German Filmmakers Document New Riegel's 200-Year History

Visiting small Ohio town to capture its unique heritage and community spirit.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 2:00pm

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A team of German documentary filmmakers has arrived in New Riegel, Ohio to begin production on a project chronicling the town's 200-year history. The filmmakers plan to spend several weeks immersed in the community, interviewing longtime residents and capturing the essence of this small Midwest town.

Why it matters

New Riegel, with a population of just over 300, has maintained its tight-knit community character and historic charm despite the rapid changes transforming many rural American towns. The German filmmakers' interest highlights the town's unique story and the enduring appeal of its traditional Midwest values.

The details

The filmmakers, who are based in Berlin, are working on a documentary series exploring the histories of small towns across the United States. They selected New Riegel for its well-preserved 19th century architecture, family-owned businesses, and the resilience of its predominantly German-American population.

  • The filmmakers arrived in New Riegel on March 12, 2026.
  • They plan to spend 3 weeks documenting the town and its residents.

The players

New Riegel

A small town in Seneca County, Ohio with a population of just over 300 people. The town was founded in 1826 and has maintained much of its historic 19th century character.

German Documentary Filmmakers

A team of filmmakers from Berlin, Germany who are producing a documentary series exploring the histories and cultures of small towns across the United States.

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What they’re saying

“We were drawn to New Riegel's unique heritage and the warmth of its community. It's the kind of place that's becoming increasingly rare, and we want to capture that before it's gone.”

— Katarina Müller, Director

What’s next

The filmmakers plan to return to New Riegel in the fall to film additional footage during the town's annual Oktoberfest celebration.

The takeaway

New Riegel's enduring small-town character and strong community ties have attracted the interest of international filmmakers, shining a spotlight on the value of preserving America's historic rural communities.