Fox Searchlight

Preparing for The Toronto International Film Festival

September 3, 2019 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello Dayton Most Metro!

I’m leaving early tomorrow morning for Toronto…a favorite part of my job.

I’m so glad I can use this platform to once again report back home (as well as sort my thoughts) regarding my time and screenings at The Toronto International Film Festival. There are over 300 films to chose from over the next several days, and I have secured several tickets for films that I’m greatly anticipating.

Though my screening schedule is never 100% locked down, here are trailers for a handful of films that I’m excited to see:
PAIN AND GLORY – the new film from my favorite director, Pedro Almodovar

JOJO RABBIT – the new film from the director of HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE, Taika Waititi

VARDA BY AGNES – the last film from one of my favorite artists ever, Agnes Varda

Starting Thursday night, I’ll jot down notes about all the films I’m screening (and the stars I’m spotting).

Thanks for checking in!
Jonathan

With Scenes Filmed in Dayton ‘The Old Man and the Gun’ Release Date Set

April 25, 2018 By Lisa Grigsby

Photo courtesy Fox Searchlight

Fox Searchlight has announced David Lowery’s “The Old Man and the Gun” will make its debut in theaters October 5th, 2018.

The film, which spent two days last May shooting at the Liberty Center, from atop the Talbott Tower and on Second Street in downtown Dayton, is said to be the final screen performance for star Robert Redford. The film, also starring Casey Affleck, Danny Glover and Sissy Spacek is the true story of Forrest Tucker (played by Redford), who escaped prison at age 70 and went on an unprecedented string of heists. Casey Affleck plays the detective who becomes obsessed with Tucker, while Sissy Spacek is the love of Tucker’s life. The October opening suggests a fall film festival debut at Venice, Telluride, or Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

FilmDayton reports that in just the two days of filming in Dayton brought an economic impact of over $208,000 to the region. With a crew of over 100, over 75 extras and the cast, the production company payed for parking in the Arts Garage, booked rooms at the UD Marriott, ordered food from Marion’s Piazza, Lucky’s, Table 33, Boston Stoker and Dorothy Lane Market. They payed location fees to Liberty Tower, Key Bank, Talbott Tower, 1st Financial, contracted with the Dayton Police and payed rental fees to Art’s Rental, Enterprise Rent A Car and Dayton Cultural Arts Center.

The increase in interest and visits to our building increased substantially and we loved sharing the history so many people. We’ve had so many first time visitors since the filming. The number of requests from photographers to shoot in the building has also sky rocketed. The exposure has been great for the building and is encouraging to us as we work to repurpose this historical site.”
Jenna Kreitzer, Building Manager of Liberty Tower

We had the opportunity to be part of the movie by doing the dry cleaning and laundry needed by the costume department. We hope to continue being useful to the film industry in ONE way or another.”
Carl Ballachino, Owner at Reiber Cleaners

We were unsure what to expect with the street in front of our business closed down for 2 days, we didn’t get our normal lunch time pop of business, but it turned out our sales were higher than usual, We had so many first time guests who’d come down to enjoy the excitement of the stars and the filming. Our guests and staff were excited by the star sightings and overall it was a great experience.
Chris Harrison, Table 33 Owner

Photo courtesy Fox Searchlight

The Old Man and The Gun was filmed here taking advantage of The Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit, which provides a refundable, transferable tax credit of 30 percent on production cast and crew wages plus other eligible in-state spending.Currently at $40 million year, the credit would increase to $100 million annually under House Bill 525, which is awaiting legislative action to expand program.

TIFF 2017 – Day #4

September 11, 2017 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello Everyone.

I just got in from a very full day. I left the condo at 7:45am and returned at 1:45am. I saw 4 films and countless celebrities…ranging from Emma Stone and Steve Carell to Judi Dench…and then several folks at a Fox Searchlight party including Nicholas Hoult, Octavia Spencer, Michael Shannon, Sarah Silverman, James McAvoy, and more.

