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LEAN ON PETE Starts Friday + RBG News from THE NEON

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Hello Everyone!

We have to keep moving along at THE NEON! If you still need to see ISLE OF DOGS or YOU WERE NEVER REALLY HERE, Thursday will be you last chance to catch them with us. On Friday, we will open acclaimed filmmaker Andrew Haigh’s lovely new film – LEAN ON PETE. TULLY will stick around for one more week.

Synopsis for LEAN ON PETE: ONE WEEK ONLY! “From acclaimed filmmaker Andrew Haigh (WEEKEND and 45 YEARS), and based on the beloved novel by Willy Vlautin, comes LEAN ON PETE – a deeply moving story about love, loneliness, family, and friendship, told through the unique prism of one boy’s connection to a very special racehorse. Fifteen-year-old Charley Thompson (Charlie Plummer) arrives in Portland, Oregon with his single father Ray (Travis Fimmel), both of them eager for a fresh start after a series of hard knocks. While Ray descends into personal turmoil, Charley finds acceptance and camaraderie at a local racetrack where he lands a job caring for an aging Quarter Horse named Lean On Pete. The horse’s gruff owner Del Montgomery (Steve Buscemi) and his seasoned jockey Bonnie (Chloe Sevigny) help Charley fill the void of his father’s absence – until he discovers that Pete is bound for slaughter, prompting him to take extreme measures to spare his new friend’s life.” Click on this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

The Dayton Jewish Film Festival is down to its last film for this year…and it has already SOLD OUT! But there’s good news if you haven’t purchased your ticket yet. An encore screening of SAMMY DAVIS JR: I’VE GOT TO BE ME has been scheduled for Thursday, May 24 at 7:30. Brochures are available in our lobby, and you can find out more about the films (as well as details about tickets) on the festival’s OFFICIAL SITE.

 

After two successful special screenings, WE’RE DOING FINE is coming back for one more show this Saturday. Audiences loved seeing Dayton all aglow on the big screen, and we’ve had several requests to play the film one more time during the day. So we’ve added a screening – you’ll have one more chance to catch it at THE NEON. We will screen WE’RE DOING FINE on Saturday, May 12 at Noon, and tickets are just $7.50 each. Tickets for this encore screening are only available in-person at THE NEON’s Box Office!

“It’s now official: Big things come in small, un-hyped packages. LIVES WELL LIVED, the inspiring film about women and men aged 75-100 who have more energy, creativity and optimism than any superhero, just rolled over the results for recent Oscar winners in its theatrical premiere. LIVES WELL LIVED celebrates the incredible wit, wisdom and experiences of adults aged 75 to 100. Through their intimate memories and inspiring personal histories encompassing over 3000 years of experience, forty people share their secrets and insights to living a meaningful life. These men and women open the vault on their journey into old age through family histories, personal triumph and tragedies, loves and losses – seeing the best and worst of humanity along the way. Their stories will make you laugh, perhaps cry, but mostly inspire you.” (Shadow Distribution) Director Sky Bergman will be here for this special one-time screening on Sunday, May 13 at 3:00. Tickets, just $7.50, are now available at THE NEON’s box office. Tickets are selling quickly. Get yours early!

“LUNAFEST returns to Dayton for the 9th year, bringing nine new short films by, for and about women from around the world. This year’s unique films range from animation to fictional drama, covering topics such as women’s health, body image, relationships, cultural diversity and breaking barriers. From the comedy of a young Indian-American woman who wants to follow her dreams to the harrowing first-person account of a young girl’s escape from Boko Haram, each story will inspire and enlighten. All proceeds from LUNAFEST will go to the Ohio Domestic Violence Network and to Chicken & Egg Pictures, a nonprofit organization that supports women nonfiction filmmakers whose artful and innovative storytelling catalyzes social change. The festival is sponsored locally by Dayton Women’s Rights Alliance. Tickets are $10.00 ($5.00 students) with donations over this amount gratefully accepted. Tickets can be purchased in advance for this popular one-time showing which sold out last year.” (Dayton Women’s Rights Alliance) Tickets available now at THE NEON’s Box Office or via this LINK. LUNAFEST will screen on Sunday, May 20 at 3:00.

