POLICIES & FAQ

Most of our policies and practices have been in place for two decades. With the advent of Covid-19, we’ve made some changes, with patron and staff safety as top priority.  We hope the info below will help you enjoy your experience. If you have questions or comments, give us a call at 859-957-FILM.

COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS

UPDATED GUIDELINES & CONDITIONS:

  • January, 2023 UPDATE:
    ♦ Effective January, 2023, proof of vaccination is not required for Garfield screenings. However, receipt of vaccination and boosters is highly recommended, especially for anyone in a high-risk cohort. Likewise, masks are welcome and recommended throughout the Garfield but not mandatory.
  • June 2022 UPDATE:
    ♦ Effective June 24, we have amended the proof of Covid-19 vaccination requirement for CWC films at the Garfield Theatre:
    ♦ Proof of vaccination will not be required for FRIDAY and SATURDAY screenings.
    ♦ Proof of vaccination will be required for SUNDAY screenings.

    Masks are welcome throughout the Garfield but not mandatory.
  • April 2022 UPDATE:
    ♦ Effective with CWC April screenings, masks are optional throughout the Garfield. Proof of full Covid-19 vaccination is required for admission.
  • January-February 2022 UPDATE:
    ♦ Our December and January screenings were pushed downstream into February and beyond. See the home page and individual film pages for schedule updates. Congruent with the February decline in Covid-19 hospitalizations, we are comfortable holding a limited number of screenings at the Garfield with reduced capacity.
    ♦ Effective with all 2022 screenings and going forward until further notice, proof of full Covid-19 vaccination, including a booster shot if appropriate, is REQUIRED for admission to CWC films. The CDC currently recommends obtaining a booster shot six months after the second dose of the Moderna vaccine, five months after the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine, and two months after the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
  • August 2021 UPDATE:
    ♦ Effective with the July screenings and going forward until further notice, proof of full Covid-19 vaccination is REQUIRED for admission to CWC films at the Garfield Theatre. Purchasers are required to confirm this condition in the ticket order form for all persons in their party, and for admission all patrons will need to show a digital or paper proof of vaccination, and if requested, matching ID.
    ♦ Required vaccination is one of several safety protocols CWC has in place for patron protection.  Now, with the Delta variant surge, we have returned to masking as a second protective tier – patrons should wear masks in common areas such as the lobby and restrooms and they can be removed in the screening room while eating and drinking.  Safe distancing is a third tier – screening room capacity will remain reduced as long as the need exists; and we ask that patrons avoid congregating in the lobby – there is ample covered space outdoors, immediately in front of the Garfield entrance.
    ♦ As of August 9, 48% of Cincinnati Metro Area residents have been fully vaccinated and 51% are partially vaccinated.  As vaccination numbers rise and the spread of aggressive variants is brought under control, we will review and amend the above guidelines and conditions as warranted.   You can check daily statistics here for our Metro area and individual counties.  NPR has published mask information here – by state/county.
    ♦ Two recent plain-English articles provide greater understanding of Covid-19 going forward:
    July 21, 2021 Coexisting with the Coronavirus and August 11, 2021 How Will the Coronavirus evolve?