The first film I saw today was a highly anticipated film (in some circles) from auteur Darren Aronofsky (director of BLACK SWAN). It’s called MOTHER!, and I absolutely loathed it. Though Aronofsky is a master craftsman, I’m simply not interested in his stories. I often find his metaphors rather obtuse, and in the case of this film, the violence and brutality in the third act is just too much. This is on the bottom of the list for me so far this year.

I cleansed the palette with JANE, a new documentary about Jane Goodall directed by Brett Morgen (director of THE KID STAYS IN THE PICTURE). This new film is largely constructed from footage that was recently discovered (thought to have been lost) that was shot in the 1960’s by renowned National Geographic photographer Hugo van Lawick. With a tremendous score by Philip Glass, the film is a love story and a gorgeous portrait of Goodall’s early monumental work with chimpanzees. To make it extra special, Goodall was in attendance, and seeing her speak has been a highlight of the festival. She’s so inspiring and commands attention through her passion, grace and eloquence. When she was approached to be a part of this documentary, she said “Not again,” but agreed nonetheless – and she said it’s been one of the best experiences of recounting her work. (below is a photo I took…there is no trailer available yet for this documentary)

VICTORIA & ABDUL, the new film by Stephen Frears, was next on the list. And it didn’t disappoint. (Fears has had an incredible career. From MY BEAUTIFUL LAUNDERETTE to DANGEROUS LIAISONS to THE GRIFTERS to MRS. HENDERSON PRESENTS to PHILOMENA – many of his films are quite special to me.) This elegant period piece is not at all stuffy or staid, it’s actually quite funny and charming, and the chemistry between Dench and Fazel is magic. This is a story about Queen Victoria’s later years and how she befriended an Indian man who was initially only intended to present her with a special gift from India. This true story, which was supposed to have been wiped from the history books by Victoria’s son – King Edward VII, was discovered several years ago by author Shrabani Basu. I know that our audiences are going to love this film when it opens on October 6. Extra special…Dench and many others were in attendance for a Q&A.

BATTLE OF THE SEXES was my final film of the day (though the after-party was something special too). Directed by Jonathan Dayton & Valerie Faris (directors of LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE), this film is so much more than the shenanigans of Steve Carell featured in the trailer. Based on the true story of Billie Jean King and her famous match with Bobby Riggs, we actually end up getting a lot of King’s personal struggle to live her own truth. With a strong screenplay and strong performances across the board, I think we’ll do well with this film when it opens on Sept. 29 (this date just got bumped up over the weekend). Extra special…Billie Jean King, Emma Stone, Steve Carell, Sarah Silverman, the directors and many others were in attendance for a Q&A.

After my final screening, I went to Fox Searchlight’s party that was held to celebrate the three films playing at the festival – BATTLE OF THE SEXES, THE SHAPE OF WATER and THREE BILLBOARDS. This was the party to be at last night. The cocktails and food were spectacular, and everywhere you turned, stars were everywhere – from Stone and Silverman to Michael Shannon, Octavia Spencer, Richard Jenkins, Rachel Weisz and Nicholas Hoult. What a night!

Thanks for reading!

Jonathan

TIFF 2015 – Day #4

September 14, 2015 By Jonathan McNeal

Hi Again!

My first film today was TRUMBO, directed by Jay Roach. For the first few minutes, I had to get over its visual style. It seemed a little cartoony, and the cinematography seemed more like television than film…but then it took its hold on me with a sharp screenplay and terrific performances. This is the story of Dalton Trumbo, one of the “Hollywood 10” who was Blacklisted during America’s fear of people affiliated with the Communist Party. The script is terrific, and the story is playful but serious – and Brian Cranston is wonderful in his Big performance (during the Q&A, the director noted that “Trumbo didn’t just talk, he performed.”). This is a film that had the packed house bursting into applause during certain key moments, and I think it’s a film that would certainly go over well with NEON audiences. We’ll see what the distributor has in mind (not to mention the crowded marketplace this fall)! (NEON favorite Helen Mirren plays Hedda Hopper – and she chews up the scenery with her wickedly upsetting material. One other supporting role that stood out was John Goodman’s. You’ll love him.)

