The Shawshank Redemption (1994) with Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman. David Lester, who served as production manager on the film that was filmed in Mansfield, will appear at the Cleveland History Center Jan. 9-10, 2026. The Columbus Dispatch

North Olmsted native David Lester has worked on some the most iconic films of the past 50 years including “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope” and a film with deep Ohio connections, “The Shawshank Redemption.”

He returns to Northeast Ohio for a two-day event sponsored by the Greater Cleveland Film Commission that celebrates film in the area.

Lester, who served behind the camera working on visual effects for “Star Wars” and production manager for “The Shawshank Redemption,” which was filmed in Mansfield, will share stories from his perspective at the Cleveland History Center, headquarters for the Western Reserve Historical Society, Jan. 9 at 6 p.m.