  • June & July, 2021:
    ♦  For the second Sundance weekend, July 16, 17, 18, Covid-19 vaccination is REQUIRED. You will need to confirm this in the ticket order form for yourself and your companions, and patrons will need to show a Vax card for admission.
    In concert with input from our patrons, we made this cautious adjustment based on the increased penetration of the Covid Delta variant in undervaccinated localities. Missouri, Arkansas, parts of Tennessee and Kentucky are currently experiencing spikes. Ohio and Kentucky vax numbers are slightly better, but could still see unwanted surges, with vax rates of 50% or less:  OH – 1 dose, 49%, full vax, 45%.  KY – 1 dose, 50%, full vax, 44%.
    VAX:  As the number of metro-area vaccinations increase, we ask that only vaccinated individuals (minus those with medically necessary exemptions documented by your healthcare provider) attend the in-theatre screenings. We will rely upon the honor system and your personal integrity to make this possible.
    CAPACITY: Screening room seating will remain reduced, at or below 50% of capacity. In reality, capacity will likely range from 25-40%, depending on the total number of tickets sold for a given screening, AND the configuration dictated by the number of single, pair and larger group tickets. Because of in-row 2-seat distancing, we have fewer seats available when the number of singles and pairs are higher.
    DISTANCING: We’ll go with all rows open or every other row open, as ticket sales warrant, with a minimum of two empty seats between parties in occupied rows.
    MASKS: As of this writing in Ohio masks are no longer mandatory, but patrons are welcome to wear them if they wish.
  • April & May, 2021:
    ♦ Screening room seating is significantly reduced, at or below 25% of capacity. Every other row is closed, with a minimum of three empty seats between parties in occupied rows. You may sit with your group of people in the theatre, but must maintain 3-seat in-row separation between other pods.
    ♦ Masks are required at all times, in the lobby, common areas and restrooms; and in the theatre, before, during and after screenings, except when actively eating or drinking in your seat.
    ♦ PEACE OF MIND SCREENINGS ™ (aka: VAXXER WEEKENDS™): The first and second weekends (April 9-10-11 and 16-17-18) are reserved for those who have received the Covid-19 vaccine. You will be asked to display your vaccination card for admission.
    OPEN SCREENINGS: Subseqent dates (April 23-24-25 through May) are open to all healthy patrons, with or without vaccination, but we prefer that you be vaccinated.
    ♦ We ask that you maintain distancing and do not congregate in the lobby. The covered area outside the theatre is a fine place to wait and visit with friends.
    ♦ Subject to modification based on government rule changes: CWC staff will wear masks or face shields. We will clean turn-over seating and restrooms between programs, as applicable. Exit by row to reduce congestion. Dispose of all recycle/regular trash in the appropriate bins.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

On April 9, 2021, CWC reopened the Garfield Theatre in a cautious manner with reduced seating capacity, a limited number of screenings and days, plus PEACE OF MIND SCREENINGS™ where admission was reserved for those who had received the Covid-19 vaccine. We also experimented with “vaccination requested” and “honor system” screenings in May and June. Based on self-identified patron preference and the advantage of uniform audience attributes, we returned to “proof of vaccination required” screenings in July 2021.

The CDC says: “In general, people are considered fully vaccinated: two weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine. If you don’t meet these requirements, regardless of your age, you are NOT fully vaccinated. Keep taking all precautions until you are fully vaccinated.”

The safety of our film family (CWC patrons and volunteer staff) is our top priority. We aim to maintain the trust and confidence you have shown in safely attending CWC film events. However, please understand that it is impossible to guarantee that you will not be exposed to Covid-19 when you attend in person and that by purchasing a ticket you voluntarily assume the risk.

That said, please know the CDC affirms that “COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective against severe disease and death from variants of the virus that cause COVID-19 currently circulating in the United States. Infections happen in only a small proportion of people who are fully vaccinated. When these infections occur among vaccinated people, they tend to be mild.”

GENERAL POLICIES

Programs, dates and start times are subject to change; when possible we will provide advance notice. Late seating is solely at the discretion and direction of management. No unattended children. As CWC programming is for adults we ask that you observe MPAA ratings guidelines or equivalencies.

The usual art house rules of conduct:

  • No outside food or beverage.
  • No texting, talking, use of cellular devices during the film and discussion – cell phones and other mobile devices should be turned off when the film starts – dark, silent, out of sight.  No laser pointers. If you create a nuisance or use electronic devices, you will be warned and ultimately told to leave the theatre; and if necessary, the film will be paused to hasten your exit and you will be banned from future events.
  • No photography, video or audio recording during the film. No laptops, tablets, notepads or the like are allowed in the theatre.
  • No weapons (real or simulated) – firearms, incendiary devices, blades and needles of any type, as well as any other items considered dangerous by theatre staff or law enforcement.
  • No abuse of seating – keep your feet on the floor, not draped over chair backs.
  • No smoking, vaping, other use of tobacco or illegal drugs.
  • No disruptions during films; no personal or political rants during film discussions.
  • Clean up around your seat when leaving – put cans, bottles, popcorn boxes, etc., in the appropriate waste cans.
  • No mammals, birds, reptiles, fish or insects.

