Morning Journal/Danielle Garner Josh Menning of Menning Films gave an update about the Christmas movie being filmed in Columbiana during the month of February while council held its first meeting of the year Tuesday.

COLUMBIANA — Erich Offenburg of the Columbiana Cultural Collective updated council regarding the Main Street Theater during council Tuesday.

After unsuccessfully attempting to purchase the theater throughout 2021, Beth and John Kufleitner, president of Columbiana Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM, have helped the Cultural Collective move forward by purchasing the Main Street Theater located at 5 N. Main St. at a cost of $850,000. The Cultural Collective will be able to purchase the building within five years.

“It has meant so much to our community and the community members who have been a part of it,” Offenburg said.

The Cultural Collective plans to open as soon as possible to accommodate rental space, music acts, concerts and theater companies. Offenburg hopes to bring people from outside communities.

“It’s just a really great act of community kindness, they have just done a wonderful thing,” Offenburg commented. The Chamber of Commerce will continue to operate out of the theater while the Cultural Collective transforms the space into an arts based community center.

“It’s always great to get that last Christmas gift and I think you have given this community that last Christmas gift of the year which we will never forget,” Mayor Rick Noel said.

Council members recognized the hard work and efforts of Offenburg, The Tourism Bureau, Chamber of Commerce and others in the community who support the Cultural Creative’s efforts.

In other news, Josh Menning of Menning Films, associated with movies such as Song of the Tree Frogs, Unwavering and Beast of Our Fathers, will be filming in the city from Feb. 1 until Feb. 13.

Menning said the filming crew will try to keep quiet and remain respectful of residents and businesses. Both Menning and city officials will update residents regarding filming locations and openings for extras through facebook, the city website and the newspaper.

Menning said the largest piece of the film will take place Feb. 13. Crews will require space along the square and a section of Main Street to shut down.

The film will be distributed through an online platform reaching an estimated one million households. Menning intends to debut the film at the Main Street Theater as a celebration to the city.

“I just want to point out that we are going to keep the Christmas tree up,” City Manager Lance Willard remarked. Willard is prepared to receive a few awkward glances from surrounding communities.