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farewell my queen

THE MASTER Opens Friday at THE NEON

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Hello Everyone,

The Toronto International Film Festival was great. I saw 29 films in 9 days (plus a few partials). If you’re interested to know about the movies I saw, click the picture below to be directed to my blog . In the coming days (once I’m caught up on NEON matters), I’ll post one last entry with my wrap-up. For now, I hope you enjoy this little collage of some of the people I saw during introductions and Q&As. These are all from pictures I took at the festival. Can you name everyone? (I’ll list all their names in next week’s newsletter.)

At THE NEON, we’re moving forward again this week. FAREWELL, MY QUEEN did not perform well enough to stick around for a second week. If you still need to see this film, you only have through Thursday to see it at THE NEON. On Friday, we will open one of the best reviewed films of the year – THE MASTER. This film broke records over the weekend in NYC and LA, and we’re hoping that fans of Paul Thomas Anderson (THERE WILL BE BLOOD, MAGNOLIA and BOOGIE NIGHTS) will be out en masse. ROBOT & FRANK will stick around for another week. (remaining showtimes for this week can be found at our site: neonmovies.com)

Synopsis for THE MASTER: “A Naval veteran arrives home from war unsettled and uncertain of his future – until he is tantalized by The Cause and its charismatic leader.” (taken from imdb.com) “In the years after WWII, an American intellectual creates a religion. When he meets a troubled drifter, he invites the man to help him spread the new faith. As their congregation increases, the drifter begins to question the religion he once accepted and the mentor who gave his life direction.” (taken from metacritic.com)

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJ1O1vb9AUU’]

Earlier today, we had another director confirm that he will attend this year’s Downtown Dayton LGBT Film Festival. That makes three directors attending our fest…and I think that’s pretty incredible. Jonathan Lisecki – director of GAYBY, Travis Mathews – director of I WANT YOUR LOVE, Glenn Kiser – director of SABBATICAL (part of the TOP DRAWER SHORTS program) will attend and answer your questions. Read all about the films on the official website. The 7th Annual Fest is set for Sept. 28-30. Watch the trailers and mark your calendars…it’s gonna be great! Special thanks to DAYTON MOST METRO, WYSO and DAYTON DAILY NEWS for already committing to provide stories about this year’s films. To hear an interview I recently did about the festival on WYSO, please click this link.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NNr7NtVIFk’]

And on the horizon is our benefit to assist with our digital conversion – set for October 14 (if you didn’t read that e-mail, you can check it out here). Tickets can now be purchased at our box office and on-line via paypal. If you’re not able to attend our benefit, you can also make a donation on the benefit page. WDTN recently did a story about our conversion and benefit…if you didn’t catch it, you can see the video by visiting their site.

All the best.
I hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. Sept. 21 – Thu. Sept. 27:

ROBOT & FRANK (PG-13) 1 Hr 29 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:50, 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:10, 7:20

THE MASTER (R) 2 Hrs 17 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:45
Monday – Thursday: 2:30, 5:15, 8:00

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear
Sept. 28-30 DOWNTOWN DAYTON LGBT FILM FESTIVAL
Sept. 21 ARBITRAGE
Oct. 5 SLEEPWALK WITH ME
Oct. ? SEARCHING FOR SUGAR MAN
Nov. ? SAMSARA
TBD THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES
TBD 2 DAYS IN NEW YORK

FAREWELL MY QUEEN at THE NEON + TIFF News

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Hello Everyone,

The Toronto International Film Festival has been terrific. I’m heading into my seventh day of screenings, and I’ve already seen 21 films. Though a nightly allotment of 4 to 5 hours of sleep is starting to wear me down, I’m having a great time. I’ve met Francois Ozon and Sally Potter (2 directors I greatly admire), and I’ve attended screenings the were introduced by (and sometimes with Q&As by) Susanne Bier, Keira Knightley, Susan Sarandon, Ben Wishaw, Tom Hanks, Dustin Hoffman, Kristin Scott Thomas, and my absolute favorite star encounter – Maggie Smith. If you’re interested to know about the movies I’ve seen, check out my other blog postings on this site.  I’ll post some personal pictures upon my return to Dayton.

