Cincinnati takes center stage for the highly anticipated world premiere of Beyond the Bench: The Legacy of Bob Huggins – a powerful documentary exploring the life, impact, and enduring influence of one of college basketball’s most iconic figures. Featuring 40 interviews filmed across 11 states, this film captures far more than wins and losses. It tells the story of leadership, loyalty, resilience, and a coaching legacy that extends well beyond the court.

Directed by Terry Lukemire, executive produced by Allan Hilsinger and produced by Heath Hill and Corie Blount, the film features powerful on-camera reflections from former players including Kenyon Martin, Nick Van Exel, Joe Mazzulla, Da’Sean Butler, Jevon Carter, Terry Nelson, Deuce McBride, Ruben Patterson, Steve Logan, Dermarr Johnson, Mel Levett and Steve Sanders along with longtime Cincinnati sportscaster Dan Hoard, whose calls became the soundtrack to some of the most unforgettable moments in Bearcat history. Additional interviews highlight Hall of Fame coaches John Calipari and Bill Self along with celebrities Nick Lachey and Kevin Frazier, who provide unique perspectives on Huggins’ influence both on and off the court.

The documentary chronicles, Bob Huggins’ journey from his small-town West Virginia and Ohio roots to becoming one of college basketball‘s most accomplished coaches with 935 career victories, Final Four appearances at Cincinnati (1992) and West Virginia (2010), and induction into Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Known as “Huggy Bear,” Huggins built programs at Walsh College, Akron, Cincinnati, Kansas State and West Virginia, earning a reputation for his tough no-nonsense style that transformed teams and inspired generations of players

Following the film, there will be a brief moderated discussion featuring select participants from the documentary.

VIP Premiere Experience
• Early access to the event
• Private Meet & Greet with select film participants and special guests
• Catered reception featuring Montgomery Inn favorites
• Three (3) complimentary drink tickets
• Reserved premium theater seating
• Commemorative premiere poster signed by featured participants and Huggs
• Additional surprise keepsakes
VIP guests will have time to mingle, take photos, and enjoy the reception before the general public enters. Following the reception, guests will proceed upstairs to reserved seating for the premiere screening.

General Admission
• Reserved seating to the premiere screening
• One (1) complimentary drink ticket and access to bar service and concessions
• Opportunity to submit questions for post-film discussion

Event Timeline:
VIP Reception – 6:00 PM
General Admission Doors – 7:00 PM
Premiere Screening – 8:00 PM

Hear and See Productions presents a local short film showcase featuring two award-winning films—Holy Zombie (2021) and Blackwoods (2024)—alongside the world premiere of Happy Sorrows (2026). Each film runs approximately 20 minutes, creating a curated 60-minute cinematic experience.

Following the screening of Happy Sorrows, a live Q&A will take place with the lead actors and writer/director Cam Marshall. Guests are invited to celebrate an evening of Cincinnati independent cinema with a red carpet experience, a special appearance by comedian Zach Wycuff, and a cake and cocktails after-party designed for networking with filmmakers and actors from across the country.

Premiere Pass – $75 including fees

A festival upgrade for those who want a little extra magic. The Premiere Pass includes all film blocks, Deep Dives (Thursday, Friday, Saturday), Screenplay Speakeasies (Thursday & Friday), and Saturday Masterclasses – plus access to the VIP Lounge and the daily after-party Enjoy elevated comfort and convenience on your schedule.

The Full Feature – $253 including fees

Our most comprehensive, joy-filled festival experience. The Full Feature grants you three full days of VIP access with every perk we offer – designed for cinephiles who want to soak up every moment of Cindependent.

Enjoy premium seating, a dedicated Festival Liaison to support your weekend, and invitations to our exclusive Welcome Party and Sunday Awards Brunch. You’ll also receive a Cindependent tote, a free t-shirt voucher, a festival program, and unlimited drinks throughout the weekend.

It’s the easiest, happiest way to experience the festival from start to finish – fully supported, fully celebrated, fully Cindependent.

Storyteller Pass (GA Pass)

Your all-access general admission pass to the heart of the festival. The Storyteller Pass gets you into all film blocks plus Deep Dives (Thursday, Friday, Saturday,) Screenplay Speakeasies (Thursday, Friday,) and Saturday Masterclasses. Choose between two price points depending on your seating preference – standard GA or Preferred Seating for a smoother, closer, cinephile-approved view.

Note: The Storyteller Pass does not include access to the VIP Lounge or daily after-parties which begin at 10pm EST each night.

Virtual Pass

Whether you’re joining us in person or tuning in from afar, the Virtual Festival is perfect for rewatching your favorites, catching the films you missed, or diving even deeper into the stories that moved you. Cozy couch screenings, late-night shorts, weekend marathons – your festival, your way.

Our Virtual Festival gives you on-demand access to a curated selection of 2026 films, available to stream for three full weeks – from September 17 through October 8.

Crew Pack

A bundle of CindeTicket vouchers, available in packs of 3, 5, or 8, perfect for groups, families, teams, or anyone who loves sharing the festival experience. Buy now, and once our lineup drops on Cindependence Day (8/2), you’ll redeem each voucher for the single-screen film blocks you want to attend.

Note: Crew Pack vouchers grant access to individual film blocks only and do not include lanyards or entry to after parties, Masterclasses, Screenplay Speakeasies, or Deep Dives.

CindeTicket

Our single-screen entry point into the festival. The CindeTicket lets you choose one film block to attend – perfect for first-timers, friends supporting filmmakers, or anyone who wants a taste of the Cindependent magic. Simple, flexible, and a great way to curate your own festival moment.

Note: This ticket does not include a festival lanyard or access to after parties, Masterclasses, Screenplay Speakeasies, or Deep Dive sessions.