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Jonathan McNeal

HERSELF, SLUMDOG & Year-End Update from The Neon

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This week’s newsletter is coming a little early because I want to make sure you get reminded that AMELIE is only here through tonight. Tomorrow, we open a marvelous and empowering film – HERSELF. In addition to HERSELF, we’re adding a “NEON Classic” to the mix. Originally destined for “direct-to-video” in 2008, this gem ended up getting a theatrical release and went on to win 8 Oscars including “Best Picture.” Though it was dethroned as our highest grossing film in 2017, it still holds the record as our longest-running film of all time – the much-loved SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE. It will start Friday for one week. Come back and see this heart-racing & triumphant film on the big screen. The new “landmark adaptation” of PINOCCHIO will stick around for another week.
We aren’t opening anything new in our Virtual Cinema this week…but there are plenty of great films to rent. In fact, if you count all the films in the Wong Kar Wai Retrospective, we currently have 18 films available. As a reminder, THE LIBRARY THAT DOLLY BUILT and ENDING DISEASE are only available through Dec. 31. MODERN PERSUASION, WBNC AND THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, and ZAPPA will all disappear on January 7.
A few of you have asked about PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN. Though we don’t have firm plans, we hope to squeeze in a one-week engagement very soon.
NEW IN-PERSON ENGAGEMENT:
Synopsis for HERSELF – Opening January 30!: “HERSELF tells the story of Sandra, a young mother who seeks to rebuild her life from scratch, and provide a safe home for her two young daughters. In order to do so, she must escape the grip of a possessive ex-partner, circumnavigate a broken housing system, and bring together a community of friends who can support her and lend a helping hand.” (Amazon) During our run of HERSELF, we will have literature in our lobby about the services provided by an organization we care so much about – Artemis Center. You can find out all about how you can help (financially or by volunteering) on their website. Click the image below to watch the trailer for this powerful and empowering film.
Synopsis for SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE: I saw this film at a press/industry screening at The Toronto International Film Festival in September 2008. Such an audience can usually be quite jaded and cynical…but this screening was different. The crowd erupted into applause and cheers at the end — we knew we had just seen something special. This record-breaker opened in early December 2008 at THE NEON and played for 16 weeks. It held the title of our “highest grossing film” for almost a decade, and we’ve seen Dev Patel back on our screens numerous times over the years. Come celebrate it’s return to the big screen this weekend! “As 18-year-old Jamal Malik (Patel) answers questions on the Indian version of ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,’ flashbacks show how he got there. Part of a stable of young thieves after their mother dies, Jamal and his brother, Salim, survive on the streets of Mumbai. Salim finds the life of crime agreeable, but Jamal scrapes by with small jobs until landing a spot on the game show.” (Searchlight Pictures) Click the image below to watch the film’s original trailer.
CONTINUING IN OUR VIRTUAL CINEMA:
Synopsis for LOVE SARAH: A sweet British film is just what so many of us need for the holidays. “Determined to fulfill her late mother’s dream of opening a bakery in charming Notting Hill, 19-year-old Clarissa enlists the help of her mother’s best friend Isabella and her eccentric estranged grandmother Mimi(played by Celia Imrie from THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL). These three generations of women will need to overcome grief, doubts and differences to honour the memory of their beloved Sarah while embarking on a journey to establish a London store filled with love, hope and colourful pastries from all over the world.” (Samuel Goldwyn Films) This film can be watched on your computer or mobile device as well as via Chromecast or via an HDMI cable attached to your television. For additional notes regarding connectivity, you can visit the film’s HELP PAGE. Click the picture below to watch the trailer and purchase 72 hour access to this film for $12.
Synopsis for DEEP IN VOGUE: The Dayton LGBT Film Festival is helping us present DEEP IN VOGUE – complete with a virtual after-party and Q&A. “DEEP IN VOGUE celebrates the colorful, queer, emotional and political stories of Northern Vogue in Manchester, UK and the black, gay ballrooms of 1980s New York City. The documentary had its UK premiere at BFI Flare and its US premiere at NewFest NYC. Over the course of a year, film makers Dennis Keighron-Foster and Amy Watson charted the buildup to the Manchester ICONS Vogue Ball and explore universal themes and the unique styles from both sides of the Atlantic including the sometimes dramatic internal politics of Vogue to external politics including the disenfranchisement of black youth, LGBT issues, the dearth of art spaces and modes of expression, the over-commercialized gay scene, and the lack of safe spaces for the truly different. DEEP IN VOGUE is an electric, informative, and entertaining celebration of people coming to love and accept themselves, finding a new family through Vogue.” (FilmRise) This movie can be watched on your computer or mobile device. Click on the image below to watch the trailer and gain access to the film for $12.
To read more about all the films that are still available in our Virtual Cinema, please visit our WEBSITE. Here’s a LINK with a video I made about how Virtual Cinema works.
Would you like to know what titles we’re planning in our virtual cinema? (Click any title to watch that film’s trailer.) In January, we’ve got several fantastic docs…the first two are big the Sundance winners – ACASA MY HOME (about a family who are forced to live in the big city after living in harmony with nature for 20 years) and THE REASON I JUMP (a cinematic exploration of the experiences of nonspeaking autistic people from around the world). On January 15, we’ll have a really fun doc called ROCK CAMP (a doc featuring some big rock’n’rollers). On January 22, art lovers will delight with MY REMBRANDT. In early February, we’ll have a new doc about a brilliant artist (though he preferred the term “mathematician”) – M.C. ESCHER: JOURNEY TO INFINITY. More titles are on the way…stay tuned!
2020 has been quite a challenge, and I want to thank all of you for your continued support of THE NEON. Your donations and words of encouragement have meant the world to us. Though we’ll still have bumps in the road, new trends in the market to learn, and the need for fundraisers, THE NEON is here to stay. A few weeks ago, we got a sizable grant from The City of Dayton CARES Act – this grant helped to fill several holes in our 2020 budget, and it also allowed us to purchase 3 new Aerobiotix HEPA-Ultraviolet air recirculating units (the same devices used by The Cleveland Clinic). Each auditorium and the lobby now have one of these state-of-the art units which helps to make our space even safer. That said, I know some folks still aren’t ready to come out for in-person screenings…but I’m happy to share that we’ll be here when everyone is ready (and we have a lot of Virtual options in the interim).

AMELIE & New PINOCCHIO and More at The Neon

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Neon Movies on Fifth Street

We’ve got a great weekend in store at THE NEON. In addition to the new “definitive” edition of PINOCCHIO, we are bringing back an old friend. I am now in my 20th year of managing THE NEON, and AMELIE was our first big hit when I took over operations of the cinema. She was the film that made us breathe a little easier – knowing that we could handle crowds and that people knew we were here. We’re delighted to bring her back to the big screen this weekend! AMELIE will only be here for 5 days because a week from today, we will open a personal favorite from Sundance this year – HERSELF…and special thanks to our friends at Artemis Center who are helping us spread the word. Today is the last day for MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM (which we’ll be hearing a lot about this Oscar season) and George Clooney’s THE MIDNIGHT SKY – hurry down if you want to see them on the big screen.

We also have two new films in our Virtual Cinema. LOVE SARAH, a film I know so many of you will love, is a heartwarming British comedy starring Celia Imrie (from BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL). DEEP IN VOGUE, presented in part with The Dayton LGBT Film Festival, is an hour-long documentary that comes with Q&A’s and a Virtual After-Party!
In addition to hearing your responses to our Virtual Cinema, we’ve been reading a lot about several of our virtual offerings in year-end round-ups. DRIVEWAYS (a film so many of you loved this summer) has been noted as a favorite from many. ANOTHER ROUND(just included on Pedro Almodovar’s list of best films this year) and 76 HOURS (a doc that just had a great story on NPR) are still available in our Virtual Cinema.
NEW IN-PERSON ENGAGEMENTS:
Synopsis for PINOCCHIO: “Shot in stunning Italian locations, Matteo Garrone’s rich world of mystery and wonder stars Academy Award® winning actor Roberto Benigni as Geppetto, the old woodcarver whose puppet creation, Pinocchio, magically comes to life with dreams of becoming a real boy. Easily led astray, Pinocchio tumbles from one misadventure to another as he is tricked, kidnapped and chased by bandits through a wonderful world full of imaginative creatures – from the belly of a giant fish, to the Land Of Toys and the Field Of Miracles.” (Roadside Attractions) FYI – this version is in English.
Synopsis for AMELIE: We re-opened our doors in October 2001 after being closed all summer for major renovations – going from one screen to two. Attendance was minimal for the first few weeks, but then she arrived. AMELIE broke records, and she stole our hearts. Come see this dazzling film, back on the big screen for 5 days, opening Dec. 25! “Amélie is an innocent and naive girl in Paris with her own sense of justice. She decides to help those around her and, along the way, discovers love.” The colors, the characters, the whimsy…don’t miss this film on the big screen…the way it was meant to be seen. Click the image below to watch the film’s original trailer.
Synopsis for HERSELF – Opening January 30!: “HERSELF tells the story of Sandra, a young mother who seeks to rebuild her life from scratch, and provide a safe home for her two young daughters. In order to do so, she must escape the grip of a possessive ex-partner, circumnavigate a broken housing system, and bring together a community of friends who can support her and lend a helping hand.” (Amazon) During our run of HERSELF, we will have literature in our lobby about the services provided by an organization we care so much about – Artemis Center. You can find out all about how you can help (financially or by volunteering) on their website. Click the image below to watch the trailer for this powerful and empowering film.
NEW IN OUR VIRTUAL CINEMA:
Synopsis for LOVE SARAH: A sweet British film is just what so many of us need for the holidays. “Determined to fulfill her late mother’s dream of opening a bakery in charming Notting Hill, 19-year-old Clarissa enlists the help of her mother’s best friend Isabella and her eccentric estranged grandmother Mimi(played by Celia Imrie from THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL). These three generations of women will need to overcome grief, doubts and differences to honour the memory of their beloved Sarah while embarking on a journey to establish a London store filled with love, hope and colourful pastries from all over the world.” (Samuel Goldwyn Films) This film can be watched on your computer or mobile device as well as via Chromecast or via an HDMI cable attached to your television. For additional notes regarding connectivity, you can visit the film’s HELP PAGE. Click the picture below to watch the trailer and purchase 72 hour access to this film for $12.
Synopsis for DEEP IN VOGUE: The Dayton LGBT Film Festival is helping us present DEEP IN VOGUE – complete with a virtual after-party and Q&A. “DEEP IN VOGUE celebrates the colorful, queer, emotional and political stories of Northern Vogue in Manchester, UK and the black, gay ballrooms of 1980s New York City. The documentary had its UK premiere at BFI Flare and its US premiere at NewFest NYC. Over the course of a year, film makers Dennis Keighron-Foster and Amy Watson charted the buildup to the Manchester ICONS Vogue Ball and explore universal themes and the unique styles from both sides of the Atlantic including the sometimes dramatic internal politics of Vogue to external politics including the disenfranchisement of black youth, LGBT issues, the dearth of art spaces and modes of expression, the over-commercialized gay scene, and the lack of safe spaces for the truly different. DEEP IN VOGUE is an electric, informative, and entertaining celebration of people coming to love and accept themselves, finding a new family through Vogue.” (FilmRise) This movie can be watched on your computer or mobile device. Click on the image below to watch the trailer and gain access to the film for $12.
CONTINUING IN OUR VIRTUAL CINEMA:
Synopsis for FINDING YINGYING: This award-winning film was produced by WSU Motion Picture graduate Brent Huffman. “Yingying Zhang, a 26-year-old Chinese student, comes to the U.S. to study. In her detailed and beautiful diaries, the aspiring young scientist and teacher is full of optimism, hoping to also be married and a mother someday. Within weeks of her arrival, Yingying disappears from the campus. Through exclusive access to Yingying’s family and boyfriend, Finding Yingying closely follows their journey as they search to unravel the mystery of her disappearance and seek justice for their daughter while navigating a strange, foreign country. But most of all, Finding Yingying is the story of who Yingying was: a talented young woman loved by her family and friends.” This film can be watched on your computer or mobile device or via your Roku or AppleTV. For additional information regarding accessibility of the film, please visit this Eventive HELPpage. Here is a LINK where you can watch at trailer. Click the image below to purchase 72 hour access to this film for $12.
Synopsis for THAT CLICK: “A man at the cutting edge of fashion, photojournalism and portraiture, photographer to the stars Douglas Kirkland has, with his camera, portrayed over sixty years of pop culture. Famed for his legendary shoots with Hollywood favourites including Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Angelina Jolie and the stars of over 150 motion pictures – The Sound of Music, Moulin Rouge, Titanic and The Great Gatsby to name a few – Kirkland’s unique style and approach have resulted in hundreds of beautiful, immortal images that still influence the world today, decades after that first fateful click of the camera. This fascinating feature takes a closer look into the astonishing career of one the most important photographers of the last century, from his very first assignments at Look magazine in the 50’s to Vanity Fair in the present, with contributing cast including Sharon Stone, Nicole Kidman, Michelle Williams, Baz Luhrmann and Andy Garcia amongst many others.” This film can be watched on your computer or mobile device as well as via Chromecast or via an HDMI cable attached to your television. For additional notes regarding connectivity, you can visit the film’s HELP PAGE. Click the picture below to watch the trailer and purchase 72 hour access to this film for $10.
To read more about all the films that are still available in our Virtual Cinema, please visit our WEBSITE. Several films like the WORLD OF WONG KAR WAI (the retrospective on this incredible artist’s work) as well as 76 DAYS and ANOTHER ROUND (which was also just featured on NPR) are still available. As a reminder, THE LIBRARY DOLLY BUILT is only available to us until the end of the year. Here’s a LINK with a video I made about how Virtual Cinema works.
Wanna know what titles we’re planning in our virtual cinema? (Click any title to watch that film’s trailer.) In January, we’ve got several fantastic docs…the first two are big the Sundance winners – ACASA MY HOME (about a family who are forced to live in the big city after living in harmony with nature for 20 years) and THE REASON I JUMP (a cinematic exploration of the experiences of nonspeaking autistic people from around the world). On January 15, we’ll have a really fun doc called ROCK CAMP – a doc featuring some big rock’n’rollers. On January 22, art lovers will delight with MY REMBRANDT. More titles are on the way…stay tuned!

