With the steady growth of film production here in Kentucky with recent films like Wildcat (dir. Ethan Hawke, 2023) and Bob Trevino Likes It (dir. Tracie Laymon, 2024), we wanted to put the spotlight on other films you might not have realized were filmed right here in the Bluegrass.
1) RED RIGHT HAND (2024)
Directed by Eshom Nelms & Ian Nelms
This gritty thriller starring Orlando Bloom is about a man who is trying to live an honest and quiet life, but proves capable of anything to protect the town and his family. This film was shot on location in parts of Louisville, Henry County, and Bullitt County.
2) THE INSIDER (1999)
Directed by Michael Mann
A gripping drama based on the true story of Jeffrey Wigand, a whistleblower from the tobacco industry. Louisville was used for several scenes in the film, taking advantage of its picturesque downtown buildings like The Seelbach Hotel and the historic brownstones of Old Louisville.
3) NEXT OF KIN (1989)
Directed by John Irvine
Starring Patrick Swayze, “Next of Kin” is a gripping crime drama that unfolds against the backdrop of Chicago’s criminal underworld. Several scenes were shot in Perry County and in Letcher County.
4) ABOVE SUSPICION (2019)
Directed by Phillip Noyce
This crime thriller, starring Emilia Clarke, is based on the true story of the FBI’s first conviction of a former agent for murder. While the narrative spans multiple locations, some key scenes were filmed in areas of Harlan County.
5) CAROL (2015)
Directed by Todd Haynes
Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara star in this romantic drama set in the 1950s. While most of the principal photography took place across the river in Cincinnati and parts of Ohio, some of the scenes were shot in Alexandria in Campbell County.