On Thursday, May 17 at 7:30, Mike Shea is bringing his latest film to THE NEON. “MONARCH is a neo-noir mystery short about a detective trying to make sense of the drug dealing underworld of a small mid-western city. This film was shot all around Dayton, OH’s legendary Oregon District. The cast is comprised entirely of comedians from the Dayton area starring in almost exclusively dramatic roles. The story itself is based on writer/director Michael Shea’s 2017 docu-drama THE CROSS AT THE GEM. This film was submitted (in a condensed 5-minute cut) to the 2018 Lander University 2WK Film Festival in Greenwood, SC. At this special one-night event, the audience will be treated to an opening performance from some of the cast and crew, a screening of the original 2017 film THE CROSS AT THE GEM as well as the premiere of the full director’s cut version of the film MONARCH. The premiere will close with a Q&A session with the whole cast and crew. Tickets are $5 and are available at THE NEON box office. Fans can also qualify for fun rewards and prizes by supporting the film’s GoFundMe campaign at this official site LINK.”

“On Wednesday May 23, Jewish Family Services of Greater Dayton and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church will host a screening of the film NEWTOWN. This documentary chronicles the aftermath of the deadliest mass shooting of schoolchildren in American history: a shooting that took the lives of 20 elementary children and 6 educators in Newtown, CT on December 14, 2012. Now in the wake of the Parkland shooting and the many others that pass by us in the media, it is critical that we keep the conversation going. For every community – for the Dayton community – how do we keep our children safe? Please join the community on hand to watch the movie, listen to reflections by the film’s director, Kim Snyder, and take part in a panel discussion to explore safety strategies for our communities.” Admission is Free, and tickets will be given on a first come, first served basis the night of the screening.

“The student filmmakers of Wright State University’s award-winning Motion Pictures Program will premiere their new thesis films at the 2018 BIG LENS FILM FESTIVAL at THE NEON on May 27. This year’s films dive into a number of contemporary issues and themes, including coming of age stories, cyberbullying, severed familial relationships, racial tensions, aging, conquering fears and more. Short films from Wright State’s Department of Theatre, Dance and Motion Pictures have screened at top film festivals, including Sundance, and been Student Academy Award Nominees. This year’s festival will have two scheduled screenings of the films. The first screening starts at 5:30pm and the second will begin at 8pm, both ending with Q&A with the directors of the films.” Tickets are available now for $10 at THE NEON’s box office. For more information about the films, cast and crew, please click on this LINK.

On Wednesday, May 30 at 7:30, we will have a special, customer appreciation screening of a truly special film. BARAKA is a film that played at an older incarnation of THE NEON before I took over management more than 17 years ago. “Featuring no conventional narrative, this film presents footage of people, places and things from around the world. From chaotic cities to barren wilderness, the movie takes viewers around the globe to witness a variety of spectacles in both natural and technological realms.” (google) You won’t want to miss your chance to see this astonishing film on the big screen. Tickets will be free and given on a first come, first served basis. We will begin giving out tickets at 6:30 on May 30 – one ticket per customer.

In the coming weeks, we will have some very special documentaries that I think will be loved by so many of you. First off is RBG – a film about a living legend and icon, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. This film is set to open on the evening of May 17 (showtime below). Later in June, we’ll have WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR? – a fantastic documentary about PBS’s Mister Rogers – a true humanitarian and American treasure. Because we think you’ll embrace these films so much, we have assembled a bit a merchandise that ties in with each film. These little gift items will be perfect for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, birthdays, or just to treat yourself. Be sure to check out our display case next time you’re in.

Thank you for your continued support!
We hope to see you this weekend,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Wednesday, May 9 – Thursday, May 17:

ISLE OF DOGS (PG-13) 1 hr 41 Min
Wednesday & Thursday (May 9-10): 5:15
FINAL DAY – May 10!

YOU WERE NEVER REALLY HERE (R) 1 Hr 29 Min
Wednesday (May 9): 3:10, 7:30
Thursday (May 10): 3:10
FINAL DAY – May 10!

TULLY (R) 1 Hr 36 Min
Tuesday-Thursday (May 7-10): 3:00, 5:20, 7:40
Friday (May 11): 12:30, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:45
Saturday (May 12): 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:45
Sunday (May 13): 12:30, 5:15, 7:30
Monday-Wednesday (May 14-16): 3:00, 5:20, 7:40
Thursday (May 17): 3:00, 5:20
FINAL DAY – May 17!

