The Foundry Theater, Antioch College | Yellow Springs OH
Opening Night to Closing Inspiration
Attending the Yellow Springs Film Festival in Ohio was one of those experiences that reminds you why storytelling matters.
The festival typically runs four days, Thursday through Sunday, usually in early October, and features a full lineup of film screenings, Q&As, panels, and special events. As a first-timer, I quickly realized I wouldn’t be able to attend everything, so I made a very intentional choice. I picked two events that genuinely excited me: the opening night and the final day. Ironically, the beginning and the end.
Both events took place at The Foundry Theater at Antioch College, a space that feels intimate, creative, and perfectly suited for conversations about film and legacy.
Opening Night: A Tribute to Rod Serling (October 2, 2025)
Opening night kicked off with a Tribute to Rod Serling, and honestly, how could I resist? I love The Twilight Zone. I mean… who doesn’t? LOL.
The event honored Serling’s life, work, and lasting influence, with powerful insights from two key speakers:
- Anne Serling, Rod Serling’s daughter, who spoke movingly about her father’s legacy and impact.
- Mark Dawidziak, author and representative from the Rod Serling Memorial Foundation, provided historical context and behind-the-scenes depth.
The night wasn’t just talk; actors performed a live radio play, and the audience also watched an episode from The Twilight Zone, which made the experience feel immersive and nostalgic.
What made it even more meaningful was learning that Rod Serling attended Antioch College, right there in Yellow Springs. There’s even an Ohio Historical Marker on campus honoring him, a reminder that some of the greatest creative minds start their journeys in unexpected places.
Closing Day Inspiration: Hannah Beachler (October 5, 2025)
The final event I attended was a conversation with Hannah Beachler, and it was the perfect way to close out the festival.
Hannah Beachler is an Oscar Award–winning production designer who shared her career journey, creative process, and Ohio roots. Her credits include Fruitvale Station, Creed, Moonlight (Best Picture, 2017), Beyoncé’s Lemonade, Black Panther, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and most recently Sinners.
Raised in Centerville, Ohio, Beachler studied fashion design at the University of Cincinnati before attending Wright State University to study film. Her first collaboration with director Ryan Coogler was Fruitvale Station in 2013, and the two have worked together ever since.
She also made history as the first African American to win the Academy Award for Best Production Design and the first female production designer for a Marvel film, milestones that still resonate deeply.
Final Thoughts
Both events were informative, inspiring, and well worth attending. Even though I didn’t experience the entire festival, the moments I did choose left a lasting impression.
I’m truly glad I went — and you can bet I’ll be keeping an eye out for next year’s Yellow Springs Film Festival. Sometimes, all it takes is showing up for the moments that speak directly to you
