Author

Melissa Starker

Melissa Starker is a freelance journalist, marketer, and independent film programmer who’s lived in Columbus since 1994. Her background includes over 20 years working in film presentation, a decade-long stint as an editor at the late alt weekly Columbus Alive; and nine years as creative content & PR manager for the Wexner Center for the Arts. Starker currently publishes the Screen Addiction newsletter covering local screenings and partners with filmmakers and nonprofits to support independent film in Columbus.

Mel's Latest Articles

The age of Damon Zex

By Melissa Starker

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Screen

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July 9, 2026

Remembrances flow for the video provocateur and free speech champion, who passed away June 21, and for the Columbus DIY scene from which he emerged.

Gail Freedman exposes the lie in ‘No One Cares About Crazy People’

By Melissa Starker

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Culture

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March 2, 2026

The filmmaker brings her documentary about families impacted by severe mental illness to the Wexner Center for the Arts on Wednesday, March 4

Nina West battles a zombie apocalypse in ‘Queens of the Dead’

By Melissa Starker

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Culture

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October 16, 2025

The Columbus drag icon brings her new movie to Nightmares Film Festival on Sunday, Oct. 19

Opinion essay: mRNA vaccines are an essential technology

By Melissa Starker

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Voices

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August 19, 2025

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced in early August that it would terminate about $500 million in research on more than 20 mRNA vaccines and would not initiate any new mRNA-based projects. It’s a decision the country will come to regret.