2026 tt stern-enzi memorial award application
Ends on
The ArtsWave tt stern-enzi memorial award is a newly created $5,000 cash award presented to an aspiring filmmaker in the Greater Cincinnati Region who reflects the vision and values of tt's legacy demonstrated through a completed application process. This award was made possible by the generosity of tt’s family, friends and colleagues.
Applications for the tt stern-enzi memorial award application are now open through July 3, 2026.
tt stern-enzi
Terrence Todd “tt” stern-enzi, 56, passed away on 9/29/25 after a very brief and sudden illness. He had been part of the Over-the-Rhine International Film Festival leadership team since 2018. He was the programmer for its first two years, before being named Artistic Director in 2021. He also was a board member of the Film Festival Alliance and Art House Convergence. He was instrumental in the festivals growth and in shaping its artistic direction.
tt was also a member of the prestigious Critics Choice Association since 2019, and an accredited critic for Rotten Tomatoes, the website for movie and TV show reviews. He covered some of the world’s most significant film festivals, including the Toronto International Film Festival.
For more than 20 years he was a freelance writer and Greater Cincinnati film critic. He had contributed film reviews to CityBeat since 2011; discussed movies on Cincinnati Public Radio’s Cincinnati Edition, and did “tt’s take” reviews Friday mornings on Fox 19 Now.
A 1991 graduate of The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, he had been an adjunct instructor for the University of Cincinnati Journalism Department since 2008. He taught upper level journalism courses on “Advanced Reporting Topics” and “Writing about Film.”
tt was dedicated to sharing stories that foster human connection and celebrate our shared humanity. His passion for film was evident in all he did, as a leader in Cincinnati’s film community and as a voice that touched lives far beyond.
He was just as passionate about supporting other creatives in the community and encouraged everyone he met with and mentored to go after their dreams and goals. His wife says that countless people have reached out to her since his death to say how much they appreciated his wisdom, support and guidance over the years. In fact, he encouraged many to apply for the same ArtsWave grants that he was awarded because he wanted to see others win. He truly wanted everyone to succeed and to have the opportunities that he did. This dedication to others is the impetus behind the idea to create a memorial grant in his name so that his legacy of uplifting others continues on.