Less than a year after the local premiere of “Escaping Ohio,” Akron native Jessica Michael Davis is preparing for the digital release of her film.
“Escaping Ohio” was recently acquired by Gravitas Ventures, an international film distribution company based in Cleveland. The film will be released via video on demand Friday, Nov. 8. In an email, Davis said she and Gravitas are exploring options to bring the film to select theaters this fall.
The movie, which Davis wrote, directed and starred in, is loosely based on her upbringing in Akron. It follows best friends Sam (Davis) and JJ (Collin Kelly-Sordelet) during the summer after they graduate from high school.
“Escaping Ohio” also stars Adam Pascal (“Rent,” “School of Rock”) and Emily Bergl (“Shameless,” “Gilmore Girls”) as Sam’s parents.
In an interview with Signal Akron in December, Davis described the film as “a love letter to Ohio.”
“Escaping Ohio” was filmed in and around Akron and features well-known locations, including Swensons on South Hawkins Avenue, Handel’s Ice Cream on Eastwood Avenue and the former Akron Rubber Bowl.
“This film has been a true labor of love, brought to life with immense heart, passion, and determination,” Davis said, via email. “I’m also thrilled to showcase my hometown and the beauty & charm of Ohio, which I don’t think any movie has done before.”
Looking ahead, Davis is currently working on expanding her short film “Betty Bites Back” into a feature called “Candy.” The horror film is based on a short story by Mindy McGinnis from the 2019 collection “Betty Bites Back: Stories to Scare the Patriarchy.”
As with “Escaping Ohio,” Davis said she plans to write, direct, produce and act in the film. However, that’s where the similarities end.
“What I’ll say right now is it’s a dark comedy and a complete left turn from ‘Escaping Ohio,’” Davis said.