About CINEMA
CINEMA Cleveland was founded by Eric Swinderman and Mark Pengryn in 2006. While working on a film together they learned just how hard it was to obtain the necessary funds to complete the project. After many brainstorming sessions and conversations with other local filmmakers, C.I.N.E.M.A. (The Cleveland Independent Network of Entertainers, Moviemakers & Artists) was born with a mission to enable local fimmakers to produce films and thrive financially right here at home.
Based in Cleveland, Ohio, CINEMA is dedicated to the many talented artists in the Cleveland community. Each year the board of directors selects and supports, through financial funding and marketing, a new film produced by a local filmmaker. Throughout the year CINEMA hosts various events and gatherings, designed to promote a sense of community within the Cleveland arts scene.
CINEMA has joined forces with the Cleveland State University. We are very excited to be a part of a mutually beneficial relationship with such an established and well-respected organization.
CINEMA Executive Staff
Eric Swinderman - Executive Director
A graduate of Cleveland State University with a BA in film and television production, Eric Swinderman founded CINEMA in 2006
He is a writer/director whose works include Clean, The Donut Hole, Edgewater Park and Finding Utopia.
He has studied at the famous Second City School for Improvisation and has also worked in Cleveland as a sketch comedy writer, stand-up comedian. It is Eric's vision to bring the works of the talented artists of Cleveland into the limelight.
Mark Pengryn - Executive Director
Mark, who co-founded CINEMA, is a graduate of Cleveland State University with a Masters Degree in Communication Theory and Methodology.
He produced the independent film Clean and has several film projects in pre-production.
Mark is an expert on Asian cinema.
Jason Wills - Director, New Business Development
Jason graduated from Cleveland State University with a BA in film and television production and a concentration in public relations.
With experience in business development at PR Newswire and a successful management career with Sears, Roebuck & Co, he relishes the opportunity to give back to the artistic community of Cleveland and help revitalize this city by highlighting the talented artists who live and work here.
Joe Carlone - Director, Special Events
Joe graduated from William Paterson University, where he was active in the theater before earning his BA in Communications.Joe then lived in Italy for two years as a study abroad student and working as a DJ at Vatican Radio. Most recently he worked at PR Newswire, as a training manager.
CINEMA Board of Trustees
- Dr. Kimberly Neuendorf
- Dan Henry
- Amy Swinderman
- Christina Capadona-Schmitz
- Michael Oatman