AMELIE & New PINOCCHIO

BILLIE Holiday Doc and Feel-Good Musical THE PROM at The Neon

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We’ve got a lot of films to get to in the next two weeks…so we’re moving right along. We’re cleaning house this week so we can open THE PROM and BILLIE this weekend…(though THE PROM has a preview screening tonight). These new films are only scheduled for one week because we have MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM, THE MIDNIGHT SKY, and the new film from our hometown Oscar-winning directors Julia Reichert & Steve Bognar – 9 TO 5: THE STORY OF A MOVEMENT – all set for next week!
In our Virtual Cinema, we’ve got a lot going on. ENDING DISEASE (a powerful documentary with a local tie) and ANOTHER ROUND (a fantastic Danish narrative starring Mads Mikkelsen) are two new films that start this weekend. ZAPPA, which is wrapping up its in-person engagement, will move to our Virtual Cinema on Friday.
In the past few days, we’ve read several notes about virtual films that our patrons are loving. Mickey wrote, “WOW. Just streamed WBCN AND THE AMERICAN REVOLUTIONand it absolutely blew me away. Best movie I’ve streamed from you yet, and one of my favorite movies of the entire year period. If you have an interest in early rock n’ roll, the anti-war movement of Vietnam, women’s rights movement, gay rights movement, the late 60’s, Nixon’s ouster, etc., I can’t recommend this movie enough. Bravo.” And moments later, Corey wrote, “My wife and I rented MODERN PERSUASION through The Neon last night, and we loved it! We had not heard of the film until your newsletter, and my wife loves Jane Austen anyway! So thank you!!!!” And raves about THE DONUT KING have been aplenty. We love hearing your responses to our Virtual Engagements. Please keep ’em coming! Details about these virtual films and more are available on the virtual page of our website.
NEW IN-PERSON ENGAGEMENTS:
Synopsis for THE PROM: “Dee Dee Allen (three-time Academy Award winner Meryl Streep) and Barry Glickman (Tony Award winnerJames Corden) are New York City stage stars with a crisis on their hands: their expensive new Broadway show is a major flop that has suddenly flatlined their careers. Meanwhile, in small-town Indiana, high school student Emma Nolan (newcomer Jo Ellen Pellman) is experiencing a very different kind of heartbreak: despite the support of the high school principal (Keegan-Michael Key), the head of the PTA (Kerry Washington) has banned her from attending the prom with her girlfriend, Alyssa (Ariana DeBose). When Dee Dee and Barry decide that Emma’s predicament is the perfect cause to help resurrect their public images, they hit the road with Angie (Academy Award winner Nicole Kidman) and Trent (Andrew Rannells), another pair of cynical actors looking for a professional lift. But when their self-absorbed celebrity activism unexpectedly backfires, the foursome find their own lives upended as they rally to give Emma a night where she can truly celebrate who she is.” (Netflix). Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer.
Synopsis for BILLIE: “Billie Holiday had one of the greatest voices of all time and changed the face of American music. She was a woman of breath-taking talent and global popularity while also stirring controversy. She started a notable rebellion singing “Strange Fruit” which exposed the realities of Black life in America and earned her powerful enemies. Raw, emotional and brutally honest, Billie is filled with never-before-heard interviews from musical greats like Charles Mingus, Tony Bennett, Sylvia Syms and Count Basie.” (Greenwich Entertainment) Click the image below to watch the trailer.
NEW ENGAGEMENTS IN OUR VIRTUAL CINEMA:
Synopsis for ENDING DISEASE: Available Starting Dec. 4. “ENDING DISEASE follows the amazing personal stories of patients from the first generation of FDA approved clinical trials using stem cell and regenerative medicine to attempt to cure the most vexing diseases and conditions known to humanity: Cancer, HIV/AIDS, spinal cord injury, eye disease and more. ENDING DISEASE shows how stem cell and regenerative medicine are fundamentally changing medicine from treatments to cures.” One subject of this film is former Wright State basketball player Ryan Custer seen in the photo below. We truly appreciate the folks at DAYTON DAILY NEWS writing a great story about Custer in Sunday’s paper. If you missed the story, it’s HERE. This film can be watched on your computer or mobile device or via your Roku or AppleTV. For additional information regarding accessibility of the film, please visit this Eventive HELP page. Click the image below to watch the trailer and purchase 72 hour access to this film for $12.
Synopsis for ANOTHER ROUND: Available starting Dec. 4! “There’s a theory that we should be born with a small amount of alcohol in our blood, and that modest inebriation opens our minds to the world around us, diminishing our problems and increasing our creativity. Heartened by that theory, Martin and three of his friends, all weary high school teachers, embark on an experiment to maintain a constant level of intoxication throughout the workday. If Churchill won WW2 in a heavy daze of alcohol, who knows what a few drops might do for them and their students? Initial results are positive, and the teachers’ little project turns into a genuine academic study. Both their classes and their results continue to improve, and the group feels alive again! As the units are knocked back, some of the participants see further improvement and others go off the rails. It becomes increasingly clear that while alcohol may have fueled great results in world history, some bold acts carry consequences.” This film can be watched on your computer or mobile device as well as via Chromecast or via an HDMI cable attached to your television. For additional notes regarding connectivity, you can visit the film’s Help Page HERE. Click the image below to watch the trailer and purchase 72 hour access to this film for $12.
Synopsis for ZAPPA: Available virtually starting Dec. 4. “With unfettered access to the Zappa family trust and all archival footage, ZAPPA explores the private life behind the mammoth musical career that never shied away from the political turbulence of its time. Alex Winter’s assembly features appearances by Frank’s widow Gail Zappa and several of Frank’s musical collaborators including Mike Keneally, Ian Underwood, Steve Vai, Pamela Des Barres, Bunk Gardner, David Harrington, Scott Thunes, Ruth Underwood, Ray White and others.” This film can be watched on your computer or mobile device or via your Roku or AppleTV. For additional information regarding accessibility of the film, please visit this Eventive HELP page. Click the image below to watch the trailer and purchase 72 hour access to this film for $12.
CONTINUING IN OUR VIRTUAL CINEMA
Synopsis for WBCN AND THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION: “WBCN AND THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION follows a compelling cast of characters as their lives connect and intersect during the rise of the legendary radio station that became both a player in and a platform for the explosive rock ‘n roll counterculture, passionate anti-war movement, and burgeoning civil rights, women’s rights, and gay rights movements…The material includes never before exhibited film shot by Andy Warhol and cinema vérité pioneer Ricky Leacock, images from notable photographers including the late Peter Simon, brother of singer Carly Simon, and Jeff Albertson, as well as aircheck audio from memorable on-air, in-studio moments.” This film can be watched on your computer or mobile device as well as via Chromecast or via an HDMI cable attached to your television. For additional notes regarding connectivity, you can visit the film’s Help Page HERE. Click the image below to watch the trailer and purchase 72 hour access to this film for $12.
To read more about all the films that are still available in our Virtual Cinema, please visit our WEBSITE. Several films like THE DONUT KING and MONSOON and RECON are still available. Here’s a LINK with a video I made about how Virtual Cinema works.
Wanna know what titles we’re planning in our virtual cinema? (Click any title to watch that film’s trailer.) On Dec. 9, we’ll open a documentary about the very first days of the COVID outbreak in Wuhan – 76 DAYS – it’s really powerful! On December 11, we will offer a WONG KAR WAI RETROSPECTIVE – full of remastered gems including a personal all-time favorite – IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE. Also on December 11, we’re glad that we can finally bring THE LIBRARY THAT DOLLY BUILT – a film we had planned to play in April before global shutdowns. In January, we’ll have 2 incredible docs…the first is the Sundance winner ACASA MY HOME and the second is a documentary with which we’ll hopefully partner with Veteran and environmental organizations – THE PEOPLE VS. AGENT ORANGE. More titles are on the way…stay tuned!
This holiday season, we’ve had several people ask about gift cards. Gift cards are available at our box office in any denomination during our traditional operating hours. If you’d prefer to mail a check, we can certainly mail a gift card back to you (or its final destination) – just email us at [email protected] for specific instructions. That said, though still the perfect option for the NEON Lover in your life, gift cards are only available for in-person transactions (in-person screenings, concessions, merchandise, etc.). We’ve had a couple people ask about gift cards for Virtual Engagements. Unfortunately, distributors and various platforms handle all monetary transactions for our virtual engagements…processing credit card payments for those films doesn’t go through us. But I have a creative fix! For people who want their loved ones to watch movies through our Virtual Cinema, I’d suggest buying a VISA/MASTERCARD pre-paid gift card and insisting they use it for our films. You could package it with movie candy in a popcorn container and lead them to our site with the correct link. In fact, for a few dollars, we could even help you with the packaging (i.e. see below)…just shoot us an email and we can figure something out. (We also have a handful of t-shirts left…and a limited number of zip-up, fleece hoodies are on the way!)
We just booked two films that have me quite excited. HERSELF is slated for Dec. 30 – one of my absolute favorite films of the year. ONE NIGHT IN MIAMI, the feature directorial debut of Regina King, is slated for January 8. I’ve not seen it yet, but I’ve heard nothing but great things.
Wishing you a safe, healthy and warm December.
My best,
Jonathan

David Fincher’s Award Hopeful MANK & More NEON News!

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We’re moving along with the highly anticipated film – MANK – David Fincher’s look at how Mankiewicz rushed to finish the screenplay for Orson Welles’ CITIZEN KANE. It opens tomorrow. If you still need to see THE CLIMB, Thursday will be your last chance. On Friday, we open the documentary ZAPPA for one week only. If you still need to see HILLBILLY ELEGY on the big screen, it will stick around for one more week.

In our Virtual Cinema, we have a new documentary that seems “right on time” about a social movement from the 60’s – WBCN AND THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. It also opens tomorrow.
NEW IN-PERSON ENGAGEMENT
Synopsis for MANK: “David Fincher’s latest masterpiece is slated for THE NEON for Thanksgiving Weekend! “1930s Hollywood is re-evaluated through the eyes of scathing social critic and alcoholic screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz as he races to finish the screenplay of CITIZEN KANE for Orson Welles.” Starring Gary Oldman, Amanda Seyfried, Charles Dance, and Lily Collins….you’ll be seeing some of these names during Oscar season! Click the image below to watch the film’s vintage-looking trailer.
Synopsis for ZAPPA: “With unfettered access to the Zappa family trust and all archival footage, ZAPPA explores the private life behind the mammoth musical career that never shied away from the political turbulence of its time. Alex Winter’s assembly features appearances by Frank’s widow Gail Zappa and several of Frank’s musical collaborators including Mike Keneally, Ian Underwood, Steve Vai, Pamela Des Barres, Bunk Gardner, David Harrington, Scott Thunes, Ruth Underwood, Ray White and others.” (Magnolia Pictures) Click the image below to watch the trailer.
NEW IN OUR VIRTUAL CINEMA
Synopsis for WBCN AND THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION: Available starting Nov. 25! “WBCN AND THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION follows a compelling cast of characters as their lives connect and intersect during the rise of the legendary radio station that became both a player in and a platform for the explosive rock ‘n roll counterculture, passionate anti-war movement, and burgeoning civil rights, women’s rights, and gay rights movements. The dramatic and compelling stories in WBCN and The American Revolution are interwoven with the original sights and sounds of the critical events of the late 1960s and early 1970s, thanks to more than 100,000 audio and visual items, many of which were donated to the project by members of the WBCN community and the station’s many listeners and fans. The material includes never before exhibited film shot by Andy Warhol and cinema vérité pioneer Ricky Leacock, images from notable photographers including the late Peter Simon, brother of singer Carly Simon, and Jeff Albertson, as well as aircheck audio from memorable on-air, in-studio moments.” This film can be watched on your computer or mobile device as well as via Chromecast or via an HDMI cable attached to your television. For additional notes regarding connectivity, you can visit the film’s Help Page HERE. Click the image below to watch the trailer and purchase 72 hour access to this film for $12.
CONTINUING IN OUR VIRTUAL CINEMA
Synopsis for MONSOON: Available Now! “Kit (Henry Golding from CRAZY RICH ASIANS) returns to Ho Chi Minh City for the first time since he was six years old when his family fled the country in the aftermath of the Vietnam-American war. Struggling to make sense of himself in a city he’s no longer familiar with, he embarks on a personal journey across the country that opens up the possibility for friendship, love and happiness.” This film can be watched on your computer or mobile device or via your Roku or AppleTV. For additional information regarding accessibility of the film, please visit this Eventive HELP page. Click the image below to watch the trailer and purchase 72 hour access to this film for $12.
Synopsis for MODERN PERSUASION: Now Available! We’re delighted to bring this romantic comedy with a stellar cast (they had us at Bebe Neuwirth and Jenn Harris) and directed by Jonathan Lisecki and Alex Appel to our Virtual Cinema. Lisecki was a special guest several years ago with his hit comedy GAYBY. “A modern telling of Jane Austen’s PERSUASION. Wren Cosgrove is a happy, single, and self-confessed workaholic who, after rising to the top of the corporate ladder, finds herself coming home every night to her cat. When her firm is hired by Owen Jasper, “the man who got away,” long-lost feelings are stirred, giving Wren a second chance at true love.” This film can be watched on your computer or mobile device as well as via Chromecast or via an HDMI cable attached to your television. For additional notes regarding connectivity, you can visit Samuel Goldwyn’s Help page HERE. Click the image below to watch the trailer and purchase 72 hour access to this film for $12.
To read more about all the films that are still available in our Virtual Cinema, please visit our WEBSITE. We’ll continue to offer crowd-pleasing films like CHUCK LEAVELL: THE TREE MAN, RADIUM GIRLS and THE DONUT KING through Thanksgiving. Here’s a LINK with a video I made about how Virtual Cinema works.
Wanna know what titles we’re planning in our virtual cinema? (Click any title to watch that film’s trailer.) On Dec. 4, we’ll open two new films – the first is ENDING DISEASE – a documentary that looks at advancements in stem cell therapies and curing the incurable. One subject of the film is Ryan Custer, a former Wright State basketball player who suffered a neck injury. The second film on Dec. 4 is ANOTHER ROUND – Denmark’s highest grossing film in several years and it stars Mads Mikkelsen. On Dec. 9, we’ll open a documentary about the very first days of the COVID outbreak – 76 DAYS (there’s no trailer yet for 76 DAYS, but here’s a CLIP). On December 11, we’re planning to offer a WONG KAR WAI RETROSPECTIVE – full of remastered gems including a personal all-time favorite – IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE. Also on December 11, we’re glad that we can finally bring THE LIBRARY THAT DOLLY BUILT – a film we had planned to play in April before global shutdowns. More titles are on the way…stay tuned!
Though dates continue to move around, I’m delighted that we are now able to bring a new documentary about Billie Holiday starting next Friday. Stay tuned for more details about BILLIE.
Wishing you and yours a wonderful, safe and warm Thanksgiving.
My best,
Jonathan

THE CLIMB & More NEON News!

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Audiences have been loving HILLBILLY ELEGY, and it will stick around for another week. We’ve heard numerous rave reviews from audiences exiting the cinema as well as via social media…and we’re glad that people are connecting to it. AMMONITE, a gorgeous film that would normally be a big hit, didn’t perform so well…but we’re going to keep it for one show a day over the weekend – so you’ll still have a few chances to see it. Tomorrow, we will open a critically-acclaimed comedy about a toxic male friendship – THE CLIMB.

In our Virtual Cinema, we have 2 new offerings this week. The beautiful film MONSOON just opened yesterday, and the contemporary Jane Austen romantic comedy MODERN PERSUASION (co-directed by one of our previous festival guests Jonathan Lisecki) opens tomorrow.

NEW FILM FOR IN-PERSON SCREENINGS

Synopsis for THE CLIMB: “Kyle and Mike are best friends who share a close bond — until Mike sleeps with Kyle’s fiancée. THE CLIMB is about a tumultuous but enduring relationship between two men across many years of laughter, heartbreak and rage. It is also the story of real-life best friends who turn their profound connection into a rich, humane and frequently uproarious film about the boundaries (or lack thereof) in all close friendships.” (Sony Classics) Click the image below to visit the film’s site and watch the trailer.

NEW FILMS IN OUR VIRTUAL CINEMA

Synopsis for MONSOON: Available Now! “Kit (Henry Golding from CRAZY RICH ASIANS) returns to Ho Chi Minh City for the first time since he was six years old when his family fled the country in the aftermath of the Vietnam-American war. There he meets Lee, his estranged second cousin, Linh, a young Vietnamese student, and arranges an online date that turns into something more with Lewis (Parker Sawyers from SOUTHSIDE WITH YOU), an American clothing designer. Struggling to make sense of himself in a city he’s no longer familiar with, he embarks on a personal journey across the country that opens up the possibility for friendship, love and happiness.” This film can be watched on your computer or mobile device or via your Roku or AppleTV. For additional information regarding accessibility of the film, please visit this Eventive HELP page. Click the image below to watch the trailer and purchase 72 hour access to this film for $12.
Synopsis for MODERN PERSUASION: Available starting Nov. 20! We’re delighted to bring this romantic comedy with a stellar cast (they had us at Bebe Neuwirth and Jenn Harris) and directed by Jonathan Lisecki and Alex Appel to our Virtual Cinema. Jonathan Lisecki was a special guest several years ago at The Dayton LGBT Film Festival with his hit comedy GAYBY. “A modern telling of Jane Austen’s PERSUASION. Wren Cosgrove is a happy, single, and self-confessed workaholic who, after rising to the top of the corporate ladder, finds herself coming home every night to her cat. When her firm is hired by Owen Jasper, “the man who got away,” long-lost feelings are stirred, giving Wren a second chance at true love.” This film can be watched on your computer or mobile device as well as via Chromecast or via an HDMI cable attached to your television. For additional notes regarding connectivity, you can visit Samuel Goldwyn’s Help page HERE. Click the image below to watch the trailer and purchase 72 hour access to this film for $12.