LEAN ON PETE (R) 2 Hrs 1 Min
Friday & Saturday (May 11 & 12): 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:30
Sunday (May 13): 1:00, 4:00, 7:00
Monday-Wednesday (May 14-16): 2:45, 5:15, 7:45
Thursday (May 17): 2:45, 5:15
FINAL DAY – May 17!

WE’RE DOING FINE (NR) 1 Hr 26 Min
Saturday (May 12): Noon

LIVES WELL LIVED (NR) 1 Hr 12 Min + Q&A
Sunday (May 13): 3:00

MONARCH (NR) new film, short + pre-show
Thursday (May 17): 7:30

RBG (PG) 1 Hr 37 Min
Thursday (May 17) – Preview Screening – 7:45

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear)
May 18 – DISOBEDIENCE
June 1 – POPE FRANCIS: A MAN OF HIS WORD
June 29 – WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR?
TBD – FOXTROT
TBD – FINAL PORTRAIT

ISLE OF DOGS, FINDING YOUR FEET, DAYTON JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL – Busy Times at THE NEON!

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Hello Everyone!

This past weekend was pretty incredible. From the enthusiastic crowds to the cute pups in the lobby from SICSA, we had an exciting, packed weekend. Thanks to everyone who helped to create such good energy here over the past several days. ISLE OF DOGS will certainly stick around.  If you still need to see THE LEISURE SEEKER, you’ll need to hurry – Today (April 19) will be its last day. On Friday, we will open the new uplifting British comedy starring Imelda Staunton – FINDING YOUR FEET. This new film is only scheduled to play for one week – so don’t delay!

Synopsis for FINDING YOUR FEET: “When ‘Lady’ Sandra Abbott (Academy Award nominee Imelda Staunton – VERA DRAKE, PRIDE, HARRY POTTER) discovers that her husband of forty years is having an affair with her best friend, she seeks refuge in London with her estranged, older sister Bif (Celia Imrie – BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL). The two could not be more different – Sandra is a fish out of water next to her outspoken, serial dating, free-spirited sibling. But different is just what Sandra needs at the moment, and she reluctantly lets Bif drag her along to a community dance class, where gradually she starts finding her feet and romance as she meets her sister’s friends. This colorful, defiant and energetic group start to show Sandra that retirement is in fact only the beginning, and that divorce might just give her a whole new lease on love and life.” (Roadside Attractions) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

Last Thursday’s premiere (and its encore screening) of WE’RE DOING FINE was fantastic. Audiences loved seeing Dayton all aglow on the big screen, and we’ve had several requests to play the film one more time during the day. So we’ve added a screening – you’ll have one more chance to catch it at THE NEON. We will screen WE’RE DOING FINE on Saturday, May 12 at Noon, and tickets are just $7.50 each. Tickets for this encore screening are only available in-person at THE NEON’s Box Office!

The Dayton Jewish Film Festival is getting ready to kick off this year’s awesome line-up. Brochures are now available in our lobby, and you can find out more about the films (as well as details about tickets) on their OFFICIAL SITE. Here’s a list of movies that will screen at THE NEON:
Thursday, April 19 at 7:15 – KEEP THE CHANGE
Tuesday, April 24 at 7:15 – BAGELS OVER BERLIN
Thursday, April 26 at 7:15 – THE INVISIBLES
Sunday, April 29 at 5:15 – SHELTER
Monday, April 30 at 7:15 – BIG SONIA
Wednesday, May 2 at 7:15 – THE CAKEMAKER
Tuesday, May 8 at 10am – AN ACT OF DEFIANCE
Thursday, May 10 at 7:15 – SAMMY DAVIS JR: I’VE GOTTA BE ME

“It’s now official: Big things come in small, un-hyped packages. LIVES WELL LIVED, the inspiring film about women and men aged 75-100 who have more energy, creativity and optimism than any superhero, just rolled over the results for recent Oscar winners in its theatrical premiere. LIVES WELL LIVED celebrates the incredible wit, wisdom and experiences of adults aged 75 to 100. Through their intimate memories and inspiring personal histories encompassing over 3000 years of experience, forty people share their secrets and insights to living a meaningful life. These men and women open the vault on their journey into old age through family histories, personal triumph and tragedies, loves and losses – seeing the best and worst of humanity along the way. Their stories will make you laugh, perhaps cry, but mostly inspire you.” (Shadow Distribution) Director Sky Bergman will be here for this special one-time screening on Sunday, May 13 at 3:00. Tickets, just $7.50, are now available at THE NEON’s box office.

