Spotlight on Film, Culture, and Community with Eric Mahoney of Yellow Springs Film Festival
Creative expression fosters new ideas, inspires entrepreneurship, and strengthens community identity, making villages, cities and regions more dynamic and appealing. As cultural sectors grow, they generate jobs, stimulate local businesses, and contribute significantly to economic development, proving that investment in the arts is not just cultural, but also smart economics.
Yellow Springs continues to strengthen its identity as a thriving hub for arts & culture, with initiatives like the Yellow Springs Film Festival (YSFF) playing a key role. In a recent conversation, Eric Mahoney, founder, executive director, and programmer of the YS Film Fest, sat down with Phillip O’Rourke, executive director of the Yellow Springs Chamber of Commerce, to explore the impact of the festival and the broader role of the arts in local economic development.
Eric Mahoney is a seasoned director and producer whose work has appeared at major festivals including SXSW and Tribeca. His career includes award-winning documentaries and global anthology films, as well as a podcast dedicated to interviewing prominent artists and filmmakers. He brings this diverse experience to the leadership of the YS Film Fest.
When asked how the Yellow Springs Film Festival came to be, Mahoney explained that it was born from the community’s strong appreciation for storytelling and independent cinema. The festival was envisioned as a way to reflect that passion and bring high-quality film experiences to Yellow Springs.
Mahoney’s journey into film began with a fascination for compelling stories and a desire to create meaningful connections through cinema. Years of producing, directing, and hosting conversations with artists shaped his understanding of film as both an emotional and community-driven art form.
As the conversation turned to goals for the festival, Mahoney highlighted the dual purpose of enriching the local arts scene while contributing to economic vitality. He emphasized that film festivals have the power to transform communities by increasing visibility, attracting visitors, and supporting small businesses—similar to the impact of events like Sundance.
When asked what he is most passionate about, Mahoney pointed to the power of shared experiences. He believes in the importance of bringing people together around film, whether through screenings, discussions, or special appearances, as a way to build stronger, more connected communities.
Airing Wednesday, July 18, 20205 @ 8:30am EST
The YS Film Fest is held annually during the first weekend in October, with events at iconic venues such as the Little Art Theatre, The Foundry Theater at Antioch College, and WYSO Radio HQ. In addition to the main event, the festival hosts ‘Mini-Fest‘ each April, showcasing new films and guest speakers throughout the year.
With leadership from creative minds like Eric Mahoney and support from the Yellow Springs Chamber, the village continues to demonstrate that investing in arts & culture is both a celebration of community and a catalyst for smart, sustainable growth.
More information is available at YSFilmFest.com.