At THE NEON, we’re moving forward this week. If you still need to see THE INTOUCHABLES, Thursday will be your last chance. On Friday, we will open the period drama FAREWELL, MY QUEEN. ROBOT & FRANK had a very solid opening weekend (Thank you!) – it will stick around for another week. (remaining showtimes for this week can be found at our site: neonmovies.com)

Synopsis for FAREWELL, MY QUEEN: “Based on the best-selling novel by Chantal Thomas, the film stars Léa Seydoux as one of Marie’s ladies-in-waiting, seemingly innocent but quietly working her way into her mistress’s special favors, until history tosses her fate onto a decidedly different path. With the action moving effortlessly from the gilded drawing rooms of the nobles to the back quarters of those who serve them, this is a period film at once accurate and sumptuous in its visual details and modern in its emotions. Diane Kruger gives her best performance to date as the ill-fated Queen and Virginie Ledoyen is the Queen’s special friend Gabrielle de Polignac.” (taken from Cohen Media Group) Kenneth Turan of The Los Angeles Times wrote, “Matching the strength of these actresses and their personal drama is the film’s masterful sense of time and place – the way it makes us feel that this was how it was during four pivotal days in July 1789 as the wheels came off the French monarchy.” Mike LeSalle of The San Francisco Chronicle wrote, “Other films about Marie Antoinette have had their moments, but Benoît Jacquot’s Farewell, My Queen is the first to give a real sense of what it must have felt like to live inside that palace as the walls were caving in.” Visit the official website.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOQfyExCVQk’]

Tickets are already available for this year’s Downtown Dayton LGBT Film Festival, and there are a few films you won’t want to miss – including the opening night film GAYBY (which includes admission to the opening night party at The Crowne Plaza). Jonathan Lisecki, director of GAYBY, will attend our festival. In addition, Travis Matthews, director of I WANT YOUR LOVE, will be able to do some research for his new project while he’s in the region! Read all about the films on the official website. The 7th Annual Fest is set for Sept. 28-30. Watch the trailers and mark your calendars…it’s gonna be great! Special thanks to DAYTON MOST METRO, WYSO and DAYTON DAILY NEWS for already committing to provide stories about this year’s films.

And on the horizon is our benefit to assist with our digital conversion – set for October 14 (if you didn’t read that e-mail, you can check it out here). Thanks so much for your kind words and encouragement! Tickets can now be purchased at our box office and on-line via paypal. If you’re not able to attend our benefit, you can also make a donation on the benefit page.

All the best.
I hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. Sept. 14 – Thu. Sept. 20:

ROBOT & FRANK (PG-13) 1 Hr 29 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:50, 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30
Monday – Wednesday: 3:00, 5:10, 7:20
Thursday: 3:00, 5:10

FAREWELL, MY QUEEN (R) 1 Hr 52 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:40, 2:50, 5:00, 7:15, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 5:00, 7:15

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative.
Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
Sept. 21 THE MASTER
Sept. 21 ARBITRAGE
Sept. 28-30 DOWNTOWN DAYTON LGBT FILM FESTIVAL
Oct. 5 SLEEPWALK WITH ME
Oct. ? SEARCHING FOR SUGAR MAN
TBD THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES
TBD 2 DAYS IN NEW YORK

“Celeste and Jesse” Starts Today at The Neon!

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Hello Everyone,

We’re moving along this weekend. Today we open a smart, new comedy starring Andy Samberg and Rashida Jones – CELESTE AND JESSE FOREVER (the film was written by Jones, too).
THE INTOUCHABLES will hold for one more week.

Synopsis for CELESTE AND JESSE FOREVER: “Celeste is convinced that divorcing Jesse is the right thing to do — she is on her way up, he is on his way nowhere, and if they do it now instead of later, they can remain supportive friends. Jesse passively accepts this transition into friendship, even though he is still in love with her. As the reality of their separation sets in, Celeste slowly and painfully realizes she has been cavalier about their relationship, and her decision, which once seemed mature and progressive, now seems impulsive and selfish. But her timing with Jesse is less than fortuitous. While navigating the turbulent changes in their lives and in their hearts, these two learn that in order to truly love someone, you may have to let them go.” (Sony Pictures Classics)  Visit the official website.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjxbVmxgY-Q’]

The Downtown Dayton LGBT Film Festival has just confirmed that 2 directors will attend this year’s festival. Jonathan Lisecki, director of the opening night film GAYBY plans to attend. In addition, Travis Matthews, director of I WANT YOUR LOVE, will book his flight tomorrow. Read all about the films on the official website! The 7th Annual Fest is set for Sept. 28-30. Watch the trailers and mark your calendars…it’s gonna be great! Special thanks to DAYTON MOST METRO, WYSO and DAYTON DAILY NEWS for already committing to provide stories about this year’s films.  (Due to explicit content, viewers must be 18 and older for I WANT YOUR LOVE.)