Synopsis for RECON: Based on the novel PEACE by Richard Bausch. “RECON tells the story of four American soldiers in WW2, who after they witness a vicious murder of an innocent civilian at the hands of their platoon Sergeant, are sent on a reconnaissance/suicide mission lead by a local partisan, an elderly man whose indeterminate loyalties add to the terror and confusion that engulfs the Americans as they are hunted by an unseen enemy. As they struggle to make it off the mountain alive, these American soldiers face the worst that war can offer men…. and through this each finds their own peace.” (Brainstorm Media) This film can be watched on your computer or mobile device or via your Roku or AppleTV.
For additional information regarding accessibility of the film, please visit this Eventive HELP page. Click the image below to watch the trailer and purchase 72 hour access to this film for $12. Many thanks to our friends at The Dayton Literary Peace Prize for working with us to bring this film to you.
Synopsis for CHUCK LEAVELL: THE TREE MAN: Directed by Daytonian Allen Farst. “Filmed in four countries with more than 80 interviews from artists with a combined 58 Grammy Awards by the artist included, CHUCK LEAVELL: THE TREE MAN is the cinematic documentary that shines a light on one of the greatest rock’n roll pianists and keyboardists over the last 40 years. Not just known for his musical influence, Leavell is also one of the biggest names in environmental forestry and was selected the National Tree Farmer of the Year in the United States.” (Niche Productions) This film can be watched on your computer or mobile device or via your Roku or AppleTV. For additional information regarding accessibility of the film, please visit this Eventive HELP page. Click the image below to watch the trailer and purchase 72 hour access to this film for $12.
To read more about all the films that are still available in our Virtual Cinema, please visit our WEBSITE. We’ll continue to offer crowd-pleasing films like RADIUM GIRLS and THE DONUT KING through Thanksgiving. Here’s a LINK with a video I made about how Virtual Cinema works.
Wanna know what titles we’re planning in our virtual cinema? (Click any title to watch that film’s trailer.) On Nov. 25, we’ll open WBCN AND THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION – a film about a radical underground radio station set against the social, political and cultural changes during the late 60’s and early 70’s. On Dec. 4, we’ll open two new films – the first is ENDING DISEASE – a documentary that looks at advancements in stem cell therapies and curing the incurable. One subject of the film is Ryan Custer, a former Wright State basketball player who suffered a neck injury; the second is ANOTHER ROUND – Denmark’s highest grossing film in several years starring Mads Mikkelsen. On Dec. 9, we’ll open a documentary about the very first days of the COVID outbreak – 76 DAYS (there’s no trailer yet for 76 DAYS, but here’s a CLIP). More titles are on the way…stay tuned!
In the coming weeks, we will have a nice mix of stunning Oscar contenders and fun, escapist fare. We’re planning to open MANK next Wednesday – it’s David Fincher’s new film about Mankiewicz rushing to finish the screenplay for CITIZEN KANE…but we need to wait a few more days before we put tickets on sale. In the last 24 hours, we just added THE PROM. Based on the beloved Broadway musical, THE PROM opens Dec. 4 for one week…and the cast is stellar – Nicole Kidman, Meryl Streep, Keegan-Michael Key, Kerry Washington, James Cordon and more! In addition to all that, dates keep changing…MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM is now set for Dec. 11.
We hope to see you soon!
Be safe & well.
My best,
Jonathan

HILLBILLY ELEGY and AMMONITE News From The Neon

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Hello NEON Fans.
We’ve got two, star-studded films opening at THE NEON this week. HILLBILLY ELEGY, directed by Ron Howard and starring Amy Adams and Glenn Close, just opened today (though usually associated with big Hollywood fare, Howard is no stranger to THE NEON…he directed the NEON hit documentary PAVAROTTI last year). On Friday, we will open the gorgeous period film AMMONITE – starring Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan. (Director Francis Lee is also no stranger – his critically acclaimed film GOD’S OWN COUNTRY played at The Dayton LGBT Film Festival in 2017.).
Today marks the start of RECON in our Virtual Cinema. This is the film that we’ve partnered with The Dayton Literary Peace Prize in order to bring to you. And after its successful in-person screenings at THE NEON, we will bring CHUCK LEAVELL: THE TREE MAN to our Virtual Cinema starting this Friday.
NEW FILMS FOR IN-PERSON SCREENINGS
Synopsis for HILLBILLY ELEGY: “J.D. Vance (Gabriel Basso), a former Marine from Middletown, Ohio and current Yale Law student, is on the verge of landing his dream job when a family crisis forces him to return to the home he’s tried to forget. J.D. must navigate the complex dynamics of his Appalachian family, including his volatile relationship with his mother Bev (Amy Adams), who’s struggling with addiction. Fueled by memories of his grandmother Mamaw (Glenn Close), the resilient and whip-smart woman who raised him, J.D. comes to embrace his family’s indelible imprint on his own personal journey. Based on J.D. Vance’s #1 New York Times Bestseller and directed by Academy Award winner Ron Howard, HILLBILLY ELEGY is a powerful personal memoir that offers a window into one family’s personal journey of survival and triumph. By following three colorful generations through their unique struggles, J.D.’s family story explores the highs and lows that define his family’s experience.” (taken from Netflix) Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer.
Synopsis for AMMONITE: “In 1800s England, acclaimed but unrecognized fossil hunter Mary Anning (Kate Winslet) works alone on the rugged Southern coastline. With the days of her famed discoveries behind her, she now searches for common fossils to sell to tourists to support herself and her ailing mother. When a wealthy visitor entrusts Mary with the care of his wife Charlotte Murchison (Saoirse Ronan), she cannot afford to turn his offer down. Proud and relentlessly passionate about her work, Mary initially clashes with her unwelcome guest, but despite the distance between their social class and personalities, an intense bond begins to develop, compelling the two women to determine the true nature of their relationship.” (Neon Rated) Click the image below to watch the trailer.
NEW IN OUR VIRTUAL CINEMA
Synopsis for RECON: We’re partnering with The Dayton Literary Peace Prize to bring a film that compliments one of their upcoming events. RECON (based on the novel PEACE by Richard Bausch) is now available for you to watch in our Virtual Cinema…then on November 16, you can join this wonderful organization’s discussion “Turn the Page: The Legacy of War” – a discussion between Richard Bausch and Andrew Krivak – both prize recipients from The Dayton Literary Peace Prize. For details about the special event with DLPP, visit this LINK. “Adapted from the critically acclaimed New York Times best seller PEACE by famed author Richard Bausch, and based on a true event – RECON tells the story of four American soldiers in WW2, who after they witness a vicious murder of an innocent civilian at the hands of their platoon Sergeant, are sent on a reconnaissance/suicide mission lead by a local partisan, an elderly man whose indeterminate loyalties add to the terror and confusion that engulfs the Americans as they are hunted by an unseen enemy. RECON centers around young men in the midst of war. The action occurs over the course of one long day between four soldiers placed in a crucible, as they debate both their fates and that of life itself. Each has a different perspective, liberal, racist, uncertain – a metaphor for the America both of 1945 and 2018. As the soldiers fight amongst themselves they realize they are being both hunted and haunted by a mysterious sniper and the specter of a burning question – is their Italian guide, this old man from the village, a fascist sympathizer who wishes to lead them to their death? As they struggle to make it off the mountain alive, these American soldiers face the worst that war can offer men…. and through this each finds their own peace.” (Brainstorm Media) This film can be watched on your computer or mobile device or via your Roku or AppleTV. For additional information regarding accessibility of the film, please visit this Eventive HELP page. Click the image below to watch the trailer and purchase 72 hour access to this film for $12.
Synopsis for CHUCK LEAVELL: THE TREE MAN: Daytonian Allen Farst has a new documentary about a rock’n’roll legend that is filled with big stars. After its successful in-person run, we are happy that we can now offer the film virtually. “Filmed in four countries with more than 80 interviews from artists with a combined 58 Grammy Awards by the artist included, CHUCK LEAVELL: THE TREE MAN is the cinematic documentary that shines a light on one of the greatest rock’n roll pianists and keyboardists over the last 40 years. Not just known for his musical influence, Leavell is also one of the biggest names in environmental forestry and was selected the National Tree Farmer of the Year in the United States. His commitment to the planet and his strong family ties are refreshing reminders to be kind and treat your neighbor with respect. As Leavell puts it, ‘if you cut a tree down, plant two for the next guy.’Featuring: Allman Brothers Dickey Betts and; Warren Haynes; Rolling Stones Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts and Ronnie Woods; President Jimmy Carter; Eric Clapton; Chris Robinson; Mike Mills; Pat Monahan; John Bell; Lee Ann Womack; Bruce Hornsby; John Popper; Bonnie Raitt; Julian Lennon; Charlie Daniels; Miranda Lambert; John Mayer; and David Gilmore, among others” (Niche Productions) This film can be watched on your computer or mobile device or via your Roku or AppleTV. For additional information regarding accessibility of the film, please visit this Eventive HELP page. Click the image below to watch the trailer and purchase 72 hour access to this film for $12.
CONTINUING IN OUR VIRTUAL CINEMA
Synopsis for CITY HALL: “Fresh off its high profile screenings at the Venice, Toronto and New York Film Festivals – and featuring a 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating – Frederick Wiseman’s latest film arrives at the crux of a major crossroads for our nation. City government touches almost every aspect of our lives. Most of us are unaware of or take for granted these necessary services such as police, fire, sanitation, veterans affairs, elder support, parks, licensing of various professional activities, recordkeeping of birth, marriage and death as well as hundreds of other activities that support Boston residents and visitors. CITY HALL, by Frederick Wiseman, shows the efforts by Boston city government to provide these services. The film also illustrates the variety of ways the city administration enters into civil discourse with the citizens of Boston.” (Zipporah Films) This film can be watched on your computer or mobile device or via your Roku or AppleTV. For additional information regarding accessibility of the film, please visit this Eventive HELP page. Click the image below to watch the trailer and purchase 72 hour access to this film for $12 (as an FYI – this film is 4.5 hours, and many critics have said they could have kept going).
Synopsis for RADIUM GIRLS: “Teenage sisters, Bessie and Jo, dream of faraway places as they paint glow-in-the-dark watch dials at the American Radium Factory. When Jo loses a tooth, Bessie’s world turns upside down as the mystery of Jo’s disease slowly unravels. Bessie befriends two young activists and in a radical coming of age, she investigates a corporate scandal. Bessie and the ‘Radium Girls’ file a lawsuit against American Radium. The notorious case ultimately led to a lasting impact in the area of workplace health and safety as well as the study of radioactivity.” (Juno Films) This film can be watched on your computer or mobile device or via your Roku or AppleTV. For additional information regarding accessibility of the film, please visit this Eventive HELP page. Click the image below to watch the trailer and purchase 72 hour access to this film for $12.
Synopsis for THE DONUT KING: We offered this film in person, and audiences absolutely loved it! Rated “100% Fresh” on rottentomatoes! “Ted’s story is one of fate, love, survival, hard knocks, and redemption. It’s the rags to riches story of a refugee escaping Cambodia, arriving in America in 1975 and building an unlikely multi-million-dollar empire baking America’s favorite pastry, the donut. Ted sponsored hundreds of visas for incoming refugees and helped them get on their feet teaching them the ways of the donut business. By 1979 he was living the American Dream. But, in life, great rise can come with great falls.” (Greenwich Entertainment) Click the image below to watch the trailer and gain 72 hour access for $12.
Here’s a LINK with a video I made about how Virtual Cinema works. Click HERE to see all the films that are still available in our Virtual Cinema.
Wanna know what titles we’re planning in our virtual cinema? (Click any title to watch that film’s trailer.) On November 18, we’ll open MONSOON – a gorgeous film about a man’s personal journey as he returns to his birthplace and struggles to recognize himself in this unfamiliar land. On Nov. 20, we’ll open MODERN PERSUASION (trailer now yet available) – a modern day take on the classic Jane Austen novel directed by Jonathan Lisecki & Alex Appel (Lisecki was a guest at the Dayton LGBT Film Festival several years ago with his hit film GAYBY). On Nov. 25, we’ll open WBCN AND THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION – a film about a radical underground radio station set against the social, political and cultural changes during the late 60’s and early 70’s. On Dec. 4, we’ll open two new films – the first is ENDING DISEASE – a documentary that looks at advancements in stem cell therapies and curing the incurable. One subject of the film is Ryan Custer, a former Wright State basketball player who suffered a neck injury; the second is ANOTHER ROUND – Denmark’s highest grossing film in several years starring Mads Mikkelsen. More titles are on the way…stay tuned!
We hope to see you soon!
Be safe & well.
My best,
Jonathan

