Ohio: Wild at Heart Takes the Great Outdoors to the Big Screen!

The new film, focusing on Ohio's wild and natural beauty, will debut in select theaters starting October

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Sept. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- From soaring with bald eagles to lighting up the night sky with fireflies, Ohio: Wild at Heart offers an exclusive adventure through Ohio's great outdoors. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and MacGillivray Freeman Films invite audiences to experience the new movie Ohio: Wild at Heart created for IMAX® and giant screen theaters.

"Bringing Ohio's great outdoors to the big screen is a great way to showcase why Ohio truly is the Heart of it All," said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. "We hope Ohioans go to the movies and experience the natural beauty and wonder of our state in a whole new way."

The film, narrated by Ohio native Archie Griffin, will debut in select theaters this fall and winter. Ohio: Wild at Heart tells stories of conservation and explores Ohio's natural playground, with the underlying message "when we take care of nature, nature takes care of us."

"Ohio is the heart of it all, full of captivating stories of exploration and quiet moments of tranquility, it can all be found amongst the state's natural beauty," said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. "Ohio: Wild at Heart is our love letter to the mission of protecting our natural resources and we are excited to share it with the world."

Viewers will hear about conservation success stories like the reintroduction of bald eagles and trumpeter swans in the Buckeye State, see behind the scenes work of ODNR naturalists and program leaders, as well as the changing of the seasons. The film showcases Ohio's natural wonders with spectacular aerial cinematography of places like the astounding cliffs and waterfalls of Hocking Hills, to the Great Lake Erie; all on the giant, IMAX® theater screen.

"The story of Ohio's natural landscapes is one of epic comebacks, and we are thrilled to bring this story of renewal to the world's largest screens," said director Shaun MacGillivray. "Ohioans share a deep passion for nature and their stories remind us that caring for the land brings joy and meaning. We hope the film inspires audiences to step outside and connect with nature."

Ohio: Wild at Heart will be released in select theaters over the next several months.

• Imagination Station, Toledo
  • October 10
• Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, Dayton
  • October 19
• Cincinnati Museum Center
  • October 24
• COSI: Center of Science and Industry, Columbus
  • November 8
• Cleveland Museum of Natural History
  • November 15
• Great Lakes Science Center
  • 2026 –to be determined

Ohio: Wild at Heart will also show in select AMC Ohio theaters this October. You can find a theater and showtimes, watch the trailer, plus learn more at the Ohio: Wild at Heart website.

Editor's Note: Ohio: Wild at Heart Movie Trailer

For more information, contact:
Karina Cheung, ODNR Office of Communications
Media Line: 614-265-6860
Mobile: 614-202-4756

SOURCE Ohio Department of Natural Resources