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFo63Xhas1k’]

Folks have already been responding to the news of our benefit – set for October 14 (if you didn’t read that newsletter, you can check it out here). Thanks so much for your kind words and encouragement! Tickets can now be purchased at our box office and on-line via paypal. If you’re not able to attend our benefit, you can also make a donation on the benefit page.

Next week, I’ll be off to The Toronto International Film Festival. In my next newsletter, I’ll provide you with a link where you can keep up with my daily screenings. I’ve barely had time to look at the line-up, but I’m already excited about a few films.

FilmDayton had a great festival over the weekend. Thanks to everyone who came out and supported their screenings…and their mission.

We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. Aug. 31 – Thu. Sept. 6:

CELESTE AND JESSE FOREVER (R) 1 Hr 32 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:50, 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30

THE INTOUCHABLES (R) 1 Hr 52 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:20, 2:45, 5:10, 7:30, 9:45
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:30, 8:00

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative.
Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
Sept. 7 ROBOT AND FRANK
Sept. 14 FAREWELL, MY QUEEN
Sept. 21 THE MASTER
Sept. 21 ARBITRAGE
Sept. 28-30 DOWNTOWN DAYTON LGBT FILM FESTIVAL
Oct. 5 SEARCHING FOR SUGAR MAN
Oct. ? SLEEPWALK WITH ME
TBD THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES
TBD 2 DAYS IN NEW YORK
TBD SLEEPWALK WITH ME

YOUR SISTER’S SISTER Starts Friday at THE NEON

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Hello Everyone,

We’re changing things up this weekend! If you haven’t seen BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD – one of the best reviewed films of the year – then you should hurry down to THE NEON. Thursday will be your last chance to see it with us. On Friday, we will open YOUR SISTER’S SISTER – the new film from Lynn Shelton. In addition, we’ll hold THE INTOUCHABLES…it had a terrific weekend.

Synopsis for YOUR SISTER’S SISTER: “Your Sister’s Sister is a new comedy about romance, grief and sibling rivalry. A year after his brother Tom’s death, Jack is still struggling emotionally. When he makes a scene at a memorial party, Tom’s best friend Iris offers up her family cabin on an island in the Pacific Northwest so Jack can seek catharsis in solitude. Once there, however, he runs into Iris’ sister Hannah who is reeling from the abrupt end of a seven-year relationship and finds solace in Tom’s unexpected presence. A blurry evening of drinking concludes with an awkward sexual incident, made worse by Iris’ sudden presence at the cabin the next morning. A twisted tale of ever-complicated relationships is set in motion with raw, hilarious and emotional performances from the all-star cast.” (taken from IFC Films) Visit the official website.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlbKcGn9M1M’]

The Greater Dayton Association of Black Journalists will host a community discussion about the Anthony Sowell serial murder case this Saturday at 11am at THE NEON. A discussion of the societal conditions that allowed the murders to go unnoticed will be discussed following a preview of the documentary ELEVEN. The film is about the Imperial Avenue killings in Cleveland’s Mount Pleasant neighborhood in 2009. Stanley Donaldson, a reporter for The Cleveland Plain Dealer, will be on hand along with co-director Khalil Pedizsai. Donaldson wrote newspaper articles about the murders. He is also a producer for the documentary. Please help us spread the word about this free community discussion.

Tickets are on sale for FilmDayton Festival – set for August 24-26. Take a look at their SITE and see what they have to offer. In addition to film screenings at THE NEON, the festival will offer workshops and special events around town. I’m anxious to see quite a few films on their line-up. TRASH DANCE, COMPLIANCE, and THESE AMAZING SHADOWS look great. This is their 4th Annual Fest…let’s help them make it a big success.

And speaking of festivals, The Downtown Dayton LGBT Film Festival has a fresh new website. HERE it is! It’s our biggest and best line-up yet, and we’re now in the process of securing guest artists to attend the festival (I can’t wait to make some big announcements in the coming days). The 7th Annual Fest is set for Sept. 28-30. Visit the site, watch the trailers and mark your calendars…it’s gonna be great!

Thanks for your continued support.
We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for
Fri. Aug. 17 – Thu. Aug. 23:

YOUR SISTER’S SISTER (R) 1 Hr 30 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 3:10, 5:15, 7:20, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 3:10, 5:15, 7:20

THE INTOUCHABLES (R) 1 Hr 52 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:20, 2:45, 5:10, 7:30, 9:45
Monday – Thursday: 2:45, 5:10, 7:30

ELEVEN (NR) 30 Min + Discussion
Saturday: 11:00am

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative.
Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
Aug 31 FAREWELL, MY QUEEN
Aug 31 CELESTE AND JESSE FOREVER
TBD WHERE DO WE GO NOW?
Sept. 14 ROBOT AND FRANK
Sept. 21 ARBITRAGE
TBD THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES
TBD 2 DAYS IN NEW YORK
TBD SLEEPWALK WITH ME