Chuck Leavell, A Call to Spy & Hillbilly Elegy News From The Neon

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Audiences absolutely adored THE DONUT KING…and though we’re unable to keep it a second week for in-person screenings, the distributor is allowing us to present it in our Virtual Cinema. It will be available there starting Friday. If you still need to see STEVIE NICKS 24 KARAT GOLD, THE EXORCIST or A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET, you’ll need to hurry – tomorrow (Thursday) will be your last chance for these films on the big screen.
On Friday, we will open 2 new films. The star-studded documentary CHUCK LEAVELL: THE TREE KING was made by local director Allen Farst, and the period drama A CALL TO SPY (which will only play for 5 days) is a tribute to some of the women who helped turn the tide of World War II. Next Wednesday, Nov. 11, we will open the highly anticipated Ron Howard film HILLBILLY ELEGY.
In addition to THE DONUT KING, we will off 2 new film in our Virtual Cinema. CITY HALL, rated “100% Fresh,” is being heralded as Frederick Wiseman’s latest masterpiece. RADIUM GIRLS is a fascinating story about an important time in the labor movement. These films will all be available starting Friday.
New Booking for In-Person Screenings
Synopsis for CHUCK LEAVELL: THE TREE KING: Daytonian Allen Farst has a new documentary about a rock’n’roll legend that is filled with big stars…and it opens for one week only at THE NEON this Friday. “Filmed in four countries with more than 80 interviews from artists, CHUCK LEAVELL: THE TREE MAN is the cinematic documentary that shines a light on one of the greatest rock’n roll pianists and keyboardists over the last 40 years. Not just known for his musical influence, Leavell is also one of the biggest names in environmental forestry and was selected the National Tree Farmer of the Year in the United States. His commitment to the planet and his strong family ties are refreshing reminders to be kind and treat your neighbor with respect. As Leavell puts it, ‘if you cut a tree down, plant two for the next guy.’ Featuring: Allman Brothers Dickey Betts and Warren Haynes; Rolling Stones Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts and Ronnie Woods; President Jimmy Carter; Eric Clapton; Chris Robinson; Mike Mills; Pat Monahan; John Bell; Lee Ann Womack; Bruce Hornsby; John Popper; Bonnie Raitt; Julian Lennon; Charlie Daniels; Miranda Lambert; John Mayer; and David Gilmore, among others”(press notes) Click the image below to visit the film’s official site.
Synopsis for A CALL TO SPY: (IFC Films). 5 DAYS ONLY! “As Great Britain’s forces were stretched thin during World War II, Winston Churchill’s Special Operations Executive (SOE) began to enlist women as spies. Their daunting mission: conduct sabotage and build a resistance. Spymistress Vera Atkins, later the inspiration for Ian Fleming’s Miss Moneypenny in the James Bond franchise, was the chief recruiter for this secret army. Atkins selected two unusual candidates: Virginia Hall, an American journalist from Baltimore hampered by a wooden leg, and Noor Inayat Khan, a wireless officer of Indian descent and an avowed pacifist. Together, they worked to undermine the Nazi regime in France. The courage, sacrifices and grit of these three women helped quell the Nazi occupation.” (IFC Films) Click on the image below to watch the film’s trailer.
Synopsis for HILLBILLY ELEGY: “J.D. Vance (Gabriel Basso), a former Marine from Middletown, Ohio and current Yale Law student, is on the verge of landing his dream job when a family crisis forces him to return to the home he’s tried to forget. J.D. must navigate the complex dynamics of his Appalachian family, including his volatile relationship with his mother Bev (Amy Adams), who’s struggling with addiction. Fueled by memories of his grandmother Mamaw (Glenn Close), the resilient and whip-smart woman who raised him, J.D. comes to embrace his family’s indelible imprint on his own personal journey. Based on J.D. Vance’s #1 New York Times Bestseller and directed by Academy Award winner Ron Howard, HILLBILLY ELEGY is a powerful personal memoir that offers a window into one family’s personal journey of survival and triumph. By following three colorful generations through their unique struggles, J.D.’s family story explores the highs and lows that define his family’s experience.” (taken from Netflix) Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer. Tickets for Nov. 11 & 12 are on sale now. Additional dates and tickets will be available by early next week!
NEW FILM IN OUR VIRTUAL CINEMA
Synopsis for CITY HALL: Available starting Nov. 6! “Fresh off its high profile screenings at the Venice, Toronto and New York Film Festivals – and featuring a 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating – Frederick Wiseman’s latest film arrives at the crux of a major crossroads for our nation. City government touches almost every aspect of our lives. Most of us are unaware of or take for granted these necessary services such as police, fire, sanitation, veterans affairs, elder support, parks, licensing of various professional activities, recordkeeping of birth, marriage and death as well as hundreds of other activities that support Boston residents and visitors. CITY HALL, by Frederick Wiseman, shows the efforts by Boston city government to provide these services. The film also illustrates the variety of ways the city administration enters into civil discourse with the citizens of Boston. Mayor Walsh and his administration are presented addressing a number of their policy priorities which include racial justice, affordable housing, climate action, and homelessness. CITY HALL shows a city government successfully offering a wide variety of services to a diverse population.” (Zipporah Films) This film can be watched on your computer or mobile device or via your Roku or AppleTV. For additional information regarding accessibility of the film, please visit this Eventive HELP page. Click the image below to watch the trailer and purchase 72 hour access to this film for $12 (as an FYI – this film is 4.5 hours, and many critics have said they could have kept going).
Synopsis for RADIUM GIRLS: Available starting Nov. 6! “Teenage sisters, Bessie and Jo, dream of faraway places as they paint glow-in-the-dark watch dials at the American Radium Factory. When Jo loses a tooth, Bessie’s world turns upside down as the mystery of Jo’s disease slowly unravels. Bessie befriends two young activists and in a radical coming of age, she investigates a corporate scandal. Bessie and the ‘Radium Girls’ file a lawsuit against American Radium. The notorious case ultimately led to a lasting impact in the area of workplace health and safety as well as the study of radioactivity.” (Juno Films) This film can be watched on your computer or mobile device or via your Roku or AppleTV. For additional information regarding accessibility of the film, please visit this Eventive HELP page. Click the image below to watch the trailer and purchase 72 hour access to this film for $12.
Synopsis for THE DONUT KING: We offered this film in person, and audiences absolutely loved it! And because we’re not able to hold it over and because it’s available to us in a virtual format, we’ll start offering this terrific film in our Virtual Cinema on Friday, Nov. 6. Rated “100% Fresh” on rottentomatoes! “Ted’s story is one of fate, love, survival, hard knocks, and redemption. It’s the rags to riches story of a refugee escaping Cambodia, arriving in America in 1975 and building an unlikely multi-million-dollar empire baking America’s favorite pastry, the donut. Ted sponsored hundreds of visas for incoming refugees and helped them get on their feet teaching them the ways of the donut business. By 1979 he was living the American Dream. But, in life, great rise can come with great falls.” (Greenwich Entertainment) NEON regular Krystyna wrote, “The Donut King is a most heartwarming documentary…it is one’s man journey as he escapes from his war torn homeland (the historical footage is excellent) achieving the “American Dream” with the creation of his donut empire. The movie is fascinating as it deals with war, immigration, refuge camps, family, infidelity, addiction as it is much more than just about the donut. Do not underestimate this movie as the title is a bit misleading…you will be pleasantly surprised by this gem!!!” Click the image below to watch the trailer and gain 72 hour access for $12.
CONTINUING IN OUR VIRTUAL CINEMA
Synopsis for NATIONTIME: “NATIONTIME is the long-lost film that William Greaves made about the National Black Political Convention of 1972, when 10,000 black politicians, activists and artists went to Gary, Indiana, to forge a national unity platform in advance of the Republican and Democratic presidential conventions. The delegates included a wide array of political thinkers.” This film can be watched on your computer or you can watch it on your Roku or AppleTV via the Kino Now app. More questions regarding accessing this film can be found on the bottom of the platform’s page. Click the image below to watch the trailer then gain 5 day access to the film for $10.
Synopsis for MADRE: If you attended the Oscar Nominated Narrative Shorts a couple years ago at THE NEON, then you’ve seen the wonderful short film on which this exquisite Spanish/French dramatic thriller is based. “Elena receives a call from her six-year-old son, who tells her that he is lost on a beach in France…these desperate words of his son were the last that she learned about him…After ten years, her life shakes again when she accidentally meets Gene, a French teenager resembling her son.” This film can be watched on your computer or mobile device or via your Roku or AppleTV. For additional information regarding accessibility of the film, please visit this Eventive HELP page. Click on the image below to watch the trailer and pre-order access for $12 (once you start watching, you’ll have 24 hours to finish). The film will become available on Friday!
Here’s a LINK with a video I made about how Virtual Cinema works. Click HERE to see all the films that are still available in our Virtual Cinema.
Wanna know what’s coming down the road in our virtual cinema? (Click any title to watch that film’s trailer.) On Nov. 11, we’re partnering with The Dayton Literary Peace Prize to bring a film that speaks to one of their upcoming events. RECON(based on the novel PEACE by Richard Bausch) will be available for you to watch in our Virtual Cinema starting Nov. 11…then on November 16, you can join this wonderful organization’s discussion “Turn the Page: The Legacy of War” – a discussion between Richard Bausch and Andrew Krivak – both prize winners from The Dayton Literary Peace Prize. For details about the special event, click HERE. On November 18, we’ll open MONSOON – a gorgeous film about a man’s personal journey as he returns to his birthplace and struggles to recognize himself in this unfamiliar land. On Dec. 4, we’ll open ENDING DISEASE – a documentary that looks at advancements in stem cell therapies and curing the incurable. One subject of the film is Ryan Custer, a former Wright State basketball player who suffered a neck injury. More titles are on the way…stay tuned!
Many, Many thanks to our friends at Toxic Brew and Hole in the Wall – 2 neighborhood bars in the Oregon District. Their special horror film screening on Sunday night raised over $800 for THE NEON! We truly appreciate their generosity…and the crowd had a blast!
We’ve got some great new films on the horizon. AMMONITE, starring Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan, will open on Nov. 13. The adaptation of August Wilson’s MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM, starring Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman, will open on Dec. 4, and George Clooney’s THE MIDNIGHT SKY opens Dec. 11. More Oscar-hopeful titles are being negotiated…stay tuned!
We hope to see you soon!
Be safe & well.
My best,
Jonathan
IN-PERSON SHOWTIMES for Wednesday, Nov. 4 – Thursday, Nov. 12:
STEVE NICKS 24 KARAT GOLD THE CONCERT (NR) 1 Hr 40 Min
Wednesday & Thursday (Nov 4 & 5): 7:00
FINAL DAY – Nov. 5!
THE EXORCIST: EXTENDED DIRECTOR’S CUT (R) 2 Hrs 12 Min
Wednesday & Thursday (Nov 4 & 5): 3:15
FINAL DAY – Nov. 5!
A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET (R) 1 Hr 31 Min
Wednesday & Thursday (Nov 4 & 5): 7:15
FINAL DAY – Nov. 5!
THE DONUT KING (NR) 1 Hr 30 Min
Wednesday & Thursday (Nov 4 & 5): 3:30
FINAL DAY – Nov. 5!
CHUCK LEAVELL: THE TREE MAN (NR) 1 Hr 43 Min – ONE WEEK ONLY!
Friday, Saturday, Sunday (Nov 6-8): 1:00, 4:00, 7:15*
(*the 7:15 show is sold out all three weekend nights)
Mon & Tue (Nov 9 & 10): 3:30, 7:15
Wed & Thu (Nov 11 & 12): 3:30
FINAL DAY – Nov. 12!
A CALL TO SPY (PG-13) 2 Hrs 3 Min – 5 DAYS ONLY!
Friday, Saturday, Sunday (Nov 6-8): 1:15, 4:15, 7:30
Mon & Tue (Nov 9 & 10): 3:15, 7:00
FINAL DAY – Nov. 10!
HILLBILLY ELEGY (R) 1 Hr 56 Min
Wed & Thu (Nov 11 & 12): 3:00, 7:00, 7:30
COMING SOON – In-Person Screenings:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear)
Nov 13 – AMMONITE
Dec 4 – MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM
Dec 11 – THE MIDNIGHT SKY
TBD: THE CLIMB
NOMADLAND
MANK
THE FATHER
THE TRUFFLE HUNTERS

Sundance Hit THE FORTY-YEAR-OLD VERSION Starts Friday at The Neon

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This weekend, we’re adding a new film to the mix – a first time feature film from veteran playwright and television writer Radha Blank – THE FORTY-YEAR-OLD VERSION. This film was a huge hit at Sundance, and it’s currently rated “98% Fresh” on rottentomatoes. In addition, we are going to hold both ON THE ROCKS and THE TRIAL OF THE CHICAGO 7…and we have a couple special events coming next week too.

In our Virtual Cinema, we have two new films. MY NAME IS PEDRO, a film about a hero in public education, opened today. DATING AMBER, a coming-of-age film set in Ireland in the mid 90’s, opens Friday. More about both of those below.
Rave reviews for The 15th Annual Dayton LGBT Film Festival have been pouring in. People have loved our selections, and the virtual format seems to be going over very well. Many thanks to everyone who has supported this fest. There are still a couple selections you can check out before they expire. Check out the line-up at www.daytonlgbt.com
New Booking for In-Person Screenings:
Synopsis for THE FORTY-YEAR-OLD VERSION: This new, award-winning film from Radha Blank was a big hit at Sundance and is currently rated “98% Fresh” on rottentomatoes. “Radha is a down-on-her-luck NY playwright, who is desperate for a breakthrough before 40. Reinventing herself as rapper RadhaMUSPrime, she vacillates between the worlds of Hip Hop and theater in order to find her true voice.” Click this LINK to watch the trailer and click the image below to watch the a special piece about the creation of the film with Radha Blank.
New to our Virtual Cinema
Synopsis for MY NAME IS PEDRO: “Lillian LaSalle’s documentary explores what public education meant to South Bronx Latino maverick educator, Pedro Santana, and what he, in turn, meant to public education.” Click HERE to watch the trailer and click on the image below to purchase the film for $8.99.
Synopsis for DATING AMBER: “DATING AMBER is a poignant, honest and funny look at the highs and lows of teenage life where the only way to fit in is to not be yourself, even if this goes against your very being. Set-in Ireland during the mid-90’s, Eddie and Amber decide to stage a relationship in order to stop everyone speculating about their sexuality. Eddie is keen to follow his Dad into the military, while Amber dreams of moving to the liberal hub of London. However, their ‘ideal’ arrangement begins to fall apart, forcing Eddie deeper into denial as Amber realizes that a perilous future awaits her best friend unless she intervenes. DATING AMBER is a love letter to all those kids who grew up in a small town and who needed to escape in order to be themselves.” Click the image below to watch the trailer and gain 72 hour access for $12.
Continuing in our Virtual Cinema:
Synopsis for SAUL AND RUBY’S HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR BAND: Available now. “Like many survivors of the Holocaust, after World War II, Saul and Ruby moved to America, started families and careers, grew old, and retired to South Florida. For them, retirement could have been the last chapter in their story. But then they decided to start a klezmer band, named the Holocaust Survivor Band. This unique and compelling story is about having the courage to live one’s dreams, finding purpose and meaning in life at any age, the transcendent power of music, and the importance of speaking out against anti-Semitism and bigotry.” Click the image below to watch the trailer and then gain access to the film for $12.
Synopsis for AGGIE: Available now! “AGGIE is a feature-length documentary that explores the nexus of art, race, and justice through the story of art collector and philanthropist Agnes “Aggie” Gund’s life. Emmy-nominated director Catherine Gund focuses on her mother’s journey to give viewers an understanding of the power of art to transform consciousness and inspire social change. Aggie is internationally recognized for her robust and prescient support of artists–particularly women and people of color–and her unwavering commitment to social justice issues. After falling in love with art as a high-school student, Aggie discovers a new way of looking at the world.” Click the image below to watch the trailer and then access the film for $12.
A customer recently asked me to repost instructions as to how to use our Virtual Cinema. Here’s a LINK with a video I made about how it all works. Click HERE to see all the films that are still available in our Virtual Cinema.
Wanna know what’s coming down the road in our virtual cinema? (Click any title to watch that film’s trailer.) On Oct. 21, we’ll open the festival hit MAJOR ARCANA, and on Oct. 23 we’ll open a doc about photographer Burk Uzzle (you might not know his name, but you’ve seen his work) – F11 AND BE THERE. On Oct. 28, we’ll open the recently restored (both in quality and length) important documentary from William Greaves – NATIONTIME, and on Oct. 30 we’ll open the Spanish/French thriller MADRE (if you come to THE NEON for Oscar nominated shorts, you’ve likely seen the short film on which this feature is based). On Nov. 6, we’ll open Fredrick Wiseman’s new highly acclaimed doc CITY HALL as well as RADIUM GIRLS (we’re hoping to set up a special Q&A with the film’s directors). More titles are on the way…stay tuned!
As a reminder…tickets for STEVIE NICKS 24 KARAT GOLD THE CONCERT are on sale now. Current scheduled shows are for Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 7:00 and Sunday, Oct. 25 at 1:00 and 7:00. If you’re a Stevie fan, you don’t need more than an announcement to get your tickets…but if you’re not sure, here’s a TRAILER.
Local filmmaker and author Mathew Klickstein has a new book hitting the shelves, so we’re taking a look at a film that he produced & directed about the same kids.”ACT YOUR AGE: THE KIDS OF WIDNEY HIGH STORY (2010) is a rollicking rollercoaster of a rowdy ride up the West Coast during the world-famous Kids of Widney High’s 2008 headlining tour from Los Angeles to Seattle and back. Intimately chronicled through a punk-influenced DIY ‘video diary’ lens, ACT YOUR AGE takes the viewer into the green rooms, hotel rooms, bars, onstage and into the road-tripping van of the Kids, a group of singer-songwriters with developmental disabilities initially based out of an East Los Angeles special-ed music program.
This new tenth anniversary edition of ACT YOUR AGE has been polished and remastered to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the groundbreaking Americans with Disabilities Act and the release of the Kids’ first book, THE KIDS OF WIDNEY JUNIOR HIGH TAKE OVER THE WORLD!, out in stores now. Come see the world through the eyes of a ‘Kid.’ ACT YOUR AGE director/producer Mathew Klickstein – a longtime author/filmmaker/journalist and recent transplant to Dayton – will be in-person for a brief introduction and follow-up Q&A after the film.” (taken from press notes) Tickets, $10 for general admission and $8 for seniors, are now available on our website. We had this event on the books before we knew about the presidential debate…alas this is a one-time only event that celebrates differently abled young people. After that first debate, didn’t you wish you’d had other plans???
Because distributors continue to push back their titles, we will have more weeks when we need to explore some classics. So on Oct. 23, we’re going to take a look at some early favorites from Tim Burton – PEE WEE’S BIG ADVENTURE and BEETLEJUICE. Please help us spread the word…these should be a lot of fun. (Maybe even free prizes for people who ride their bikes to THE NEON for Pee Week!! We’ll see.). We also plan to open POSSESSOR UNCUT – the new film from Brandon Cronenberg (a filmmaker who has a lot in common with his father – David Cronenberg).
We got news this week that we can open Ron Howard’s new film HILLBILLY ELEGY on Nov. 11. This highly anticipated film was partially shot in Middletown – home of the famous book’s author J.D. Vance.

This Week at The Neon & The Dayton LGBT Film Fest starts Friday

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Two new films that are already hot with Oscar buzz open this Friday at THE NEON. If you need to see THE WAY I SEE IT (which received rounds of applause this weekend), SAVE YOURSELVES! (the sci-fi/comedy with lots to say about today’s social media obsessed culture), or KAJILLIONAIRE (Miranda July’s latest Sundance hit), you only have until Thursday. ON THE ROCKS and THE TRIAL OF THE CHICAGO 7 open on Friday!

