CINCINNATI -- Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos's "The Killing of a Sacred Deer," which brings its creator's signature arthouse surrealism to a Cincinnati-set retelling of the myth of Iphigenia, premiered Thursday night at the Esquire Theater.
"Cincinnati has come leaps and bounds for sure" with its art scene and ability to attract high-profile talent like Yanthimos, Film Cincinnati executive director Kristen Schlotman said. "The last two years (brought) over $52 million and several thousand jobs."
Jobs for people like Herb Caillouet, who appeared in the film and attended the premiere with stars like Nicole Kidman and Colin Farrell. Caillouet works at Christ Hospital, where Farrell's character works in the movie, and showed up in the film to give authenticity to the hospital setting.
Schlotman, who helped shepherd other film projects such as the Oscar-nominated romance "Carol" and Ellen Page-starring "My Days of Mercy" to Cincinnati, said she believes the city's appeal to filmmakers will only grow in the future.
"Next year, I anticipate even television series being anchored here, so I don't think that this is something that's going to go away soon," she said. "I think it's something that's just going to continue to grow and enhance this already vibrant city."
"The Killing of a Sacred Deer" will premiere nationwide Nov. 3.
