The Little Art Theatre in Yellow Springs, Ohio, a century-old arthouse, recently secured a $100,000 grant for a new marquee with the help of Academy Award-winning filmmaker Steve Bognar. Recognizing the importance of small independent theaters in communities, Bognar directed and filmed a video for the theater’s grant application highlighting the significance of the theater as a communal hub. The video featured classic film titles and interviews with local residents reminiscing about their movie experiences.
In an era where communal experiences are dwindling due to the rise of online activities, Bognar emphasizes the role of a cinema in bringing people together to collectively experience art and events. Little Art Theatre, with a history of hosting various events, won the Theater of Dreams award from Plex, recognizing the importance of independent entertainment entities. The grant will be used to replace the modern marquee with a vintage art deco design, reminiscent of the theater’s earlier days.
For Bognar, the theater holds sentimental value as the place where he was inspired to become a filmmaker. He believes in the power of shared experiences in a theater setting, where individuals can connect with a story and each other. Through preserving and revitalizing historic theaters like Little Art, Bognar hopes to continue creating meaningful and engaging cinematic experiences for audiences.
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