In our Virtual Cinema, we have two new films. SAUL AND RUBY’S HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR BAND opened today, and AGGIE (about Agnes Gund) opens Friday. More about both of those below.
On top of all that, The 15th Annual Dayton LGBT Film Fest starts Friday! Though most films are virtual, there is also one package of terrific short films that will be offered 4 times in-person at THE NEON. If you’re not interested in a pass that gets you everything…and you just want to support a film or two…I highly recommend the documentaries KEYBOARD FANTASIES (I just bought Beverly Glenn-Copeland’s new album) and AHEAD OF THE CURVE. If you’re more interested in a narrative, fiction film, TWILIGHT’S KISS is one that our regulars would love, and SHIVA BABY is the edgy comedy that has been a big hit on the festival circuit. BREAKING FAST is labeled as “A Ramadan Rom-Com” – and it’s the charming, feel-good film that we’ve chosen to open our festival. If you need a tutorial about how to access films and purchase tickets for the festival, this LINKwill take you to a video I made. Click on the image below to go right to the festival’s official site.
New Bookings for In-Person Screenings:
Synopsis for ON THE ROCKS: “A young New York mother faced with sudden doubts about her marriage teams up with her larger-than-life playboy father to tail her husband. What follows is a sparkling comic adventure across the city—drawing father and daughter closer together despite one detour after another. Acclaimed filmmaker Sofia Coppola brings a light touch to this blend of an exuberant love letter to New York, a generation-clash comedy about how we see relationships differently from our parents, and a funny celebration of the complications that bind modern families even as they tie us in crazy knots. Laura (Rashida Jones) thinks she’s happily hitched, but when her husband Dean (Marlon Wayans) starts logging late hours at the office with a new co-worker, Laura begins to fear the worst. She turns to the one man she suspects may have insight: her charming, impulsive father Felix (Bill Murray), who insists they investigate the situation. As the two begin prowling New York at night, careening from uptown parties to downtown hotspots, they discover at the heart of their journey lies their own relationship.” Click the image below to watch the trailer.
Synopsis for THE TRIAL OF THE CHICAGO 7: Written and directed by Aaron Sorkin (THE WEST WING), this film with a stellar cast is already getting major Oscar buzz! “The film follows the Chicago Seven, a group of anti-Vietnam War protesters charged with conspiracy and crossing state lines with the intention of inciting riots at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. It features an ensemble cast that includes Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Sacha Baron Cohen, Daniel Flaherty, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Michael Keaton, Frank Langella, John Carroll Lynch, Eddie Redmayne, Noah Robbins, Mark Rylance, Alex Sharp, and Jeremy Strong. Sorkin originally wrote the screenplay in 2007, with the intent of Steven Spielberg directing the film with mostly unknown actors. After the 2007 Writers Guild of America strike and budget concerns forced Spielberg to drop out as director, Sorkin was announced as director in October 2018, and much of the cast joined that same month.” Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer.
New in our Virtual Cinema:
Synopsis for SAUL AND RUBY’S HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR BAND: Available now! “Like many survivors of the Holocaust, after World War II, Saul and Ruby moved to America, started families and careers, grew old, and retired to South Florida. For them, retirement could have been the last chapter in their story. But then they decided to start a klezmer band, named the Holocaust Survivor Band. The band summons the bittersweet memories of childhood in Poland, but more than that, it is a celebration of life. In this utterly heart-affecting and enthralling film, we follow Saul and Ruby’s musical journey, which begins in total obscurity, playing in residential homes for the elderly and small Jewish community organizations, to being invited to perform at venues across the country, including a coveted performance at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage. This unique and compelling story is about having the courage to live one’s dreams, finding purpose and meaning in life at any age, the transcendent power of music, and the importance of speaking out against anti-Semitism and bigotry.” Click the image below to watch the trailer and then gain access to the film for $12.
Synopsis for AGGIE: Available Starting Oct. 9! “AGGIE is a feature-length documentary that explores the nexus of art, race, and justice through the story of art collector and philanthropist Agnes “Aggie” Gund’s life. Emmy-nominated director Catherine Gund focuses on her mother’s journey to give viewers an understanding of the power of art to transform consciousness and inspire social change. Aggie is internationally recognized for her robust and prescient support of artists–particularly women and people of color–and her unwavering commitment to social justice issues. After falling in love with art as a high-school student, Aggie discovers a new way of looking at the world. The film opens with Aggie selling Roy Lichtenstein’s “Masterpiece” For $165 million to start the Art for Justice Fund. The proceeds from one of the highest grossing artworks ever sold fuel a monumental effort to reform the American criminal justice system and end mass incarceration. The film captures Aggie as a true maverick who demonstrates the unique role and potential of collectors and benefactors to use art to fight justice. This is untapped terrain, and we see Aggie leading the way.” Click the image below to watch the trailer and then preorder access to the film for $12. (The film will be available starting this Friday!)
Continuing in our Virtual Cinema:
Synopsis for ONCE UPON A RIVER: “Based on the best-selling novel by Bonnie Jo Campbell, ONCE UPON A RIVER is the story of Native American teenager Margo Crane in 1970s rural Michigan. After enduring a series of traumas and tragedies, Margo (newcomer Kenadi DelaCerna) sets out on an odyssey on the Stark River in search of her estranged mother. Jane Smiley for The New York Times wrote, ‘an excellent American parable about the consequences of our favorite ideal, freedom.” Click the image below to watch the trailer and unlock the film for $12.
Synopsis for THE DISRUPTED: “What do a farmer in Kansas, a laid-off factory worker in Ohio, and an Uber driver in Florida have in common? All three are resourceful, positive thinkers who strive to adapt and thrive despite dehumanizing forces at play in the American economy. As the film’s heroes face these roadblocks with courage, certain ideals remain sacred: family, love, and staying strong in the face of adversity.” Click the image below to watch the trailer and unlock the film for $12.
A customer recently asked me to repost instructions as to how to use our Virtual Cinema. Here’s a LINK with a video I made about how it all works. Click HERE to see all the films that are still available in our Virtual Cinema.
Wanna know what’s coming down the road in our virtual cinema? (Click any title to watch that film’s trailer.) On Oct. 14, we’ll open MY NAME IS PEDRO – an inspiring documentary about a teacher and how transformative a single person can be to the community at large. On Oct. 16, we’ll open the sweet and funny DATING AMBER. On Oct. 21, we’ll open the festival hit MAJOR ARCANA, and on Oct. 28, we’ll open the recently restored (both in quality and length) important documentary from William Greaves – NATIONTIME (trailer will be available soon). On Nov. 6, we’ll open Fredrick Wiseman’s new highly acclaimed doc CITY HALL. We’re still trying to nail down RADIUM GIRLS and other titles…so stay tuned!
As a reminder…tickets for STEVIE NICKS 24 KARAT GOLD THE CONCERT are on sale now. Current scheduled shows are for Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 7:00 and Sunday, Oct. 25 at 1:00 and 7:00. If you’re a Stevie fan, you don’t need more than an announcement to get your tickets…but if you’re not sure, here’s a TRAILER.
Local filmmaker and author Mathew Klickstein has a new book hitting the shelves, so we’re taking a look at a film that he produced & directed about the same kids.”ACT YOUR AGE: THE KIDS OF WIDNEY HIGH STORY (2010) is a rollicking rollercoaster of a rowdy ride up the West Coast during the world-famous Kids of Widney High’s 2008 headlining tour from Los Angeles to Seattle and back. Intimately chronicled through a punk-influenced DIY ‘video diary’ lens, ACT YOUR AGE takes the viewer into the green rooms, hotel rooms, bars, onstage and into the road-tripping van of the Kids, a group of singer-songwriters with developmental disabilities initially based out of an East Los Angeles special-ed music program.
This new tenth anniversary edition of ACT YOUR AGE has been polished and remastered to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the groundbreaking Americans with Disabilities Act and the release of the Kids’ first book, THE KIDS OF WIDNEY JUNIOR HIGH TAKE OVER THE WORLD!, out in stores now. Come see the world through the eyes of a ‘Kid.’ ACT YOUR AGE director/producer Mathew Klickstein – a longtime author/filmmaker/journalist and recent transplant to Dayton – will be in-person for a brief introduction and follow-up Q&A after the film.” (taken from press notes) Tickets, $10 for general admission and $8 for seniors, are now available on our website.
Because distributors continue to push back their titles, we will have more weeks when we need to explore some classics. So on Oct. 23, we’re going to take a look at some early favorites from Tim Burton – PEE WEE’S BIG ADVENTURE and BEETLEJUICE. Please help us spread the word…these should be a lot of fun. (Maybe even free prizes for people who ride their bikes to THE NEON for Pee Week!! We’ll see.)

At The Neon: 9 New Engagements This Week!

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Jonathan McNeal

This week, we have two new films and three retrospective films for in-person screenings…and we’re adding 3 new films to our Virtual Cinema.  On top of that, we’ve got a new film starting next Wednesday – so we’ve got a lot of ground to cover.

Starting today, we have the new powerful documentary that The Hollywood Reporter calls “An exemplary civics lesson” – ALL IN: THE FIGHT FOR DEMOCRACY.  And starting Friday, we’ll open John Leguizamo’s cinematic directorial debut – CRITICAL THINKING.  In addition, we’re going to bring a trilogy of cult favorites throughout the week –  the British comedies SHAUN OF THE DEAD, HOT FUZZ and THE WORLD’S END (each film will only screen a couple times…so we suggest getting your tickets early).  On Wednesday next week, we will open a new period thriller – THE SECRETS WE KEEP – starring Noomi Rapace (the star of all the original Dragon Tattoo films).
In our Virtual Cinema, we introduce three new films.  Starting today, we have JIMMY CARTER: ROCK AND ROLL PRESIDENT.  On Friday, we’ll have the highly anticipated MEETING THE BEATLES IN INDIA as well as the gorgeous doc OUR TIME MACHINE.
Before I get too much further, I want to mention a big change that’s happening at THE NEON.  Shortly after Labor Day in 2001, I sat down and interviewed Diana Cordero for a management position at THE NEON.   I knew immediately that I wanted her on the team as we prepared to reopen after major renovations (THE NEON was transforming from one screen to two).  After 19 years in management with us, Diana will be leaving her role as “Assistant Manager” after this Thursday.  She’ll be sticking around as our bookkeeper (a few hours a week), but you won’t be seeing her with any regularity.  This will be quite a change for me and the business as a whole. THE NEON owes a lot to Diana for her dedicated time and talents over the years. I know all of you are joining me in wishing Diana the very best as she pursues other endeavors…she’ll be greatly missed!
On a related note, we have two promotions to celebrate.  Many of you know Ian Bonnett – he’s been with us for several years.  Ian started as a part-timer and was promoted to “Third Keyholder” four years ago.  He has been promoted to “Assistant Manager.”  Jessica Walker, a recent addition to THE NEON’s team, has been promoted to “Third Keyholder.”  Please join me in congratulating both of them!
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New Bookings for In-Person Screenings:
Synopsis for ALL IN: THE FIGHT FOR DEMOCRACY: “ALL IN: THE FIGHT FOR DEMOCRACY examines the often overlooked, yet insidious issue of voter suppression in the United States. The film interweaves personal experiences with current activism and historical insight to expose a problem that has corrupted our democracy from the very beginning. With the perspective and expertise of Stacey Abrams, the former Minority Leader of the Georgia House of Representatives, the documentary offers an insider’s look into laws and barriers to voting that most people don’t even know is a threat to their basic rights as citizens of the United States.” (Amazon) Click the image below to watch the trailer.
Synopsis for CRITICAL THINKING:  “It’s 1998 in Miami. Rampant poverty, broken families, and a prejudiced system push underprivileged youth to the fringes of society. But for a magnetic group of teens, there’s a reprieve. A game where it’s not about where you come from, but how you play. That equalizer is chess. Mr. ‘T’ Martinez, a chess militant and passionate coach, leads them to a completely foreign field of battle: the National Chess Championship. With an underfunded school district, Martinez and his team can’t just waltz into the arena. They have to fight for it. Chess runs parallel to their own experiences as Martinez teaches them that the power of Critical Thinking can not only save their kings, but also their lives.” THE SAN FRANCISCO EXAMINER writes that Leguizamo’s film “features lively interactions, embraceable characters and credibly depicted struggles. The tournament scenes contain sports-movie adrenaline.”  We’re excited to share this film with you! Click on the image below to watch the film’s trailer.
We’ve had some recent success with cult favorites…from the Coen Brothers to Wes Anderson.  And because we’ve got a little extra room this weekend, we’ve added Edgar Wright’s “The Three Flavours Cornetto Trilogy” to the mix – each an irreverent blend of comedy and different genres. SHAUN OF THE DEAD, HOT FUZZ and THE WORLD’S END will all be back on the big screen, and we know Edgar Wright has a lot of fans!  Tickets are available now on our website. (Click the image below to watch the trailer for SHAUN OF THE DEAD.)
Synopsis for THE SECRETS WE KEEP: “In a small U.S. town, far from the horrors of the Nazi labor camp where Maja (Noomi Rapace) was held with other Romani prisoners, she and her American husband Lewis (Chris Messina) have built a cozy life. But as she runs errands along the main street of her small town, Maja glimpses a stranger (Joel Kinnaman) whistling a nightmarishly familiar tune. Spiraling back to a night she has tried to forget, she fears he is the German soldier named Karl who brutalized her and murdered her younger sister. But after 15 years,can she be sure? Fearful that her tragic past has come back to haunt her, she begins to stalk the man,hoping to convince herself she is wrong.” (Bleecker Street) Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer.
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New in our Virtual Cinema:
Synopsis for JIMMY CARTER: ROCK AND ROLL PRESIDENT: “If it hadn’t been for a bottle of scotch and a late-night visit from musician Gregg Allman, Jimmy Carter might never have been elected the 39th President of the United States. JIMMY CARTER, ROCK & ROLL PRESIDENT charts the mostly forgotten story of how Carter, a lover of all types of music, forged a tight bond with musicians Willie Nelson, the Allman Brothers, Bob Dylan and others. Low on campaign funds and lacking in name recognition, Carter relied on support from these artists to give him a crucial boost in the Democratic primaries. Once Carter was elected, the musicians became frequent guests in the White House. The surprisingly significant role that music played throughout Carter’s life and in his work becomes a thread in this engaging portrait of one of the most enigmatic Presidents in American history.” Click the image below to watch the trailer and pre-order access to the film.
Synopsis for OUR TIME MACHINE: Rated 100% Fresh, this film will become available in our Virtual Cinema on Sept. 11. “Shaken by the news of his father’s dementia, artist Maleonn creates “Papa’s Time Machine,” a wondrous time-travel adventure performed on stage with life-size mechanical puppets. Through the play’s production, he confronts his own mortality. Maleonn finds grace and unexpected joy in this moving meditation on art, the agonies of love and loss, and the circle of life.” VARIETY calls it “Moving… Compelling… A thoughtful, sensitive, brilliant subject.” SCREEN DAILY says, “An uplifting celebration of the love between a son and his father.” Click the image below to watch the trailer and pre-order access to the film for $12!
Synopsis for MEETING THE BEATLES IN INDIA: Starts Sept. 11 in our Virtual Cinema! “In 1968, with the eyes of the world upon them, The Beatles traveled to Rishikesh, India, to study transcendental meditation with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. In one of the most anticipated Beatles documentaries, Filmmaker Paul Saltzman, retraces his journey of 50 years ago when he spent a life-changing time with John, Paul, George and Ringo. Fifty years later he reveals previously unknown details of this pivotal moment in the Beatles’ career and the inner workings of the masterful White Album. Starting with ‘Bungalow Bill’ in Hawaii; connects with David Lynch about his own inner journey; as well as preeminent Beatles historian, Mark Lewisohn; Academy Award nominated film composer, Laurence Rosenthal.: and Pattie and Jenny Boyd. And much of this is due to Saltzman’s own daughter, Devyani, reminding him that he had put away and forgotten these remarkably intimate photographs of that time in 1968.” Click the image below
To find out about all the films that we’re offering virtually, please visit our Virtual Cinema page on our official site.  Here’s the LINK.
Last night, I had a fun chat with a couple former NEON employees about the film VINYL NATION – a documentary we are offering in our Virtual Cinema.  Tomiwa works in L.A. with film and television music and Luke is the owner of Skeleton Dust Records in downtown Dayton.  I greatly appreciate them taking time to share their responses to the film.  If you weren’t able to join us on-line, you can check out a recording of that discussion HERE.
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Wanna know what’s coming down the road in our virtual cinema? (Click any title to watch that film’s trailer.)  On September 18, we’ll bring the film festival hit BLACKBIRD – starring Susan Sarandon, Kate Winslet and Sam Neill. And then on September 23, we’ll start the touching and inspiring documentary OLIVER SACKS: HIS OWN LIFE. And finally, on September 25, we’ll start THE ARTIST’S WIFE – featuring incredible performances from Lena Olin and Bruce Dern. On October 2, we’ll open the award-winning coming-of-age film ONCE UPON A RIVER. More to come!
“All Access” passes for The 15th Annual Dayton LGBT Film Festival are now on sale.  We had to make a major pivot this year to make the festival happen – so about 90% of it will take place virtually.  A $50 pass will get you access to all 6 virtual screenings (5 features and a package of shorts) as well as a ticket to our one in-person package – TOP DRAWER SHORTS VOL #2.  The line-up is strong, and we’re still ironing out lots of details (virtual filmmaker Q&A’s, video work with our sponsors, etc.).  Click the image below to check out all that we have posted so far…and get your pass ASAP.  The festival is set for Oct. 9-15. Virtual components will be accessible to anyone in Ohio…so please help spread the word. (The image below is from the incredible documentary AHEAD OF THE CURVE.)
Did you know that THE NEON is included in the new downtown DORA program?  DORA stands for “Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area.” If you’re out and about in the Oregon District, you can swing by THE NEON and get a beer or cocktail to go.  We’ll pour it in a special cup, and you can walk through the Oregon District while you enjoy your beverage.  This policy is good daily from Noon until 10:00…but on weekends for the next few weeks, 5th Street will be blocked off in the Oregon District – so you can socialize and grab dinner while maintaining lots of outdoor distance.
We hope to see you soon!
Be safe & well.
My best,
Jonathan

The Latest from The Neon: ALL IN News + 2 New Virtual Films!