DISORDER, directed by Alice Winocour, was the next film of the day. Starring Matthias Schoenaerts (a regular face at THE NEON – RUST AND BONE, THE DROP, and FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD…and possibly THE DANISH GIRL this Fall), this is the story of a man with PTSD who is hired to work security for a wealthy family while the husband is away on business. This psychologic turned invasion thriller is marked with great performances, edge of your seat tension and incredible sound design.

Up next was MAGGIE’S PLAN, directed by Rebecca Miller. This seemed like new territory for a Rebecca Miller film to me. It might be in large part to Greta Gerwig’s presence, but it felt more like a Noah Baumbach/Woody Allen comedy. That said, this love triangle comedy starring Gerwig, Ethan Hawke and Julianne Moore certainly has some wonderful moments (and Julianne Moore steals every scene she’s in as a Danish professor). The story is about a single woman (Gerwig) who is determined to have a baby and finds herself in a relationship with a married professor.

Lastly, I saw my favorite film of the festival so far – BROOKLYN, directed by John Crowley. In this lovely 1950’s period film, Saoirse Ronan plays a girls who moves from Ireland to Brooklyn in order to have a better life. We witness a wonderful transformation from reserved wallflower to a more confident, stunning woman. With a screenplay by Nick Hornby, this film works on all levels. The screenplay is great, the performances are wonderful, and the cinematography will make you swoon. Saoirse Ronan, Domhnall Gleeson (seen earlier this year in EX MACHINA), Emory Cohen (who you might recognize from THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES) and director John Crowley were in attendance for an insightful Q&A.

After all my screenings, I met different people at a couple different locations for cocktails. It was a nice mix of business & pleasure to cap off the day.

More tomorrow. Thanks for reading!

Jonathan

TIFF 2015 – Day 1

September 11, 2015 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello Daytonians & Film Lovers!

Thanks for checking in to see how everything went with my first day of screenings. I got up early and was in the Industry Box Office line by 6:55…and there were still several people ahead of me. This line starts a little earlier each year, and some folks have joked about possibly camping out. I’m glad to report that I did get the tickets I desired for Saturday – including the premiere of THE DANISH GIRL.

After grabbing tickets, I went to my first screening – HITCHCOCK/TRUFFAUT, directed by Kent Jones. This is wonderful, and film lovers will delight. Using the famous book written by French New Wave darling Francois Truffaut as a launching pad, this film explores that famous interview and is such the careers of both Hitch and Truffaut. We get interviews from contemporary directors who have great relationships with the book (Wes Anderson, Martin Scorsese, David Fincher, Oliver Assayas and more), and numerous sound bites from the week-long interview back in the 60’s. Hearing Hitchcock talk about his work will delight cinema theorists…especially when he talks about what’s really happening during a certain scene in VERTIGO. (There is no trailer available for this film yet…just one of these famous stills.)

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Next up, I saw 45 YEARS, directed by Andrew Haigh. Starring Charlotte Rampling and Tom Courtenay, this is a film about a couple preparing for their 45th Wedding Anniversary party. Early in the film, Courtenay’s character receives a letter that the body of a former girlfriend has been found in the ice (she died in an accident while hiking by a glacier decades before). The news shakes him to his core, and his wife begins to take offense that he still seems to care so deeply about someone else. Full of some wonderful performances and always aware of the passing of time, this film makes you realize how quickly the foundation can be shaken from below your feet. The sound design (and lack of score except for incidental music) was particularly interesting. Though still a little “flummoxed” with the ending, I ultimately like this quiet, slow-paced film.