“LUNAFEST returns to Dayton for the 9th year, bringing nine new short films by, for and about women from around the world. This year’s unique films range from animation to fictional drama, covering topics such as women’s health, body image, relationships, cultural diversity and breaking barriers. From the comedy of a young Indian-American woman who wants to follow her dreams to the harrowing first-person account of a young girl’s escape from Boko Haram, each story will inspire and enlighten. All proceeds from LUNAFEST will go to the Ohio Domestic Violence Network and to Chicken & Egg Pictures, a nonprofit organization that supports women nonfiction filmmakers whose artful and innovative storytelling catalyzes social change. The festival is sponsored locally by Dayton Women’s Rights Alliance. Tickets are $10.00 ($5.00 students) with donations over this amount gratefully accepted. Tickets can be purchased in advance for this popular one-time showing which sold out last year.” (Dayton Women’s Rights Alliance) Tickets available now at THE NEON’s Box Office or via this LINK. LUNAFEST will screen on Sunday, May 20 at 3:00.

Thank you for your continued support!
We hope to see you this weekend,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Tuesday, April 17 – Thursday, April 26:

THE LEISURE SEEKER (R) 1 Hr 52 Min
Thursday (April 19): 2:50, 5:00
FINAL DAY – April 19!

ISLE OF DOGS (PG-13) 1 hr 41 Min
Thursday (April 19): 3:15, 5:30, 7:45
Friday & Saturday (April 20 & 21): 12:30, 2:45, 5:00, 7:15, 9:30
Sunday (April 22): 12:30, 2:45, 5:00, 7:15
Monday-Thursday (April 23-26): 3:15, 5:30, 7:45

FINDING YOUR FEET (PG-13) 1 Hr 51 Min
Friday & Saturday (April 20 & 21): 12:00, 2:20, 4:50, 7:20, 9:40
Sunday (April 22): 12:00, 2:20, 4:50, 7:20
Monday (April 23): 2:50, 5:10, 7:30
Tuesday (April 24): 2:50, 5:00
Wednesday (April 25): 2:50, 5:10, 7:30
Thursday (April 26): 2:50, 5:00

DAYTON JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL
Thursday, April 19 at 7:15 – KEEP THE CHANGE
Tuesday, April 24 at 7:15 – BAGELS OVER BERLIN
Thursday, April 26 at 7:15 – THE INVISIBLES

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear)
TBD – FOXTROT
April 27 – YOU WERE NEVER REALLY HERE
May 4 – TULLY
May 18 – RBG
June 1 – POPE FRANCIS: A MAN OF HIS WORD
June 29 – WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR?

Local Filmmakers Debut Short Film at Jewish Film Festival

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MakingMorningStarAcademy Award-nominated, Yellow Springs-based filmmakers Julia Reichert and Steven Bognar debut their latest short film Sunday, April 17th at 5:15pm at The Neon, as part of the Dayton Jewish Film Festival.

 

Featuring interviews and footage of the composer Ricky Ian Gordon, librettist William M. Hoffman, and stage director Ron Daniels, Making Morning Star presents a behind-the-scenes look at the joys and challenges of developing a new opera. Much of the footage was shot in Cincinnati during a 10-day workshop hosted by Cincinnati Opera and CCM, part of the Opera Fusion: New Works collaboration. The 36-minute documentary tells the story of the creation a new opera, Morning Star, that tells the story of immigrants living in New York’s Lower East Side in the early 20th century who find their dreams tarnished by hardships – the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, World War I, and the Great Depression.



Stick around after the screening for a panel discussion of the film with local Academy Award nominated filmmakers Julia Reichert & Steven Bognar along with artists from the Cincinnati Opera. $9 per ticket, $8 for students (student tickets available at the door only).

 

 

Sally Field’s DORIS Soars! Hank Williams Biopic Opens Friday at THE NEON!