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Hello Neon Fans,
We’ve got some good news.  This past weekend’s films performed well enough to stick around!  We’re going to keep both FATIMA and THE PERSONAL HISTORY OF DAVID COPPERFIELD until we open the new, powerful film about voter suppression next Wednesday – ALL IN: THE FIGHT FOR DEMOCRACY – featuring Stacey Abrams.
This Friday, in our Virtual Cinema, we will introduce two new films – CRITICAL THINKING with John Leguizamo and a documentary about the resurgence of records – VINYL NATION.  (And just wait until you see other Virtual Cinema titles coming down the road…from Jimmy Carter to Susan Sarandon to The Beatles!)
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Continued In-Person Screenings:
THE PERSONAL HISTORY OF DAVID COPPERFIELD – In-Person Engagement: Click the image below to watch the trailer.
FATIMA – In-Person Engagement:  Click the image below to watch the trailer.
Starting Next Wednesday – In-Person Screenings:
Synopsis for ALL IN: THE FIGHT FOR DEMOCRACY: Opening Sept. 9! “ALL IN: THE FIGHT FOR DEMOCRACY examines the often overlooked, yet insidious issue of voter suppression in the United States. The film interweaves personal experiences with current activism and historical insight to expose a problem that has corrupted our democracy from the very beginning. With the perspective and expertise of Stacey Abrams, the former Minority Leader of the Georgia House of Representatives, the documentary offers an insider’s look into laws and barriers to voting that most people don’t even know is a threat to their basic rights as citizens of the United States.” (Amazon) Click the image below to watch the trailer.
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New in our Virtual Cinema:
Synopsis for CRITICAL THINKING: Available September 4th! “It’s 1998 in Miami. Rampant poverty, broken families, and a prejudiced system push underprivileged youth to the fringes of society. But for a magnetic group of teens, there’s a reprieve. A game where it’s not about where you come from, but how you play. That equalizer is chess. Mr. ‘T’ Martinez, a chess militant and passionate coach, leads them to a completely foreign field of battle: the National Chess Championship. With an underfunded school district, Martinez and his team can’t just waltz into the arena. They have to fight for it. Chess runs parallel to their own experiences as Martinez teaches them that the power of Critical Thinking can not only save their kings, but also their lives.” Click the image below to watch the trailer and pre-order 72 hour access for $6.99
Synopsis for VINYL NATION: “The vinyl record renaissance over the past decade has brought new fans to a classic format and transformed our idea of a record collector: younger, both male and female, multicultural. This same revival has made buying music more expensive, benefited established bands over independent artists and muddled the question of whether vinyl actually sounds better than other formats. VINYL NATION digs into the crates of the record resurgence in search of truths set in deep wax: Has the return of vinyl made music fandom more inclusive or divided? What does vinyl say about our past here in the present? How has the second life of vinyl changed how we hear music and how we listen to each other?” Click image below to watch the trailer and gain 72 hour access for $12. On Tuesday, September 8 at 7:00, you can join our Facebook Live event – where we will discuss the film with special guests. Two of our guests will be former NEON employees who now work in different aspects of the music business – Luke Tandy owns Skeleton Dust Records and Tomiwa Balogun lives in L.A. and works for Warner Music.  Stay tuned to our Facebook Page for more details!
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Continuing in our Virtual Cinema:
Synopsis for MR. SOUL – Virtual Cinema: “Before Oprah, before Arsenio, there was MR. SOUL! Ellis Haizlip ensures the Revolution will be televised, with “SOUL!,” America’s first ‘Black Tonight Show.’ …Featuring rare live performances and interviews from the legendary Al Green, heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali, Sidney Poitier, Cicely Tyson, James Baldwin, Nikki Giovanni, The Last Poets, Gladys Knight, Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind & Fire, Ashford & Simpson, Harold Melvin and the Bluenotes, Billy Preston, Black Ivory, The Delfonics, Bill Withers, Sonia Sanchez, Wilson Pickett, Odetta, Merry Clayton, Mandrill, Kool & the Gang, Toni Morrison, Kathleen Cleaver, Betty Shabazz, Stokely Carmichael, Mrs. Georgia Jackson, George Faison, Patti LaBelle, Rahsaan Roland Kirk and many more.” Click the image below to watch the trailer and pre-order 72 hour access for $12.
Synopsis for MADE IN BANGLADESH – Virtual Cinema: Rated “100% FRESH!”  “Shimu, 23, works in a clothing factory in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Faced with difficult conditions at work, she decides to start a union with her co-workers. Despite threats from the management and disapproval of her husband, Shimu is determined to go on.” Click the image below to watch the trailer and pre-order 48 access to the film for $10.
Synopsis for HOUSE OF CARDIN – Virtual Cinema: Rated “100% FRESH!” “A rare peek into the mind of a genius, an authorized feature documentary chronicling the life and design of Pierre Cardin.” This film will open in our Virtual Cinema on Friday, Aug. 28 for $10…but accessing it is a little different.  Click the image below to watch the trailer, and if you want to proceed, click on pre-order the film.  You will have to create an account with your email address and credit car.  And upon checking out, be sure to use the code “neon” to get a $2 discount (this will also let the site know that we sent you here – thus giving THE NEON credit).
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Wanna know what’s coming down the road in our virtual cinema? (Click any title to watch that film’s trailer.)  On September 9, we will open JIMMY CARTER: ROCK&ROLL PRESIDENT. On September 11, we’ll open two new films – first is a lovely film about a family dealing with Alzheimer’s and a autobiographical stage play they produce before memories are lost forever – OUR TIME MACHINE – second is the highly anticipated documentary MEETING THE BEATLES IN INDIA. On September 18, we’ll bring the film festival hit BLACKBIRD – starring Susan Sarandon, Kate Winslet and Sam Neill. And then on September 23, we’ll start the touching and inspiring documentary OLIVER SACKS: HIS OWN LIFE. And finally, on September 25, we’ll start THE ARTIST’S WIFE – featuring incredible performances from Lena Olin and Bruce Dern. More to come!
We hope to see you soon!
Be safe & well.
My best,
Jonathan

At the Neon: Ethan Hawke in TESLA and Jacki Weaver in STAGE MOTHER

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Hello NEON Fans!
We’re bringing new films in across the board this week – both in-person and virtually.  That said, we’re keeping a couple too.  We thought we were done with MADE IN ITALY…but it performed better than anticipated and merits a few more screenings – so we’re bringing it back for the weekend.  If you haven’t had a chance to see HOW TO BUILD A GIRL, FARGO or THE BIG LEBOWSKI, Thursday will be your last chance.  On Friday, we’ll start a period drama about the scientist Nikola Tesla starring Ethan Hawke – TESLA.  We will also open a funny and touching film about a deeply religious woman who inherits her son’s gay bar – STAGE MOTHER – starring the incredible, Oscar-nominated Jacki Weaver.  And BURNT ORANGE HERESY will stick around for one show per day for one more week.
In our virtual cinema, today marks the start of a new documentary that uncovers some dark secrets in American history – COUP 53.  On Friday, we’ll virtually start Barbara Kopple’s thrilling new doc DESERT ONE.
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New In-Person Screenings:
Synopsis for TESLA – In-Person Engagement: “”Brilliant, visionary Nikola Tesla (Ethan Hawke) fights an uphill battle to bring his revolutionary electrical system to fruition, then faces thornier challenges with his new system for worldwide wireless energy. The film tracks Tesla’s uneasy interactions with his fellow inventor Thomas Edison (Kyle MacLachlan) and his patron George Westinghouse (Jim Gaffigan).  Another thread traces Tesla’s sidewinding courtship of financial titan J.P. Morgan (Donnie Keshawarz), whose daughter Anne (Eve Hewson) takes a more than casual interest in the inventor.  Anne analyzes and presents the story as it unfolds, offering a distinctly modern voice to this scientific period drama which, like its subject, defies convention.” (IFC Films) Click the image below to watch the trailer.
Synopsis for STAGE MOTHER – In-Person Engagement:  “When conservative, Texas church-choir director Maybelline inherits her recently deceased son’s drag club, she surprises her closed-minded husband and everyone else she knows by moving alone to San Francisco to save the club from bankruptcy. In this raucous, racy new environment, she begins to open up and find new meaning for her life, even becoming a mother-figure to the club’s flamboyant performers… until a surprise visit threatens to upend her new life.” (Momentum Pictures) Click the image below to watch the trailer.
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New to our Virtual Cinema:
Synopsis for COUP 53: Allen Hunter of SCREEN DAILY says the film is “as compelling as a John Le Carre novel or a Costa-Gavras classic.” THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER raves, “Passionate, Fearless and Jaw-Dropping.” And VARIETY says this doc is full of “Spine-Tingling Revelations.” And in addition to the documentary, you’ll get bonus footage starting tomorrow, August 20 – an exclusive live Q&A with Ralph Feines, the editor Walter Murch and director Taghi Amirani! “The story of the 1953 Anglo – American coup in Iran that overthrew the democratically elected Prime Minister Mossadegh and reinstalled the Shah. Featuring never seen before archive which had been hidden for decades. While making a documentary about the Anglo – American coup in Iran in 1953, Iranian director Taghi Amirani and editor Walter Murch (Apocalypse Now, The Conversation, The English Patient) discover extraordinary never seen before archive material hidden for decades. The 16mm footage and documents not only allow the filmmakers to tell the story of the overthrow of the Iranian government in unprecedented detail, but also lead to explosive revelations about dark secrets buried for 67 years. What begins as a history documentary about 4 days in August 1953 turns into a live investigation, taking the filmmakers into uncharted cinematic waters. The roots of Iran’s volatile relationship with Britain and America has never been so forensically and dramatically exposed.”  Click the picture below to gain access to the film for $12.  (Once you start watching, you’ll have 24 hours to complete watching.)
Synopsis for DESERT ONE: Opens Virtually Aug.21! Master filmmaker Barbara Kopple has crafted a new documentary that plays like a thriller. “Using new archival sources and unprecedented access to key players on both sides, master documentarian Barbara Kopple (Harlan County, USA) reveals the true story behind one of the most daring rescues in modern US history: a secret mission to free hostages captured during the 1979 Iranian revolution.” Click the image below to watch the trailer and pre-order access to the film for $12.
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Continuing in our Virtual Cinema:

Synopsis for CREEM – Virtual Cinema:  “Capturing the messy upheaval of the ’70s just as rock was re-inventing itself, CREEM: AMERICA’S ONLY ROCK ‘N’ ROLL MAGAZINE explores CREEM Magazine’s humble beginnings in post-riot Detroit, follows its upward trajectory from underground paper to national powerhouse…” Click the image below to watch the trailer and gain 72 hour access to the film for $9.99.
Synopsis for JAZZ ON A SUMMER’S DAY – Virtual Cinema:  “Filmed at the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival in Rhode Island and directed by world-renowned photographer, Bert Stern. JAZZ ON A SUMMER’S DAY features intimate performances by an all-star line-up of musical legends including Louis Armstrong, Thelonius Monk, Gerry Mulligan…This 1959 classic is considered one of the most extraordinary and possibly the first concert film ever made.” (Kino Lorber) Click on the image below to visit the site where you can watch the trailer and gain 5 day access to the film for $10.

Synopsis for REPRESENT – Virtual Cinema:  “Equal parts personal and political, REPRESENT follows three women on both sides of the aisle who share the singular goal of improving their community through public service.” (Music Box Films) Click the image below to watch the trailer and pre-order 72 hour access to the film for $12.  (This film will be available starting Friday.)

Check out all the titles we’re currently offering in our Virtual Cinema HERE.
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Wanna know what’s coming down the road in our virtual cinema? (Click any title to watch that film’s trailer.)  On Aug 28, we’ll open an award-winning, crowd-favorite narrative MADE IN BANGLADESH as well as an award-winning, fascinating doc MR. SOUL!  Also on Aug. 28, we’ll open a fascinating fashion doc – HOUSE OF CARDIN. On Sept 4, we’ll open a doc about the growing love of records – VINYL NATION as well as an inspiring film about underprivileged students learning chess starring John Leguizamo – CRITICAL THINKING. On September 11, we’ll open a lovely film about a family dealing with Alzheimer’s and a autobiographical stage play they produce before memories are lost forever – OUR TIME MACHINE. More to come!
We hope to see you soon!
Be safe & well.
My best,
Jonathan

Wes Anderson, More Hitchcock, FLANNERY & More

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Hello NEON Fans!
We’ve got a whole new slate this week!  Audiences have been loving the classic Hitchcock films, so we’re bringing two more – Tippi Hedren in THE BIRDS and Hitchcock’s personal favorite, SHADOW OF A DOUBT.  In addition, many of you chimed in and said you wanted to see Wes Anderson films back on the big screen – so we’re bringing two big hits back – MOONRISE KINGDOM and GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL (we’ll consider these the precursor to FRENCH DISPATCH – Anderson’s next film due later this year). In our Virtual Cinema, we just added a documentary about the famous author, FLANNERY, and on Friday, you’ll be able to virtually access NEVER TOO LATE.  If you need to see any of our current selections – MARNIE, REAR WINDOW, NEVER TOO LATE or BLADE RUNNER, Thursday will be your last chance to catch them at THE NEON.
In the past few days, I’ve been a part of two great virtual discussions. On Sunday, we assembled four special guests to talk about CREATING A CHARACTER.  If you’d like to check out that free discussion, click the image below.  If you haven’t yet seen CREATING A CHARACTER, here’s the LINK where you can gain 72 hour access for $12.  One of our special guests was WSU grad Jasmine Batchelor – she appeared in the documentary and is the star of another film in our Virtual Cinema THE SURROGATE.  If you haven’t seen her critically-acclaimed, incredible performance in this film, you can gain 72 hour access to THE SURROGATE by clicking this LINK.  On Monday evening, The Jewish Community Center of Greater Dayton invited me to take part in a discussion about THE TOBACCONIST.  You can watch that community discussion HERE, and you can gain 72 hour access to THE TOBACCONIST HERE.
On July 31, we will open 3 NEW films in person at THE NEON – THE FIGHT, SUMMERLAND, and GORDON LIGHTFOOT: IF YOU COULD READY MY MIND.  Please help us spread the word.  Social distancing measure will certainly still be in place…but results will help us determine how we need to proceed regarding our hours of operation.
 