Before going back the apartment to get ready for Opening Night, I saw one more film – EVERYTHING WILL BE FINE, directed by Wim Wenders. After Wenders made PINA (one of my favorite documentaries ever) in 3D, he decided that he would continue using that format for narrative film. It’s certainly interesting to see a film where 3D is used as an artistic tool instead of an effect-driven gimmick. That said, this film was all over the map. Meandering, overscored, and dotted with some bombastic moments and a weak screenplay, I found it difficult to care too much about the characters.

Last up, I went the official Opening Night film – DEMOLITION, directed by Jean-Marc Vallee (director of DALLAS BUYERS CLUB and WILD). TIFF has a reputation for programming “not-so-great” films for Opening Night (THE JUDGE, SCORE: A HOCKEY MUSICAL, etc.). But tonight’s film was quite good…perhaps the best they’ve programmed over the past decade. This is the a about a man who seems to be unable to feel anything after the death of his wife (she dies in a car accident that leaves her husband unharmed). Jake Gyllenhaal gives a wonderful performance as a man who is incapable of feeling emotions. Driven by work, he is otherwise disconnected with the life he’s living. Though there are moments written into the script that seem more driven by potential audience pleasure than character development, I rather liked this film.

Glenn Kiser, a director & friend who visited Dayton for The Dayton LGBT Film Festival a few years ago, invited me to the Opening Night screening and Party. We had a great time catching up and the party was quite a sight (“people watching” is quite fun in this scenario, and complimentary booze certainly helps to make things merrier).

It’s 1:30am, and I need to be up in 5 hours.

All the best,

Jonathan

SALINGER and THE HUNT Open Friday at THE NEON!

September 24, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

We’re moving right along, and I think it’s fair to say that we’ve got something for everyone this weekend. In addition to holding AUSTENLAND and BLUE JASMINE for one more week, we will open the documentary SALINGER and the highly acclaimed film from Denmark –THE HUNT. For remaining showtimes for this week, visit our official site at www.neonmovies.com.

Synopsis for SALINGER: “SALINGER features interviews with 150 subjects including Salinger’s friends, colleagues and members of his inner circle who have never spoken on the record before as well as film footage, photographs and other material that has never been seen. Additionally, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Edward Norton, John Cusack, Danny DeVito, John Guare, Martin Sheen, David Milch, Robert Towne, Tom Wolfe, E.L. Doctorow, Gore Vidal and Pulitzer Prize winners A. Scott Berg and Elizabeth Frank talk about Salinger’s influence on their lives, their work and the broader culture. The film is the first work to get beyond the Catcher in the Rye author’s meticulously built up wall: his childhood, painstaking work methods, marriages, private world and the secrets he left behind after his death in 2010.” (taken from The Weinstein Company) Click HERE to visit the film’s official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oUHn0lZFy8′]

Synopsis for THE HUNT: “Mads Mikkelsen (NBC’s Hannibal, A ROYAL AFFAIR) won the Best Actor Award at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival for his penetrating portrayal of Lucas, a former school teacher who has been forced to start over having overcome a tough divorce and the loss of his job. Just as things are starting to go his way, his life is shattered when an untruthful remark throws his small community into a collective state of hysteria. As the lie spreads, Lucas is forced to fight a lonely fight for his life and dignity.” (taken from Magnolia Pictures) Click HERE to visit the film’s official site.

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

THE DAYTON LGBT FILM FESTIVAL is heading into its 8th year, and we’ve just secured flights for 2 visiting filmmakers (with hopefully more to come). The dates are set for October 11-13, and the line-up is fantastic. The committee has been working on this year’s festival since April, and we’re proud of the response – festival passes are already flying. The official site is up and running, and you can visit our Facebook Page for last-minute and fun postings. We hope you’ll look at our site and find something you’d like to see…if you’re into thought-provoking documentaries or period films or satirical comedies, we’ve got it covered. Single tickets go on sale this Wednesday, Sept. 25…it’s certain to be an amazing festival!

