multiple roles while bringing its own voice to the screen, Columbus, Indiana is a proven choice. Our city doesn’t just provide a backdrop—it helps tell the story.