Synopsis for THE BIRDS – In Person Screenings:  “Loosely based on the 1952 story by Daphne du Maurier, THE BIRDS focuses on a series of sudden and unexplained violent bird attacks on the people of Bodega Bay, California, over the course of a few days. The film stars Rod Taylor, Tippi Hedren in her screen debut, Jessica Tandy, Suzanne Pleshette and Veronica Cartwright. The screenplay is by Evan Hunter, who was told by Hitchcock to develop new characters and a more elaborate plot while keeping du Maurier’s title and concept of unexplained bird attacks. In 2016, The Birds was deemed “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” by the United States Library of Congress, and selected for preservation in its National Film Registry.” (wikipedia) Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer.
Synopsis for SHADOW OF A DOUBT – In Person Screenings:  We’re wrapping up our 6-film HITCHCOCK 101 Series with the film that was Hitch’s personal favorite! “Charles Oakley lives alone in a rooming house. One day, his landlady tells him that two men came looking for him; he sees the two men waiting on the street in front of his room and he decides to leave town. Charlotte (Charlie) Newton is a bored teen-age girl living in the idyllic town of Santa Rosa, California. She receives wonderful news: Her mother’s younger brother (her eponym), Charles Oakley, is arriving for a visit. Her uncle arrives and at first everyone is delighted with his visit, especially young Charlie. Uncle Charlie brings everyone presents. He gives his niece an emerald ring which has someone else’s initials engraved inside…” (wikipedia) Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer.
Synopsis for MOONRISE KINGDOM – In Person Screenings:  NEON audiences have expressed their love of Wes Anderson numerous times to us…so we’re bringing back a couple favorites! “Set on an island off the coast of New England in the summer of 1965, Moonrise Kingdom tells the story of two 12-year-olds who fall in love, make a secret pact, and run away together into the wilderness. As various authorities try to hunt them down, a violent storm is brewing off-shore – and the peaceful island community is turned upside down in every which way. Bruce Willis plays the local sheriff, Captain Sharp. Edward Norton is a Khaki Scout troop leader, Scout Master Ward. Bill Murray and Frances McDormand portray the young girl’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Bishop. The cast also includes Tilda Swinton, Jason Schwartzman, and Bob Balaban; and introduces Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward as Sam and Suzy, the boy and girl.” (Focus Features) Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer.
Synopsis for GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL – In Person Screenings:  One of our highest grossing and most beloved films of all time at THE NEON is coming back as we look at the work of Wes Anderson. See it back on the big screen the way it’s meant to be seen! “THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL recounts the adventures of Gustave H, a legendary concierge at a famous European hotel between the wars, and Zero Moustafa, the lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend. The story involves the theft and recovery of a priceless Renaissance painting and the battle for an enormous family fortune — all against the back-drop of a suddenly and dramatically changing Continent.” (Searchlight) The all-star cast of this visually stunning film is too lengthy to list (but I can’t help myself in mentioning Saoirse Ronan and Tilda Swinton)! Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer.
Synopsis for FLANNERY – Virtual Engagement: “Winner of the first-ever Library of Congress / Lavine/Ken Burns Prize for Film, FLANNERY is the lyrical, intimate exploration of the life and work of author Flannery O’Connor, whose distinctive Southern Gothic style influenced a generation of artists and activists. With her family home at Andalusia (the Georgia farm where she grew up and later wrote her best known work) as a backdrop, a picture of the woman behind her sharply aware, starkly redemptive style comes into focus. Including conversations with those who knew her and those inspired by her (Mary Karr, Tommy Lee Jones, Lucinda Williams, Hilton Als and more), Flannery employs never-before-seen archival footage, newly discovered personal letters and her own published words (read by Mary Steenburgen) alongside original animations and music to examine the life and legacy of an American literary icon. Content Advisory: This film contains offensive language, including an ethnic slur that-in an effort to retain the integrity of the literary works examined therein-has not been muted or otherwise distorted in the presentation of the documentary. Racist language was wrong during Flannery O’Connor’s lifetime and is wrong today. This film, the filmmakers and those presenting the film do not condone, support or promote the use of racist language in any way.” Click the image below to gain 72 hour access to the film for $12.
On Friday, we will begin offering NEVER TOO LATE in our Virtual Cinema. This senior-driven romantic dramedy stars James Cromwell and Jacki Weaver.  Starting Friday, you can click the image below to gain 72 hour access for $12.

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Continuing in our Virtual Cinema:
JOHN LEWIS: GOOD TROUBLE in our Virtual Cinema. Synopsis: “Rated “100% Fresh” on Rottentomatoes! “Using interviews and rare archival footage, JOHN LEWIS: GOOD TROUBLE chronicles Lewis’ 60-plus years of social activism and legislative action on civil rights, voting rights, gun control, health-care reform and immigration.”  Click the image below to gain 72 hour access to the film for $12.
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Wanna know what’s coming down the road in our virtual cinema? (Click any title to watch that film’s trailer.)  On July 31, we will open the doc about the resilient work of the ACLU – THE FIGHT (this one is also opening in person). Additionally on July 31, we will open Ron Howard’s latest doc REBUILDING PARADISE (Ron Howard’s doc about Pavorotti was a big hit for us – you can watch the trailer as well as pre-order the film via the link).  On August 7, we will open 2 new films –  GORDON LIGHTFOOT: IF YOU COULD READ MY MIND (which opens in person on July 31) as well as OUT STEALING HORSES.  More to come!
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We’re on the last leg of this little fundraising effort to help keep our numbers afloat. Through the month of July, for a minimum of $100 donation, your name (or company name) will be added to a new NEON t-shirt (which will go on sale later in August). Donations can be made in person or via the “donate” button on our official site…and of course you’ll get a complimentary t-shirt when they’re ready! Click the image below to visit our donation page…just be sure to leave your email address and the name you’d like on the shirt in the “notes” section upon checking out (max. 20 characters).  Thanks for considering!

We hope to see you soon!
Be safe & well.
My best,
Jonathan

Blade Runner, More Hitchcock & Artists’ Roundtable!

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Hello NEON Fans!
We’ve gotta keep moving.  Audiences have been loving the Hitchcock films on the big screen (they look and sound incredible), so we’re bringing two more.  If you still need to see VERTIGO or PSYCHO, you only have until Thursday.  On Friday, we’re bringing MARNIE (with Tippi Hedren & Sean Connery) and REAR WINDOW(with Jimmy Stewart and Grace Kelly). Additionally this week, we will bring back the crowd-favorite BLADE RUNNER: THE FINAL CUT as well as a new senior-driven romantic dramedy – NEVER TOO LATE. If you still need to see THE TOBACONNIST (which audiences are raving about), it will continue in-person screenings through the weekend and its virtual engagement will also continue.
Synopsis for MARNIE: Our “Hitchcock 101 Series” continues this weekend with two familiar leads – Tippi Hedren & Sean Connery in MARNIE! This brilliant film is a favorite of professor emeritus Charles Derry of Wright State’s renowned film program…and Hitchcock was someone we studied quite a bit in film school.  That said, I feel as though this film is not mentioned nearly as often as PSYCHO and VERTIGO.  I think it deserves to be seen on the big screen! “Mark Rutland (Sean Connery) is a customer of one Mr. Strutt, whose business was robbed by his secretary, the mysterious Marnie Edgar (Tippi Hedren). When Marnie applies for a job with Mark, with the intention of stealing from him, Mark — who is obsessively in love with her — blackmails her into marrying him. However, he soon discovers that she has severe psychological issues regarding men, thunderstorms and the color red, and resolves to help her come to terms with her past trauma.”  Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer.
Synopsis for REAR WINDOW:  We’re delighted to continue our classic Hitchcock retrospectives with 2 Hollywood icons – Grace Kelly and Jimmy Stewart in REAR WINDOW. “The story of a recuperating news photographer who believes he has witnessed a murder. Confined to a wheelchair after an accident, he spends his time watching the occupants of neighboring apartments through a telephoto lens and binoculars and becomes convinced that a murder has taken place.” Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer.
Synopsis for BLADE RUNNER: THE FINAL CUT: “Deckard (Harrison Ford) is forced by the police Boss (M. Emmet Walsh) to continue his old job as Replicant Hunter. His assignment: eliminate four escaped Replicants from the colonies who have returned to Earth. Before starting the job, Deckard goes to the Tyrell Corporation and he meets Rachel (Sean Young), a Replicant girl he falls in love with.” Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer.
Synopsis for NEVER TOO LATE: “It’s been decades since Caine, Bronson, Angus and Wendell escaped a POW camp. Now, they’re sharing a new prison, Hogan Hills Retirement Home. The four band together for an escape plan, but the rules of engagement have changed-and so has what they’re fighting for. Never Too Late is a heartwarming story about how you’re never too old to chase your dreams.” Starring James Cromwell, Jacki Weaver, Dennis Waterman, and Jack Thompson. If you’re still not up for in-person screenings, this film will be available in our Virtual Cinema starting next Friday.  Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer.
Don’t forget that you can join Dr. Judy Schwartzman and me for a discussion about the film THE TOBACCONIST on Monday, July 20 at 7pm.  If you haven’t seen the film yet, you still have plenty of options to see it in person at THE NEON…or you can rent it in our Virtual Cinema! Synopsis for THE TOBACCONIST – In-Person & Virtual Cinema  Engagement: “Seventeen-year-old Franz journeys to Vienna to apprentice at a tobacco shop. There he meets Sigmund Freud (Bruno Ganz), a regular customer, and over time the two very different men form a singular friendship.” I saw this lovely gem of a film at The Cleveland International Film Festival in 2019, and I’ve been waiting ever since to bring it to THE NEON.  On July 20 at 7pm, Dr. Judy Schwartzman and I will co-facilitate a special “post screening discussion” via Zoom, hosted by the Jewish Community Center of Greater Dayton.  You can sign up for that HERE, and you can click the image below to watch the trailer and gain 72 hour access to the film for $12.
New this week in our Virtual Cinema is a documentary about a professor at Julliard who has helped lead many great actors on their path to greatness.  The film is about his life and and also about the philosophy of his craft. Synopsisfor CREATING A CHARACTER: “What do Jessica Chastain, Viola Davis, and Adam Driver have in common?  They are but a few of the extraordinary actors who have studied under the renowned acting teacher Moni Yakim at Julliard – America’s greatest performing arts school. Born in Jerusalem, Moni was a principal performer with Marcel Marceau’s mime company before becoming a director and teacher.  CREATING A CHARACTER explores his extraordinary life and includes insightful interviews with luminaries like Laura Linney, Anthony Mackie, Kevin Kline and more.” As a special bonus to fans of THE NEON and the Dayton Performing Arts Community, a special Artists’ Roundtable has been scheduled for Sunday, July 19 at 5:00.  You’ll be able to tune in via our Facebook page or our new Youtube page.  The Artists’ Roundtable will include Kevin Moore from The Human Race Theatre Company, Joe Deer from Wright State University, and two New York performing artists who have both worked in Dayton as well as studied with Moni – Colby Lane Chambers and Jasmine Batchelor.  (Batchelor appears in this documentary and is also the star of the critically acclaimed film THE SURROGATE – also offered in THE NEON’s Virtual Cinema.) Click the image below to gain 72 hour access to CREATING A CHARACTER for $10.
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These films are sticking around in our Virtual Cinema:
Synopsis for ONE SMALL STEP – Virtual Engagement: We know that Daytonians love a collection of short films! So here’s one that’s good for the entire family. “Embark on a roller coaster of imagination and possibility in this ShortsTV-presented compilation of new and acclaimed, family-friendly animated short films.” For instructions on how you can watch this film beyond your laptop or pad, visit the distributor’s Help Page HERE. Click the image below to watch the trailer and gain 72 hour access to this collection for $7.99.
JOHN LEWIS: GOOD TROUBLE in our Virtual Cinema. Synopsis: “Rated “100% Fresh” on Rottentomatoes! “Using interviews and rare archival footage, JOHN LEWIS: GOOD TROUBLE chronicles Lewis’ 60-plus years of social activism and legislative action on civil rights, voting rights, gun control, health-care reform and immigration.”  Click the image below to gain 72 hour access to the film for $12.
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Wanna know what’s coming down the road in our virtual cinema? (Click any title to watch that film’s trailer.)  On July 15, we’ll open the wonderful documentary about a beloved Julliard professor –  On July 22, we will open FLANNERY – a film about Flannery O’Connor that Ken Burns calls “an extraordinary documentary.” On July 24, we plan to begin offering NEVER TOO LATE – starring James Cromwell and Jacki Weaver.
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Over the last past few weeks, I’ve been chatting about the changes we’ve made in order to keep people safe and healthy during this unprecedented time.  One item I want to remind  you is that seating is available for each show at least 40 minutes before the start time.  Please arrive at least a few minutes early so you can find your assigned seat while the lights are still up! 
We’re doing a little fundraising to help keep our numbers afloat. Through the month of July, for a minimum of $100 donation, your name (or company name) will be added to a new NEON t-shirt (which will go on sale later in August). Donations can be made in person or via the “donate” button on our official site…and of course you’ll get a complimentary t-shirt when they’re ready! Click the image below to visit our donation page…just be sure to leave your email address and the name you’d like on the shirt in the “notes” section upon checking out (max. 20 characters).  Thanks for considering!

We hope to see you soon!
Be safe & well.
My best,
Jonathan

JOHN LEWIS, Catherine Deneuve & virtually THE LAST TREE!

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Hello NEON Fans!
Thanks to everyone who came out for our soft reopening.  We learned some important things along the way, and patrons reported that they had great experiences at THE NEON while adhering to our new safety measures.  If you still need to see MISS JUNETEENTH (and you want to see it on the big screen), you only have until Thursday…that said, we will continue our virtual engagement until July 9.  On Friday, we will open two brand new films – the inspiring doc JOHN LEWIS: GOOD TROUBLE and the star-studded gem THE TRUTH!  In addition, we’ve just added a brand new, powerful film to our virtual offerings – THE LAST TREE.
Be sure to check out the Virtual news further down.  We have a couple awesome announcements about special virtual events!
Synopsis for JOHN LEWIS: GOOD TROUBLE – In-Person Engagement: Rated “100% Fresh” on Rottentomatoes! “Using interviews and rare archival footage, JOHN LEWIS: GOOD TROUBLE chronicles Lewis’ 60-plus years of social activism and legislative action on civil rights, voting rights, gun control, health-care reform and immigration. Using present-day interviews with Lewis, now 80 years old, Porter explores his childhood experiences, his inspiring family and his fateful meeting with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1957. In addition to her interviews with Lewis and his family, Porter’s primarily cinéma verité film also includes interviews with political leaders, Congressional colleagues, and other people who figure prominently in his life.” (Magnolia Pictures) This feature-length documentary will be followed by a 16 minute pre-recorded discussion between Representative Lewis and Oprah. Leah Greenblatt of ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY wrote, “Excellent. A joyful, galvanizing portrait of a life radically and fully lived.” Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer.
Synopsis for THE TRUTH – In-Person Engagement: “Legends of French cinema Catherine Deneuve and Juliette Binoche join masterful filmmaker Hirokazu Koreeda (SHOPLIFTERS, STILL WALKING) to paint a moving portrait of family dynamics in THE TRUTH. Fabienne (Catherine Deneuve) is an aging French movie star who, despite her momentary lapses in memory, remains a venerable force to be reckoned with. Upon the publication of her memoirs, her daughter Lumir (Juliette Binoche) returns to Paris from New York with her husband (Ethan Hawke) and their young daughter to commemorate its release. A sharp and funny battle of wits ensues between the mother-daughter duo, as Lumir takes issue with Fabienne’s rose-colored version of the past. Reflected cleverly by Fabienne’s latest role in a sci-fi drama, their strained relationship takes a poignant journey toward possible reconciliation. Charming, bold, and imbued with endless emotional insight, THE TRUTH offers a relatable look at human relationships, featuring exquisite performances from its all-star cast.” (IFC Films) Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer.
Synopsis for THE LAST TREE – Virtual Engagement: “THE LAST TREE is the semi-autobiographical story of Femi (as a child played by newcomer Tai Golding), a British boy of Nigerian heritage who, after being fostered in rural Lincolnshire, moves to inner-city London to live with his birth mother. In his teens, Femi (Sam Adewunmi) is struggling with the culture and values of his new environment. Femi must decide which path to adulthood he wants to take, and what it means to be a young black man in London during the early 00s. Going back home to Nigeria with his mum to find his Nigerian roots will help adolescent Femi find grounding and hope for a better future…THE LAST TREE scooped two wins for Best Supporting Actress and Most Promising Newcomer at the British Independent Film Award. Its Sundance 2019 World Premiere screening was followed by multiple festival screenings in the USA and Canada.” Click the image below to gain 72 hour access for $10.
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We’re delighted to announce that these films will continue in our Virtual Cinema for one more week (until July 9):
SOMETIMES ALWAYS NEVER in our VIRTUAL CINEMA: “Alan (Bill Nighy) is a stylish tailor with moves as sharp as his suits. However, he’s spent years searching for his missing son Michael, who stormed out over a game of Scrabble and hasn’t been seen since…” You can watch this film on your computer or mobile device as well as some smart TVs.  For more details about available devices, please visit the Eventive’s HELP

page. Click the image below to watch the trailer and gain 72 hour access for $12.
ELLA FITZGERALD: JUST ONE OF THOSE THINGS in our Virtual Cinema: “Ella Fitzgerald was a 15 year-old street kid when she won a talent contest in 1934 at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem. Within months she was a star…”  You can watch this film on your computer or mobile device as well as some smart TVs.  For more details about available devices, please visit the Eventive’s HELP page. This film will be available starting this Friday, June 26 in our Virtual Cinema.  Click the image below to watch the trailer and pre-order 72 hour access to the film for $12.
MISS JUNETEENTH in our Virtual Cinema: “Turquoise was once crowned Miss Juneteenth, a title commemorating the day slaves in Texas were freed – two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Life didn’t turn out as beautifully as the title promised, but Turquoise, determined to right her wrongs, is cultivating her daughter, Kai, to become Miss Juneteenth, even if Kai wants something else.”