I’m sure many of you have seen the trailer for one of the best reviewed comedies of the year – Nicole Holofcener’s ENOUGH SAID, starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus and James Gandolfini. I’m delighted to announce that it has moved up…it is now set to open next Friday (Oct. 4).

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

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri, Sept. 27 – Thurs, Oct. 3:

BLUE JASMINE (PG-13) 1 Hr 38 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 2:50, 9:45
Monday – Thursday: 5:30

THE HUNT (R) 1 Hr 55 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30, 5:00, 7:20
Monday – Thursday: 3:10, 7:50

AUSTENLAND (PG-13) 1 Hr 37 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:45, 5:10
Monday – Thursday: 5:20

SALINGER (PG-13) 2 Hrs
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 2:50, 7:15, 9:45
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 7:45

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
Oct. 4 – ENOUGH SAID
Oct. 11 – THE PATIENCE STONE
Oct. 18 – INEQUALITY FOR ALL
Oct. 25 – WADJDA
Nov. 22- KILL YOUR DARLINGS
Nov. 22 –DALLAS BUYERS CLUB
TBD – CUTIE AND THE BOXER

Toronto – Day #5 – 2013

September 10, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello!

Yesterday ended up being not as productive as I had planned. I only saw 3 films in their entirety…and the festival is officially starting to wear me out. The early morning line-up is dwindling. Some industry folks have already left town, and some of this drop-off is due merely to communal exhaustion.

First off, I saw a film called BELLE – a Fox Searchlight film (which means we’ll more than likely play it…but it won’t come out until next Spring) set in 18-century Britain about a mixed-race woman who is accepted by her affluent father and is brought up in high class society. Though not given all the same treatment due to her skin color and the fact that she is “illegitimate,” she is given a good education and is rather free-spirited. After asking lots of questions and meeting an idealistic son of the town vicar, she becomes instrumental in ending slavery in England. This film is beautifully shot and will be a crowd-pleaser – on par with films like YOUNG VICTORIA and THE DUCHESS.

THE INVISIBLE WOMAN is based on the true story of Charles Dickens and his secret relationship with a younger woman. Directed by and starring Ralph Fiennes, this is a lovely, intelligent film about a strong-willed woman facing her past. The lead character is played with a rich, layered performance by Felicity Jones (she had a small part in the under-appreciated HYSTERIA), and Sony Classics is positioning this film for a limited Christmas release – which makes it clear that they will push for some Oscar attention. The art direction, the costumes, and the performances are all lovely, and though the pacing is slow, lovers of mid-career Merchant Ivory films (like THE BOSTONIANS and MAURICE) will be delighted. Fiennes and Jones were present for a Q&A after the screening.

UNDER THE SKIN is the new, highly anticipated film by Jonathan Glazer – director of SEXY BEAST and BIRTH. (It’s been a decade since his last film.) Each of his films is distinctly different, and UNDER THE SKIN is partially experimental in form. The movie is about a young woman who stalks the streets of Scotland – looking for single, unattached men. The film is sexually charged and absolutely captivating. There’s very little dialog in this film, but the images and score create poetry. A lot more could be added in describing the plot to this film, but as the catalog states, “it’s best to allow UNDER THE SKIN to reveal itself.” Lead actress Scarlett Johansson and director Jonathan Glazer were in attendance for an insightful Q&A. I can’t remember the last time I saw such an abstract film with over 1500 people…it was a nice feeling…but it won’t be appreciated by the masses. (That said, there will certainly be a cult-like following for this film.) Watch the teaser to get a small sense of tone for this film.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGDnbcq0BkU’]

More soon!

Thanks for reading!

Toronto – Day #3 – 2013

September 8, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello!