 

TICKETS & SEATING

IN-THEATRE TICKETS:

Seating is General Admission only.  Ticket pricing is at the sole discretion of CWC / The Garfield Theatre and subject to change.

  Regular Programs:

  • Adult general admission tickets are typically $10 in advance and $15 at the door.
  • Student discount tickets are typically $8 in advance, $12 at the door, subject to change and may not be available for all screenings. To gain admission, students must show a valid current student I.D. at Will Call.

  Special Programs:

  • For special events like Oscar Shorts, live performances, filmmaker appearances, etc., prices may vary, please check specific event pages for details.

VIRTUAL CINEMA TICKETS:

Ticket price, length of rental, and viewing methods may differ for each title. Online ticket pricing is at the discretion of the film distributor, studio and/or CWC, depending on the film and delivery platform.  Price listed is per household, intended for a max of four viewers.

REFUNDS & EXCHANGES:

  • No refunds or exchanges, all sales are final.
  • CWC may offer a refund, exchange or other accommodation in the rare instance a screening is postponed or canceled.

BOX OFFICE:

  • Cash and major credit cards only. All sales are final, no refunds, no exchanges.
  • Box office hours: Opens 30 minutes before the film or event; remains open until 30 minutes after the film or event begins.  The box office is open only on days when there is a CWC/Garfield film or event. Hours are subject to change.
  • Advance online tickets are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via the specific film/event pages on the CWC website. Advance tickets are available by telephone, 859-957-3456, during business hours, typically 9 am – 7 pm, Monday-Saturday. Processing fees will apply. Note: telephone response might be intermittent at times when films are screening in the theatre.
  • For pre-purchased tickets: Have your order confirmation email open on your mobile device, OR, bring your Order ID# or confirmation email with you. Our staff will check your mobile ticket at Will Call.  
  • If you purchase multiple tickets and your party is arriving separately, the person holding the receipt should obtain printed tickets for the entire party from the box office and if necessary leave tickets in the other guest’s names.
  • If you are unable to complete a ticket purchase, contact us at (859) 957-FILM during business hours, or email admin@cincyworldcinema.org.

SEATING:

  • Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. Subject to change.
  • CWC films are General Admission.
  • During Covid-19 capacity limitation, seat locations may be assigned by management to maintain proper distancing.

TERMS OF PURCHASE:

Purchase of a ticket confirms acceptance by the purchaser that the presenter/host and their staff will not be liable for any loss, damage, action, claim, cost or expenses which may arise in the consequence of attendance at this event. Purchaser declares that they will not attend unless in good health on the day of the event. Further, purchaser understands it is impossible to guarantee that they will not be exposed to Covid-19 and will attend at their own risk.

ADA ACCESS

The Garfield offers a direct, flat, indoor path from the front door to wheelchair spaces and companion seats – no ramps, no stairs. Individuals using walkers, scooters or wheelchairs should call (859) 957-3456 at least 48 hours in advance to confirm your screening date and time as well as available space. When notified, our staff will be standing by to assist.

We permit service animals in the theatre, per ADA and state guidelines, using our established ADA seat locations. Advance notice is required: patrons using service animals should call (859) 957-3456 at least 48 hours in advance to confirm your screening date and time as well as available space. No animals are permitted whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support.

Cincinnati World Cinema

in the Mark Painter Screening Room 
at The Garfield Theatre

719 Race St.
Cincinnati, OH 45202

Our Mission 

To provide the community with outstanding motion pictures that explore the human condition and celebrate cultural diversity.

Copyright & Fair Use

© 2002-2022, Cincinnati World Cinema
© 2018-2022, The Garfield Theatre
All images and trailers herein, as may be provided by studios, distributors, filmmakers, or posted via Fair Use, are the property of their respective owners.

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