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 that pays tribute to its century-long history. Bognar, a resident of Yellow Springs and a strong advocate for independent theaters, directed a compelling eight-minute video for the theater’s grant application. The video highlighted the importance of the theater as a community hub and showcased testimonials from local residents sharing their favorite movie experiences.
The Little Art Theatre, which has been operating for 95 years, won the Theater of Dreams award from streaming media company Plex. The grant program aims to support independent entertainment entities, recognizing the vital role they play in society. Bognar emphasized the significance of communal experiences, expressing concern over the increasing isolation in today’s digital age.
The grant will enable the theater to replace its modern marquee with a more vintage art deco design, reminiscent of the theater’s earlier days. Katherine Eckstrand, the theater’s development and community impact director, explained that the decision to revert to the past was driven by a desire to connect with the community’s history while moving towards the future.
Bognar, who draws inspiration from his own experiences in the theater, believes in the power of cinema to bring people together and create shared emotional connections. The Little Art Theatre stands as a testament to the enduring impact of independent cinemas, serving as a cultural touchstone for the Yellow Springs community.
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