tt stern-enzi, a film critic and icon in the Cincinnati film scene, has died following a cancer diagnosis.
According to a GoFundMe set up by family friends, stern-enzi, who once wrote for CityBeat and most recently worked as a contributor for FOX19 and as the artistic director for the Over-the-Rhine International Film Festival, was admitted to the hospital on Aug. 30 for what he believed was pneumonia. Doctors, however, discovered he had a rare form of cancer. stern-enzi was diagnosed with stage 4 sarcomatoid renal cancer, which had also metastasized to his lungs.
stern-enzi passed away early Sept. 29, according to an update on the GoFundMe.
“On behalf of Jess [stern-enzi’s wife], it is with a heavy heart that I let you all know that TT passed early this morning, Sept. 29th. He was surrounded by love from his family. It’s a shock that will take time to digest for all of us who loved him,” reads the update.
Nonprofit LADD, which organizes the Over-the-Rhine Festival, also released a statement, saying stern-enzi was a passionate advocate for sharing stories that fostered human connection and was instrumental in the festival’s growth and shaping its artistic direction.
“Today we mourn the loss of a true creative force in Cincinnati. tt was a champion for vital artists and filmmakers from all walks of life whose unique voices were often ignored by the mainstream. His passion for movies was a passion for humanity itself, as he sought to connect us all through the power of sharing our stories. His was a story of insight, courage, and generosity,” LADD CEO Susan Brownknight said.
stern-enzi was also a member of the Critics Choice Association, one of the most prestigious film critics organizations in the United States, and he covered some of the world’s biggest film festivals, including the Toronto International Film Festival. He also worked in education and advocacy, serving on an advisory board for the Cincinnati Center for Film & Media Studies and as a board member for the Film Festival Alliance and Art House Convergence.
“Beyond his professional contributions, he was a loving husband, an incredible dad, a devoted son, and a true friend to all who knew him. tt’s presence, wisdom, and warmth will be deeply missed,” LADD added.
The money raised for stern-enzi’s cancer treatment will be used to pay his medical bills, cover end-of-life expenses and support his family during this time. The GoFundMe will remain open to donations and has currently raised over $56,000. You can donate here.
You can read stern-enzi’s past work with CityBeat here.