Well…I’m really exhausted this morning…but it’s my own fault. I was simply having too much fun last night, and I didn’t get to bed until about 2:00. I then got up at 6:00am and darted out the door to land in this line by 6:50. The Fox Searchlight Party was last night, and it was a winner. The cocktails were good, the food was exceptional (though I couldn’t bring myself to sample everything), and the mingling was perfect. The party was celebrating 4 films that the distributor will release this year – BELLE, DOM HEMINGWAY, ENOUGH SAID, and 12 YEARS A SLAVE. I met and chatted with several folks, and the party was full of industry folks including numerous stars (like Michael Fassbender, Alfre Woodard, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Paul Giamatti, Tom Felton, Sarah Paulson and more).

And now the films from yesterday. I saw three.

First off was HATESHIP LOVESHIP – a film by Liza Johnson starring Kristen Wiig and Guy Pearce. This film has a Dayton connection…the production design (done very well!) was by Hannah Beachler – graduate of WSU’s Motion Picture Program. The story is about a socially awkward woman – Johanna – who is hired to take care of a teenage girl with a mother who has died and somewhat absent father (the girl lives with her grandfather – played by Nick Nolte). Upon receiving a note from the girl’s father, Johanna responds with a letter that is ultimately hijacked by the girl and her friend. They devise a scheme where they respond to Johanna via e-mail and make her think that the father has developed a crush and is ultimately falling in love. It’s a cruel, teenage prank, and Johanna goes headfirst into the “relationship.” Though not without some wonderful moments, I didn’t love this film. I felt that it had some tone issues and had a few moments that I just didn’t buy. It’s nice to see Wiig do some serious material, but it was a bit of a challenge to hear her deliver some monotone, unaffected delivery and not be swept back to former SNL characters.

12 YEARS A SLAVE – I finally saw a really amazing film…one that will clearly be nominated for Best Picture along with numerous acting nominations. This new film by Steve McQueen (director of HUNGER and SHAME) is a masterpiece – based on the memoir by Solomon Northup. Northup was a free African American who was kidnapped in 1841 and sold into slavery. The film is harrowing and beautifully done, and the performances are rich and complex. After the screening, a Q&A with McQueen and several actors provided some eloquent insight into the production. Upon talking about the films of McQueen, Michael Fassbender said something that sums up the challenging material that McQueen often addresses, “As an audience member, you have to contribute. It’s not a passive experience.” Those are the films I love. I don’t want to be spoon fed, and McQueen always presents material that requires some work and introspection. One issue that I don’t think too many people want to talk about is the use of the Bible in the film. Slave owners often refer to it – justifying their rights by the Biblical text. This is not unlike people who continue to use the Bible to promote their hate-filled agendas today. Without making it a focus, I think McQueen wants us to consider how we approach this book.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiw1cYXQw4g’]

THERESE was the last film I saw yesterday. Based on the novel THERESE RAQUIN by Emile Zola, this film stars Elizabeth Olsen, Tom Felton, and Jessica Lang – who were all present for a Q&A following the film – along with director Charlie Stratton. This period story (which ultimately became the basis for THE POSTMAN ALWAYS RINGS TWICE), is about a sexually repressed young woman who must marry a sickly cousin. Upon meeting an old family friend, she has a sexual awakening and yearns to be set free from the confines of her current surroundings. This film is a bit clunky, but the production values are lovely and the performances are solid. The director mentioned one thing that attracted him to the story – it’s rare to go into a film where you change who you’re rooting for several times. I think that’s rather interesting…and I need to think about it.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCLBkM4OfSY’]

A few of you asked which film I walked out of yesterday. You’ll have to ask me in person…as I don’t reveal the titles of films that I don’t watch in their entirety.

More soon! Thanks for reading!

BEFORE MIDNIGHT – Best Reviewed Film of the Year – Opens at THE NEON!

