party at the pen 2025
Party at the Pen was back once again but this time at the Ohio State Reformatory, which, as you may know, was the filming location for The Shawshank Redemption.
How sad was it when Brooks hung himself? At least he didn’t get it in the laundry room, shit spoiler alerts sorry!! Let’s stick to the facts.
The Shawshank Redemption is adapted from Stephen King’s 1982 novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption, part of his collection Different Seasons. Unlike many of King’s horror-based works, this story focuses on hope, perseverance, and the human spirit.
The film marked the directorial debut of Frank Darabont, who also wrote the screenplay. Although it was not a major box office success upon release in 1994, Darabont's powerful storytelling and direction helped the film gain a second life through home video and television broadcasts.
While it didn’t win any Oscars, The Shawshank Redemption was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Morgan Freeman), and Best Adapted Screenplay. Over time, its reputation has only grown—it is now considered one of the greatest films ever made.
Most of the movie was filmed on location at the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, Ohio. The prison’s haunting, Gothic architecture added depth and realism to the setting, making it almost a character in itself. Today, the site is a major tourist attraction, drawing fans of the film from around the world.
As of today, The Shawshank Redemption consistently ranks as the #1 film on IMDb’s Top 250 list. Its themes of hope, friendship, and redemption resonate with viewers across generations, making it a timeless classic.
Huge thanks to Aaron Rorick for the photos.
Give him a follow - @aaron_rorick_photography/