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I SAW DMMHello Everyone,

Many thanks to everyone who came out to see HELLO, MY NAME IS DORIS this weekend. The response was terrific, and DORIS will certainly stick around. If you’re a Terrence Malick fan (or a fan of Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett or Natalie Portman) and you still need to see KNIGHT OF CUPS, Thursday will be your last chance to see it at THE NEON. On Friday, we will open the new Hank Williams biopic – I SAW THE LIGHT – featuring an incredible central performance by Tom Hiddleston.

Synopsis for I SAW THE LIGHT: “I SAW THE LIGHT tells the story of the iconic, tormented singer-songwriter Hank Williams who revolutionized country music with his raw charisma, haunting voice and original songs, most of which are considered American standards today and have been recorded many times over by pop, rock and country artists alike. Hank Williams (Tom Hiddleston) emerged from the local Alabama music scene after World War II. Wife Audrey (Elizabeth Olsen) was desperate to sing by his side despite being of lesser talent, which fueled an extremely turbulent home life.” (Sony Classics) Stephen Hubbard of ABC-Nashville wrote, “Not since Sissy Spacek portrayed Loretta Lynn as an actor inhabited a legend like Tom Hiddleston playing Hank Williams.” Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jc2TEsl7vC8

We’re only a week away from THE DAYTON JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL, and this year’s selections look like a winning line-up! The fest begins in early April with screenings and speakers all around town. Here’s a list of films that will screen at THE NEON:
Thursday, April 7 – 7:15pm – ATOMIC FALAFEL
Sunday, April 10 – 7:15pm – THE LAST MENTSCH
Tuesday, April 12 – 9:30am – GETT: THE TRIAL OF VIVIANE AMSALEM
Tuesday, April 12 – 7:15pm – BORROWED IDENTITY
Thursday, April 14 – 7:15pm – APPLES FROM THE DESERT
Sunday, April 17 – 5:20pm – MAKING MORNING STAR
Sunday, April 17 – 7:15pm – DOUGH
Advanced tickets are available on the festival’s official site.

On Wednesday, April 20 at 7:30, “Go Wild for Earth Month at the WILD AND SCENIC FILM FESTIVAL presented by Aveda and the SierraClub. The evening will be a celebration of wilderness and waterways as we take a cinematic tour of rivers, lakes, oceans and the individuals exploring, enjoying, and protecting them. Over 15 films spanning the globe highlight why our waterways should be wild.” (taken from press notes) Tickets are $10 each in advance, and they can be purchased via this LINK. If tickets remain, they will be sold one hour before the event at our box office for $12 each. All proceeds benefit the Sierra Club.

On Monday, April 25 at 7:30, Gathr Films along with Tricia Rau-Hammond will present a one-time screening of the new documentary MILK. “Through an intimate and artistic lens, MILK brings a universal perspective on the politics, commercialization and controversies surrounding birth and infant feeding over the canvas of stunningly beautiful visuals and poignant voices from around the globe. Inspiring, informative, provocative and sensitive, MILK celebrates bringing a new life into this world with a strong call to action and reflection.” (taken from Press Notes) In addition to the screening, the evening will feature a raffle of prizes from Luna Blue’s Boutique. Advanced tickets must be purchased on the Gathr site by following this LINK. If tickets remain, they will be available at our box office one hour before the screening.

Next Friday (April 8), we’re slated to open DEMOLITION – the new film from Jean Marc Vallee (director of WILD and DALLAS BUYERS CLUB). It stars Jake Gyllenhaal & Naomi Watts, and it was the Opening Night Film at last year’s Toronto International Film Festival. I think many of you will love it!

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

SHOWTIMES for Monday, March 28 – Thursday, April 7:

KNIGHT OF CUPS (R) 1 Hr 58 Min
Monday – Thursday (March 28-31): 3:00, 5:30, 8:00
FINAL DAY – March 31!