International Sensation THE INTOUCHABLES Opens Friday at THE NEON

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Hello Everyone,

It’s time to move along. Two films that made our summer one to remember will end their runs on Thursday. If you still need to see (or maybe for a 2nd or 3rd time) MOONRISE KINGDOM or TO ROME WITH LOVE, Thursday will be your last chance to see them at THE NEON. On Friday, we will finally open a film that many of you have been waiting for – THE INTOUCHABLES. BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD will stick around for another week. (for remaining showtimes for this week, visit our site at neonmovies.com)

Synopsis for THE INTOUCHABLES: “An irreverent, uplifting comedy about friendship, trust and human possibility, The Intouchables has broken box office records in its native France and across Europe. Based on a true story of friendship between a handicap millionaire (Francois Cluzet) and his street smart ex-con caretaker (Omar Sy), The Intouchables depicts an unlikely camaraderie rooted in honesty and humor between two individuals who, on the surface, would seem to have nothing in common.” (taken from The Weinstein Co.)  Visit the official website.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsPHXVnt27g’]

Air Force Veteran Jachlin Williams will host one more screening of the new, award-winning documentary THE INVISIBLE WAR at THE NEON – Thursday, August 16 at 7:30. “A groundbreaking investigative documentary about one of our country’s most shameful and best-kept secrets, THE INVISIBLE WAR reveals the epidemic of rape within the U.S. Military. Today, a female soldier in Iraq or Afghanistan is more likely to be raped by a fellow soldier than killed by enemy fire. Tracing the powerfully emotional stories of several young veterans, the film reveals the systemic cover-up of the crimes they have suffered and follows their struggles to rebuild their lives and careers. These screenings are part of a campaign to tell survivors of sexual military trauma that they are not invisible.” This screenings is free. Tickets will be given on a first-come, first-serve basis – one ticket per person on the day of the screening. (Sunday’s emotionally charged screening was wonderfully received. Please spread the word.)

The Greater Dayton Association of Black Journalists will host a community discussion about the Anthony Sowell serial murder case Saturday, August 18 at 11am at THE NEON. A discussion of the societal conditions that allowed the murders to go unnoticed will be discussed following a preview of the documentary ELEVEN. The film is about the Imperial Avenue killings in Cleveland’s Mount Pleasant neighborhood in 2009. Stanley Donaldson, a reporter for The Cleveland Plain Dealer, will be on hand along with co-director Khalil Pedizsai. Donaldson wrote newspaper articles about the murders. He is also a producer for the documentary. Please help us spread the word about this free community discussion.

Very soon, I’ll be able to give you details about our benefit on October 14. More and more details are slowly coming together (here’s a late-breaking detail…MARTIN SHEEN has just provided us with a few incredible items for our auction). This benefit will help us as we transition from 35mm to digital projection – a costly but necessary endeavor.

Tickets are on sale for FilmDayton Festival – set for August 24-26. Take a look at their SITE and see what they have to offer. In addition to film screenings at THE NEON, the festival will offer workshops and special events around town. This is their 4th Annual Fest…let’s help them make it a big success.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8PFf2a_yIk’]

And speaking of festivals, The Downtown Dayton LGBT Film Festival has a fresh new website. HERE it is! It’s our biggest and best line-up yet, and we’re now in the process of securing guest artists to attend the festival. The 7th Annual Fest is set for Sept. 28-30. Visit the site, watch the trailers and mark your calendars…it’s gonna be great!

Thanks for your continued support.
We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for
Fri. Aug. 10 – Thu. Aug. 16:

BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD (PG-13) 1 Hr 33 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:45, 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30
Monday – Wednesday: 3:00, 5:10, 7:20
Thursday: 3:00, 5:10

THE INTOUCHABLES (R) 1 Hr 52 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:20, 2:45, 5:10, 7:30, 9:45
Monday – Thursday: 2:45, 5:10, 7:30

THE INVISIBLE WAR (NR) 1 Hr 33 Min + Discussion
Thursday: 7:30

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative.
Many of these dates will change. In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
Aug 17 YOUR SISTER’S SISTER
Aug 31 FAREWELL, MY QUEEN
Aug 31 CELESTE AND JESSE FOREVER
TBD WHERE DO WE GO NOW?
Sept. 14 ROBOT AND FRANK
Sept. 21 ARBITRAGE
TBD THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES
TBD 2 DAYS IN NEW YORK
TBD SLEEPWALK WITH ME