The Little Art Theatre in Yellow Springs, Ohio successfully secured a $100,000 grant to fund a new marquee with the help of Academy Award-winning filmmaker Steve Bognar. Bognar, a resident of Yellow Springs, directed a video for the theater’s grant application, showcasing the importance of the theater as a community hub. The video featured classic film titles and interviews with local residents reminiscing about their moviegoing experiences. Bognar emphasized the communal nature of cinema and its role in bringing people together.
The grant was awarded by Plex, a streaming media company, as part of their Theater of Dreams award program, aimed at supporting independent entertainment entities. Bognar believes that the collective experience of watching a movie in a theater enhances the sensory dimension of the viewing experience. The Little Art Theatre, which has a history of hosting various events over its 95-year history, plans to replace its modern marquee with a retro art deco design to pay homage to its past.
For Bognar, the theater holds a special significance, as it is where he was inspired to become a filmmaker. He expressed his love for creating immersive cinematic experiences for audiences and highlighted the unique ability of theaters to bring people together. The successful grant application and upcoming marquee transformation mark a milestone for the Little Art Theatre, ensuring its continued presence as a cherished cultural landmark in the community.
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