Academy Award-winning filmmaker Steve Bognar recently helped the Little Art Theatre in Yellow Springs, Ohio, secure a $100,000 grant for a new marquee by directing and filming a compelling video for their grant application. Highlighting the importance of small independent theaters like Little Art in communities, Bognar’s video showcased the impact of losing such a cultural hub. He emphasized the communal experience that theaters provide in an increasingly isolated world dominated by online activities.
The grant, awarded by the streaming media company Plex as part of its Theater of Dreams program, will allow Little Art to replace its modern marquee with a stylish art deco design reminiscent of its historical roots. The theater, which has been a fixture in Yellow Springs for 95 years, has hosted various events, including film festivals and Q&A sessions with survivors from Hiroshima.
Bognar, who was inspired to become a filmmaker by the theater, believes in the power of cinema to bring people together and create shared experiences. He spoke about the emotional connection that audiences feel when watching a movie in a theater, surrounded by others experiencing the same story.
The Little Art Theatre’s successful grant application is a testament to the community’s support for preserving this cultural landmark. The new marquee will not only honor the theater’s history but also pave the way for its future as a vital gathering place for film enthusiasts in Yellow Springs.
Source
Photo credit apnews.com