CLEVELAND, Ohio -- For an independent, modestly budgeted film shot entirely in Northeast Ohio, “Lost & Found in Cleveland” boasts a cast most Hollywood studios would envy. Directors Keith Gerchak and Marisa Guterman pulled together an ensemble that includes a three-time Emmy winner, an Oscar nominee and several TV comedy veterans.

“They say don’t work with your heroes,” Gerchak said. “We say, do.”

Opening in theaters Friday , the film follows five Clevelanders whose paths cross when a antiques-appraisal television series comes to town. Set during the holidays, it tells a story of dreams, loss and belonging — themes that resonated with the cast.

“Martin Sheen said scripts like this just hadn’t come across his desk, and Dennis Haysbert said the same thing,” Gerchak said. “It was an oppor

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