Runtime: 1h 35m
Release Date: October 19, 2024 (United States)
Genre: Documentary
Language: English
Country of Origin: United States
Story
Sound Spring is told through eight short stories that explore Yellow Springs, Ohio’s past through the perspectives of locals, blending humor and historical analysis. The documentary presents touching and humorous sequences in which locals reenact and reinterpret their own personal histories, providing a unique perspective on American history as seen by those who live it.
Intimate tales of village life are interspersed with the villagers’ recollections of their ancestors’ settlements after slavery, a friendship with Coretta Scott King, and Ohio’s Trail of Tears. From rollerblading while reading village water meters to breakdancing freezes. Through deft use of previously recorded audio interviews, the film enables villagers to engage with their own recorded media and unearth more nuanced aspects of both their own identities and the history of their community.
Plot
The eight vignettes that make up the unique documentary Sound Spring (2024) explore the rich history of Yellow Springs, Ohio. Through a number of humorous and unusual scenes, the village’s own residents narrate this film, which offers an intriguing look at the village’s past and present. Because of the way the movie is structured, audiences can enjoy a unique fusion of humor and historical contemplation, which vividly depicts life in Yellow Springs.
The documentary tells the stories of a range of people, showing how their lives relate to more significant historical moments. In one scene, the interviewee reads the water meters for the village while rollerblading, and in another, they see someone breakdancing in a freeze. These quirky portrayals are not just for entertainment but serve as a means of exploring deeper themes within the community’s history.
The villagers talk about important moments in American history, like the Trail of Tears in Ohio, their friendship with Coretta Scott King, and the settlements of their ancestors after slavery. The documentary skillfully uses villager interaction with their own recorded media to re-stage earlier audio interviews. This novel method reveals the layers of narrative and time, highlighting the flaws and dynamic qualities of memory and history.
Cast
Anne Bohlen as Herself: A long-time resident of Yellow Springs, Anne Bohlen provides insight into the village’s history through her personal experiences and reflections.
Talon Silverhorn as Himself: Known for his unique take on historical storytelling, Talon Silverhorn offers a perspective on the village’s past with a mix of humor and seriousness.
Sumayah Chappelle as Herself: Sumayah Chappelle brings her personal narrative to the screen, contributing to the film’s exploration of Yellow Springs’ history.
Jalyn Roe as Himself: A key figure in the village, Jalyn Roe shares his view on the town’s historical and cultural evolution.
Shane Creepingbear as Himself: Providing a unique perspective, Shane Creepingbear adds depth to the film’s portrayal of Yellow Springs.
Donna Denman as Herself: Donna Denman’s recollections offer a glimpse into the personal stories that shape the village’s collective memory.
Elias Kelley as Himself: Elias Kelley’s contributions highlight significant historical events in Yellow Springs.
Rukiya Robertson as Herself: Rukiya Robertson provides insights into the cultural and historical aspects of Yellow Springs.
Rose Pelzl as Herself: Offering her unique viewpoint, Rose Pelzl enriches the documentary with her personal experiences.
Charles Arthur Williams as Himself: Charles Arthur Williams adds another layer to the film’s exploration of Yellow Springs’ history.
Karen McKee as Herself: Karen McKee’s reflections contribute to the film’s rich tapestry of personal and historical narratives.