HELLO, MY NAME IS DORIS (R) 1 Hr 35 Min
Monday – Thursday (March 28-31): 3:00, 5:15, 7:30
Friday & Saturday (April 1 & 2): 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:30
Sunday (April 3): 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20
Monday – Wednesday (April 4-6): 3:00, 5:15, 7:30
Thursday (April 7): 3:00, 5:15

I SAW THE LIGHT (R) 2 Hrs 3 Min
Friday & Saturday (April 1 & 2): 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:30
Sunday (April 3): 1:00, 4:00, 7:00
Monday – Thursday (April 4-7): 3:00, 5:30, 8:00

DAYTON JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL
Thursday (April 7): ATOMIC FALAFEL (NR) – 7:15

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
April 8 – DEMOLITION (Opening Night film from TIFF)
April ? – REMEMBER
April 22 – MILES AHEAD (shot in Cincinnati & Dayton)
April ? – THE DARK HORSE
April ? – KRISHA
May 6 – SING STREET
May 13 – LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP
May 27 – THE MEDDLER
June 10 – MAGGIE’S PLAN
June 17 – DARK HORSE

Sally Field’s DORIS & Star-Studded Malick Film Open Friday at THE NEON!

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rs_634x939-151119112930-634-hello-my-name-is-doris-posterHello Everyone,

We’re cleaning house this week! If you need to see HITCHCOCK/TRUFFAUT, MUSTANG, SON OF SAUL or LADY IN THE VAN, Thursday will be your last chance to catch them at THE NEON. On Friday, we’ll begin a film that many of you have expressed excitement about – HELLO, MY NAME IS DORIS – starring Sally Field. In addition, we’ll begin a film by master filmmaker Terrence Malick with a star-studded cast – KNIGHT OF CUPS.

Synopsis for HELLO, MY NAME IS DORIS: “When Doris Miller meets John Fremont, her company’s hip new art director, sparks fly-at least for Doris. In the cluttered house she shared with her late mother, Doris mines the Internet for information on her one-and-only, guided by the 13-year-old granddaughter of her best pal Roz. When Doris begins showing up at John’s regular haunts, she wins over his Williamsburg friends. Her new life brings Doris a thrilling perspective, but also creates a rift between her and her longtime friends and family, who believe she’s making a fool of herself over a guy half her age. Eager for all the experiences she has missed out on, Doris throws caution to the wind and follows her heart for the very first time.” VARIETY wrote, “A showstopper. Sally Field shines.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pdn-CcRypo8

Synopsis for KNIGHT OF CUPS: “Knight of Cups follows writer Rick (Christian Bale) on an odyssey through the playgrounds of Los Angeles and Las Vegas as he undertakes a search for love and self. Even as he moves through a desire-laden landscape of mansions, resorts, beaches and clubs, Rick grapples over complicated relationships with his brother (Wes Bentley) and father (Brian Dennehy). His quest to break the spell of his disenchantment takes him on a series of adventures with six alluring women: rebellious Della (Imogen Poots); his physician ex-wife, Nancy (Cate Blanchett); a serene model Helen (Freida Pinto); a woman he wronged in the past Elizabeth (Natalie Portman); a spirited, playful stripper Karen (Teresa Palmer); and an innocent Isabel (Isabel Lucas), who helps him see a way forward. Rick moves in a daze through a strange and overwhelming dreamscape — but can he wake up to the beauty, humanity and rhythms of life around him? The deeper he searches, the more the journey becomes his destination.” THE VILLAGE VOICE wrote, “KNIGHT OF CUPS might be both the most intoxicating film [Malik] has ever made-a deluge of gorgeous, kinetic images and sounds-and, in some ways, the most perplexing.” Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

It’s almost time for THE DAYTON JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL, and this year’s selections look like a winning line-up! The fest begins in early April with screenings and speakers all around town. Here’s a list of films that will screen at THE NEON:
Thursday, April 7 – 7:15pm – ATOMIC FALAFEL
Sunday, April 10 – 7:15pm – THE LAST MENTSCH
Tuesday, April 12 – 9:30am – GETT: THE TRIAL OF VIVIANE AMSALEM
Tuesday, April 12 – 7:15pm – BORROWED IDENTITY
Thursday, April 14 – 7:15pm – APPLES FROM THE DESERT
Sunday, April 17 – 5:20pm – MAKING MORNING STAR
Sunday, April 17 – 7:15pm – DOUGH
Advanced tickets are available on the festival’s official site.

On Wednesday, April 20 at 7:30, “Go Wild for Earth Month at the WILD AND SCENIC FILM FESTIVAL presented by Aveda and the SierraClub. The evening will be a celebration of wilderness and waterways as we take a cinematic tour of rivers, lakes, oceans and the individuals exploring, enjoying, and protecting them. Over 15 films spanning the globe highlight why our waterways should be wild.” (taken from press notes) Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased in advance via this LINK. If tickets remain, they will be sold one hour before the event at our box office. All proceeds benefit the Sierra Club.