June 13, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

For those of you who haven’t seen RENOIR yet (or those of you who need to see it again), we’re going to hold the film for one screening per day on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Sunday will be its last day…so hurry down. On Friday, we will open the best reviewed film of the year…and in my opinion, the best film I’ve seen all year – BEFORE MIDNIGHT. In addition, we will hold the new Noah Baumbach comedy FRANCES HA. For this week’s remaining showtimes, visit our website at www.neonmovies.com.

Synopsis for BEFORE MIDNIGHT: BEFORE MIDNIGHT is the best reviewed film of the year – with current scores of 98% on Rottentomatoes.com and 96% on Metascritic.com (check out all the 100% reviews by clicking this LINK). Don’t miss this honest, relatable, and touching film on the big screen. “In this follow-up to Before Sunrise and Before Sunset, we meet Jesse and Celine nine years later in Greece. Almost two decades have passed since their first meeting on that train bound for Vienna.” (taken from Sony Classics) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site. This film is rich with intelligent dialog and great performances, and it works whether you’ve seen the 2 previous films or not.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kv6JWoVKlGY’]

There are still tickets available for our special screening of I DO – taking place on Thursday, June 20 at 7:30. As the Supreme Court decides on civil rights issues that will effect thousands of US Citizens, this film couldn’t come at a more important time. (I saw this film at The Cleveland International Film Festival, and the audience adored it!) “A gay Brit living in New York is deprived of his immigration status, and risks losing his family and life in the U.S. He marries his lesbian best friend to remain in the country and stay with his family, but things get complicated when he meets the love of his life and is forced to make an impossible choice.” This one night only screening is part of Dayton’s PRIDE festivities. Tickets are $9 for General Admission. Members of The Greater Dayton LGBT Center get in for $7 (with valid membership card). Tickets are on sale now at THE NEON’s box office.

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“Start Freedom Dayton is at it again – this time with a screening BORN INTO BROTHELS, the 77th Oscar winner for Best Feature Documentary. Come see the movie and stay for the post-screening discussion led by Melinda Haggerty, Ohio’s Director of Children’s Initiatives, the juvenile justice arm of the Office of Mike DeWine. Advance tickets are available at Peace on Fifth for $7.50 (located at 508 E. Fifth Street). Tickets on the day of the show will cost $10 at THE NEON.” (Peace on Fifth press notes.) Born into Brothels is the chronicle [of two documentary filmmakers and] their time in Sonagchi, Calcutta and the relationships they developed with children of prostitutes who work the city’s notorious red light district.

On Saturday, July 6, THE NEON will host the premiere of Meladi McNair’s new film THE OMISSION. “Marissa tries to hide from her friends that she is in an unfortunate, yet common situation that afflicts many young adults. A violent, controlling relationship. Three flashbacks paint her birthday bash as the platform for a series of unfortunate events in which five long-time friends learn of her situation, and turn on each other… THE OMISSION, a dark, abuse awareness film debuts at 3 pm on July 6. The film was written and directed by Dayton’s own Meladi McNair; a Journalist and social-conscious author, artist and film maker. She is also the author of the anti-bullying book, ‘The Vexing.’ Tickets are $5 each.” (taken from press notes)

See you soon!

All the best,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. June 14 – Thur. June 20:

BEFORE MIDNIGHT (R) 1 Hr 48 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:20, 7:45

RENOIR (R) 1 Hr 51 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:40

FRANCES HA (R) 1 Hr 26 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:30, 9:40
Monday – Wednesday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:30
Thursday: 3:00, 5:15

I DO (NR) 1 Hr 31 Min
Thursday: 7:30

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
June 21 – THE EAST
June 28 – LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED
July 12 – 20 FEET FROM STARDOM
July 26 – THE WAY WAY BACK
Aug 2 – I’M SO EXCITED
Aug 23 – BLUE JASMINE
TBD – GINGER AND ROSA
TBD – KON TIKI
TBD – FROM UP ON POPPY HILL
TBD – IN THE HOUSE