Click the image below to gain 72 hour access to this film for $6.99.

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Wanna know what’s coming down the road in our virtual cinema? (Click any title to watch that film’s trailer.)  On July 8, we will open ONE SMALL STEP – a collection of critically acclaimed and award-winning animated short films that are family-friendly!  On July 15, we’ll open the wonderful documentary about a beloved Julliard professor – CREATING A CHARACTER (and here’s the fun news: On Sunday, July 19 at 5:00, we’ll host a special Zoom Artists’ Roundtable with Kevin Moore from The Human Race Theatre Company, Joe Deer from Wright State University,  and actors Jasmine Batchelor (the lead actress from THE SURROGATE) and Colby Lane Chambers – both who have performed in Dayton productions and studied with Moni at Julliard – the subject of this film!!) On July 17, we will open THE TOBACCONIST – both virtually and in-person – a film I saw and loved at The Cleveland International Film Festival last year (and here’s the fun news: you can join a post-screening discussion that Judy Schwartzman and I will co-facilitate on Monday, July 20 at 7pm). More details about the zoom discussions will be available next week.  On July 22, we will open FLANNERY – a film about Flannery O’Connor that Ken Burns calls “an extraordinary documentary.” At the end of July, we plan to bring NEVER TOO LATE – starring James Cromwell and Jacki Weaver.
In case you didn’t get last week’s newsletter, here’s a reminder about our new policies. Due to new guidelines for keeping staff and customers healthy during the current crisis, we now offer reserved seating.  If you want to sit next to someone, you’ll need to purchase tickets in the same transaction.  The software we are using will automatically block off three seats between parties – so if you buy a single ticket, there’s no chance for someone to sit next to you. If you’re the first person to reserve a seat in a row (on-line or in-person), we ask that you choose a seat that’s on the aisle or along the wall…this will allow us to maximize our capacity.  This is going to be a big learning curve for us – a full house will now be approximately 35% of our actual capacity.
Here is some of what we’re initially doing TO ENSURE THAT STAFF AND GUESTS STAY HEALTHY:
  • Masks are required for all staff and guests except when eating in an auditorium.
  • Our entrance to the building has moved to THE NEON’s patio doors.  This will streamline transactions and separate ticketing from food purchases.  Additional time between screenings will also minimize lobby traffic.
  • Commonly touched surfaces (door handles, will be sanitized every 30 minutes.
  • Floor markers will assist with social distancing, and hand sanitizers are located throughout the lobby.
  • Please arrive before the scheduled showtime.  Seating will begin approximately 40 minutes before each show.
  • In the auditoriums, every other row will be unavailable. Groups may sit together, but 3 seats will be required between parties in each row.
  • We have increased the time between screenings to allow us sufficient time to sanitize the auditoriums.  For additional assurance, seat wipes will also be available for customer use.
  • Please stay home if you have any of the following symptoms: cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills, sore throat or new loss of taste/smell.
We’ve had a couple people express that they’re still not comfortable leaving their homes during this crazy time.  Though we have gone above and beyond the required guidelines, I understand that some people are hesitant to make the leap of coming to a movie in person.  So I’m asking for your help.  Please know that you can still support us by watching our virtual selections (and by spreading the word)…and if you’re so inclined, donations are always appreciated.  We finally have a DONATE button on our website.  Donations to our cinema are tax-deductible, and they’re easy to do at this LINK.
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While distributors continue moving opening dates of some highly anticipated films, we are thinking of offering some retrospective titles over the next few weeks.  Some distributors are offering us great deals to license some of the films from their libraries, and I want to know what you would support in person at THE NEON.  Would you come out for a Wes Anderson fest?  How about first films from acclaimed directors like Barry Jenkins, Miranda July or Steve McQueen?  Do you want some Coen Brothers?  Or do you prefer some classic Hitchcock?  How about a NEON favorite – AMELIE?  Unfortunately, WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR? wasn’t much of a draw this week…so I need your honest opinions as to what you’d support.  Thanks in advance for your input!
We hope to see you soon!
Be safe & well.
My best,
Jonathan
IN-PERSON SHOWTIMES for Wednesday, July 1 – Thursday, July 9:
MISS JUNETEENTH (NR) 1 Hr 34 Min
Wed & Thu (July 1 & 2): 3:30, 7:30
FINAL DAY – July 2!
WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR (PG-13) 1 Hr 35 Min
Wed & Thu (July 1 & 2): 3:00, 7:00
FINAL DAY – July 2!
JOHN LEWIS: GOOD TROUBLE (PG) 1 Hr 34 Min + 16 Min Oprah discussion
Friday, Saturday, Sunday (July 3-5): 1:30, 4:30, 7:30
Monday (July 6): 3:30, 7:30
Tuesday (July 7): 3:30
Wednesday & Thursday (July 8): 3:30, 7:30
THE TRUTH (PG) 1 Hr 46 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday (July 3-5): 1:00, 4:00, 7:00
Monday – Thursday (July 6-9): 3:00, 7:00
COMING SOON – In-Person Screenings:
(All Dates Are Tentative.  Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear)
July 10 – FIRST COW
July 17 – THE TOBACCONIST 
July 31 – SUMMERLAND
Aug 7 – BURNT ORANGE HERESY
TBD – MADE IN ITALY
SAVE YOURSELVES!
GORDON LIGHTFOOT: IF YOU COULD READ MY MIND
THE PERSONAL HISTORY OF DAVID COPPERFIELD

NEON Newsletter: Ella Fitzgerald, Bill Nighy & ReOpening News!

By

Hello NEON Fans.
Once again, we’re moving right along in our Virtual Cinema.  Today marks the start of a new, charming & stylized dramedy starring Bill Nighy – SOMETIMES ALWAYS NEVER.  On Friday, we will open a fantastic new documentary about the “First Lady of Song” – ELLA FITZGERALD: JUST ONE OF THOSE THINGS.
Also this Friday, we’re doing a very soft, quiet reopening.  Just 2 shows per day for one week so we can get our feet wet again and introduce some new mechanics of our operations. (Below, I have outlined some of our new procedures.)  For one week only, starting this Friday, you can come see MISS JUNETEENTH or WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR on the big screen for just $5.

 

On July 3, we’ll open two brand new films in person. First off is the inspiring documentary JOHN LEWIS: GOOD TROUBLE.  We’ll also open THE TRUTH – starring the powerhouse talents of Catherine Deneuve, Juliette Binoche, and Ethan Hawke – directed by Hirokazu Koreeda (director of SHOPLIFTERS).

 

Synopsis for SOMETIMES ALWAYS NEVER in our VIRTUAL CINEMA: “Alan (Bill Nighy) is a stylish tailor with moves as sharp as his suits. However, he’s spent years searching for his missing son Michael, who stormed out over a game of Scrabble and hasn’t been seen since. With a body to identify and his family torn apart, Alan must repair his relationship with his youngest son. Worst of all, he must solve the mystery of an online player who might just be Michael–and find the right words before it’s too late.” You can watch this film on your computer or mobile device as well as some smart TVs.  For more details about available devices, please visit the Eventive’s HELP page. Click the image below to watch the trailer and gain 72 hour access for $12.
Synopsis for ELLA FITZGERALD: JUST ONE OF THOSE THINGS in our Virtual Cinema: “Ella Fitzgerald was a 15 year-old street kid when she won a talent contest in 1934 at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem. Within months she was a star. ELLA FITZGERALD: JUST ONE OF THOSE THINGS follows her extraordinary journey over six decades as her sublime voice transforms the tragedies of her own life and the troubles of her times into joy. The film uses never-before-seen images and unheard interviews to bring Ella Fitzgerald to life and to tell the story of her music – a black woman who makes her career in the face of horrifying racism. Here is an Ella the world never knew – tough, thoughtful, funny, a dazzling musical innovator. The film also uncovers Ella’s commitment to the battle for Civil Rights; and it explores the conflicts that always haunted this intensely private woman: the struggle to reconcile her hunger for adoring audiences with her longing for a domestic life with her husband and son. At a time when she was the biggest singing star in the world, her pianist and friend Oscar Peterson said Ella was ‘the loneliest woman in the world.’ But as Jamie Cullum says ‘her music is one of the reasons it’s worth being on this planet.’ Featuring interviews with: Tony Bennett, Jamie Cullum, Laura Mvula, Johnny Mathis, Smokey Robinson, Cleo Laine, Andre Previn, Norma Miller, Patti Austin, Izsak Perlman, Margo Jefferson, Will Friedwald and a rare interview with Ella’s son, Ray Brown Jr.” (Eagle Rock Entertainment) Here’s a bonus for our virtual fans: Join us for a live video conversation on Sunday, June 28 at 7PM with author & music critic WIll Friedwald, the film’s producer Reggie Nadelson, Pulitzer Prize-winning author/journalist Margo Jefferson and composer, multi-instrumentalist & vocalist Camille Thurman.  Click this LINK to sign up for this special Q&A.  You can watch this film on your computer or mobile device as well as some smart TVs.  For more details about available devices, please visit the Eventive’s HELP page. This film will be available starting this Friday, June 26 in our Virtual Cinema.  Click the image below to watch the trailer and pre-order 72 hour access to the film for $12.
Synopsis for MISS JUNETEENTH – In-Person Screenings: “Turquoise Jones is a single mom who holds down a household, a rebellious teenager, and pretty much everything that goes down at Wayman’s BBQ & Lounge. Turquoise is also a bona fide beauty queen — she was once crowned Miss Juneteenth, a title commemorating the day slaves in Texas were freed – two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Life didn’t turn out as beautifully as the title promised, but Turquoise, determined to right her wrongs, is cultivating her daughter, Kai, to become Miss Juneteenth, even if Kai wants something else.” (Vertical Entertainment) Click the image below to watch the trailer!
Synopsis for WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR? – In-Person Screenings: In the summer of 2018, we opened this quiet and lovely film…and it quickly skyrocketed to becoming our biggest hit of the year and our highest grossing documentary of all time at THE NEON.  We’re bringing it back…because we need Mr. Roger’s wisdom and compassion more than ever. “For over thirty years, Fred Rogers, an unassuming minister, puppeteer, writer and producer was beamed daily into homes across America. In his beloved television program, MISTER ROGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD, Fred and his cast of puppets and friends spoke directly to young children about some of life’s weightiest issues, in a simple, direct fashion. There hadn’t been anything like Mr. Rogers on television before and there hasn’t been since. Though he may be best known today as a soft-spoken, cardigan-wearing children’s television host, in reality, Fred Rogers’ career represents a sustained attempt to present a coherent, beneficent view about how we should best speak to children about important matters and how television could be used as a positive force in our society.” (Focus Features) Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer.
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We are delighted to keep the following films available in our Virtual Cinema for another week (they will only be available until June 30):
 
Don’t Miss This Film starring WSU grad Jasmine Batchelor!  Local critic Russell Florence calls this film the “First best film of 2020.” THE SURROGATE: “Jess is thrilled to be the surrogate for her best friend and his husband, but when a prenatal test comes back positive, it creates a moral dilemma that threatens their friendship.” (Monument Releasing)  You can watch the film on your computer or mobile device as well as AppleTV, Roku and Chromecast. Click the image below to gain 72 hour access to this film for $12.
Synopsis for MISS JUNETEENTH: You can watch the film on your computer or mobile device as well as AppleTV, Roku and Chromecast. Click the image below to gain 72 hour access to this film for $6.99.
Synopsis for QUARANTINE CAT FILM FEST: “QUARANTINE CAT FILM FESTIVAL is a compilation reel that brings together the cutest, funniest, bravest, and most loving cat videos from more than 1,200 submissions filmed during the COVID-19 Quarantine.” This collection is available to watch on your computer or mobile device.  It is also available for your SmartTV via mirroring or via an HDMI hookup.  Click the image below to watch the trailer and gain 72 hour access for $12.
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The DAYTON JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL has already nearing an end…how is that possible?  That said, there are still a few films for you to see, and you can gain FREE access to their virtual selections and on-line events! Though we certainly miss hosting this fantastic festival at THE NEON, we think they’ve made a wise decision to move forward virtually this year!! Check out their awesome line-up by clicking the image below!  It’s their 20th anniversary, and they’re making all the screenings and on-line discussions FREE (including talk-backs & comedians)…and it’s very easy to sign up!
Wanna know what’s coming down the road in our virtual cinema? (Click any title to watch that film’s trailer.)  On July 1, we will open a powerful Sundance film about a young Black man exploring his roots and struggling with what it all means – THE LAST TREE.  On July 8, we plan to open ONE SMALL STEP – a collection of animated short films that are family-friendly!  On July 17, we hope to open THE TOBACCONIST – both virtually and in-person – a film I saw and loved at The Cleveland International Film Festival last year. And sometime later in July, we will open a film called CREATING A CHARACTER – a film about a famous Julliard acting instructor who has helped many incredible performers reach greatness.  We’re also hoping to pair this with a community discussion from a handful of directors & performing artists with local ties.

 

Due to new guidelines for keeping staff and customers healthy during the current crisis, we are in the process of “figuring out” reserved seating.  If you want to sit next to someone, you’ll need to purchase tickets in the same transaction.  The software we are using will automatically block off three seats between parties – so if you buy a single ticket, there’s no chance for someone to sit next to you. If you’re the first person to reserve a seat in a row (on-line or in-person), we ask that you choose a seat that’s on the aisle or along the wall…this will allow us to maximize our capacity.  This is going to be a big learning curve for us – a full house will now be approximately 35% of our actual capacity.

 

Here is some of what we’re initially doing TO ENSURE THAT STAFF AND GUESTS STAY HEALTHY:
  • Masks are required for all staff and guests except when eating in an auditorium.
  • Our entrance to the building has moved to THE NEON’s patio doors.  This will streamline transactions and separate ticketing from food purchases.  Additional time between screenings will also minimize lobby traffic.
  • Commonly touched surfaces (door handles, will be sanitized every 30 minutes.
  • Floor markers will assist with social distancing, and hand sanitizers are located throughout the lobby.
  • Please arrive before the scheduled showtime.  Seating will begin approximately 40 minutes before each show.
  • In the auditoriums, every other row will be unavailable. Groups may sit together, but 3 seats will be required between parties in each row.
  • We have increased the time between screenings to allow us sufficient time to sanitize the auditoriums.  For additional assurance, seat wipes will also be available for customer use.
  • Please stay home if you have any of the following symptoms: cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills, sore throat or new loss of taste/smell.
After all these weeks and hurdles, we finally have a DONATE button on our website.  If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to our non-profit, please visit this LINK.
We hope to see you soon!
Be safe & well.
My best,
Jonathan