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

SHOWTIMES for Tuesday, March 22 – Thursday, March 31:

THE LADY IN THE VAN (PG-13) 1 Hr 44 Min
Tuesday – Thursday (March 22-24): 3:00, 7:30
FINAL DAY – March 24!

SON OF SAUL (R) 1 Hr 47 Min
Tuesday-Thursday (March 22-24): 5:10
FINAL DAY – March 24!

HITCHCOCK/TRUFFAUT (PG-13) 1 Hr 19 Min
Tuesday-Thursday (March 22-24): 5:15
FINAL DAY – March 24!

MUSTANG (PG-13) 1 Hr 37 Min
Tuesday-Thursday (March 22-24): 3:15, 7:30
FINAL DAY – March 24!

HELLO, MY NAME IS DORIS (R) 1 Hr 35 Min
Friday & Saturday (March 25 & 26): 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:30
Sunday (March 27): 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20
Monday – Thursday (March 28-31): 3:00, 5:15, 7:30

KNIGHT OF CUPS (R) 1 Hr 58 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday (March 25-27): 12:30, 3:00, 5:30, 8:00
Monday – Thursday (March 28-31): 3:00, 5:30, 8:00

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
April 1 – I SAW THE LIGHT
April 8 – DEMOLITION
April ? – REMEMBER
April 22 – MILES AHEAD (shot in Cincinnati & Dayton)
April ? – THE DARK HORSE
April ? – KRISHA
May 6 – SING STREET
May 13 – LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP
May 27 – THE MEDDLER
June 10 – MAGGIE’S PLAN
June 17 – DARK HORSE

EX MACHINA Opens Friday & Jewish Film Fest Starts This Weekend at THE NEON!

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ex-machina-poster-v01Hello Everyone,

If you still need to see WOMAN IN GOLD, a film that many of our regulars are absolutely loving, you only have until Thursday to see it at THE NEON. On Friday, we will open a new sci-fi film about artificial intelligence – one that seems all the more scary after having heard a story about a similar subject on NPR. EX MACHINA has been garnering rave reviews, and it certainly looks sophisticated and thought provoking…it also holds the record for the biggest opening of 2015 in larger markets. We have our fingers crossed that Dayton audiences are interested! TRUE STORY will stick around for another week, and WHILE WE’RE YOUNG will open on May 1. For this week’s remaining showtimes (they’re different than the upcoming week – which are listed below), please visit our website at www.neonmovies.com

Synopsis for EX MACHINA: “Alex Garland, writer of 28 Days Later and Sunshine, makes his directorial debut with the stylish and cerebral thriller, EX MACHINA. Caleb Smith, a programmer at an internet-search giant, wins a competition to spend a week at the private mountain estate of the company’s brilliant and reclusive CEO, Nathan Bateman (Oscar Isaac). Upon his arrival, Caleb learns that Nathan has chosen him to be the human component in a Turing Test-charging him with evaluating the capabilities, and ultimately the consciousness, of Nathan’s latest experiment in artificial intelligence. That experiment is Ava, a breathtaking A.I. whose emotional intelligence proves more sophisticated – and more deceptive – than the two men could have imagined.” (A24) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

THE DAYTON JEWISH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL has grown considerably over the years, and the line-up is always terrific. Screenings at THE NEON begin this Sunday:
Sun, April 26 at 3:10 – 70 HESTER STREET & THE STURGEON QUEENS.
Sun, April 26 at 5:00 – ZAYTOUN.
Tue, April 28 at 10am – THE OUTRAGEOUS SOPHIE TUCKER.
Tue, April 28 at 7:15 – 24 DAYS.
Wed, May 6 at 7:15 – DANCING IN JAFFA.
Tue, May 12 at 7:15 – FOR A WOMAN.
Thu, May 14 at 7:15 – RUN BOY RUN.
The official website for the festival is now up and running! You can read about all the films, watch trailers and discover all that the festival has to offer. Check it out by visiting this LINK.

