Charlie in the Heartland

The founding father of film is being celebrated in the first-ever conference in America.

100 years ago, Charlie Chaplin stepped foot in the U.S. "Charlie in the Heartland: The International Charlie Chaplin Conference" is celebrating the anniversary of his visit for the next three days at Ohio University Zanesville.

"We’re demonstrating that by having it here in the heartland of America where an academic conference on Chaplin has never been held. This is really the place where folks lived who made him a star," says Lisa Stein, Assistant Professor of English and conference organizer.

People from around the globe will be attending the conference, and the invite is extended to all local residents as well.

"His character is timeless. It’s a very abstract character that speaks to people across cultures and across languages," says Stein.

For a complete list of lectures, film-showings, and all other events, visit www.zanesville.ohiou.edu/chaplin.