Montgomery County Food Policy Coalition is brining a special screening of GROWING CITIES to town. “Growing Cities is a film about urban farming in America. At a time when so much negative attention is paid to the food system – from mad cows to factory farms – this film tells the inspiring stories of city-dwellers who are transforming their communities one vacant lot, backyard beehive, and rooftop farm at a time. Join the filmmakers on a cross-county road trip, along the way these growers show that the urban farming movement is about a whole lot more than simply food and that everyone can take part in creating a healthier, more just, and sustainable food system.” (taken from press notes) This film will screen on Saturday, May 2 at 3:00. Tickets are free, but reservations must be made by calling or emailing Emily Bradford at (937)225-6470 or bradforde@mcohio.org

On Wednesday, May 13 at 7:30, we will have a one-time screening of I’M STILL HERE – ELAINE PAIGE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL. “The incomparable Elaine Paige brings her sell-out Farewell Concert from the Royal Albert Hall to the big screen accompanied by a live orchestra featuring special guests. Filmed for cinema, the concert features the BBC Concert Orchestra, with Elaine performing the highlights of her extraordinary 50 year career, including “Memory,” “I Know Him so Well” and “As If We Never Said Goodbye.” The evening will finish with special footage including a Q&A and more intimate performance with special guests recently captured in London.” (taken from press notes) General Admission tickets just $12. Senior tickets just $10. Tickets for this event can be purchased on-line via this LINK. They are also available at our box office (without the surcharge).

“Stivers School for the Arts-Film & Animation Studio Presents THE SHOWCASE. This compilation of short films includes live action & animation and ranges from comedy to documentary. Some of these films have already won regional and state awards. Following the show, there will be a Q & A with the student filmmakers. All proceeds go towards updating equipment in the Stivers Film and Animation studio. The Showcase runs one night only – Wednesday, May 20th at 7:30pm. Tickets are$5.00 in advance and $7.00 on the day of the event.. Tickets will soon be available at THE NEON’s box office and Stivers School for the Arts. Please join us for an evening of entertainment as we celebrate this next generation of filmmakers.” (taken from press release)

Thanks for your continued support.

See you soon,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, April 24 – Thursday, April 30:

EX MACHINA (R) 1 Hr 48 Min
Friday, Saturday: 12:10, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30, 9:50
Sunday: 12:10, 2:30, 5:30, 7:30
Monday – Thursday: 2:55, 5:15, 7:40

TRUE STORY (R) 1 Hr 40 Min
Friday, Saturday: 12:00, 2:20, 4:50, 7:20, 9:45
Sunday: 12:00, 7:30
Monday: 2:40, 5:10, 7:30
Tuesday: 2:40, 5:10
Wednesday & Thursday: 2:40, 5:10, 7:30

DAYTON JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL
(see list above for specific titles)
Sunday: 3:10, 5:00
Tuesday: 10am, 7:15

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
May 1 – WHILE WE’RE YOUNG
TBD- RED ARMY
TBD – MERCHANTS OF DOUBT
TBD – GREY GARDENS
TBD – ’71
May 22 – FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD
TBD – ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL

UPDATE – MOMMY and IT FOLLOWS Are Opening at THE NEON!

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mommy_ver2Hello Everyone,

Earlier today, I made an announcement about WOMAN IN GOLD opening at THE NEON on April 1…that plan has changed.  The Weinstein Company has made big changes to their release strategy for WOMAN IN GOLD.  After confirming April 1 as its opening date for us, they have yanked it away (from us and numerous other cinemas across the country).  At this time, we don’t know if we will be able to play the film when it finally becomes available in our market.  That said, I have made the appropriate changes to this week’s newsletter below.  Thanks for your understanding – this is very frustrating news (not to mention a terrible waste of time, energy and our valuable on-screen marketing).

We are officially overbooked at THE NEON, and we need to get moving with some titles.  Though LEVIATHAN is one of the best reviewed films we’ve played in a long time (and audiences were in awe this weekend), it didn’t perform well for us…so Thursday will be your last chance to catch it at THE NEON.  On Friday, we will open 2 new films.  Xavier Dolan’s MOMMY will screen once a day starting Friday, and IT FOLLOWS will get a full run (we haven’t played a horror film in a long, long time – this one is getting great reviews).  All that said, we’ll keep bothSECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL and WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS for another week.  For this week’s remaining showtimes (they’re different than the upcoming week – which are listed below), please visit our website at www.neonmovies.com

Synopsis for MOMMY: From Wunderkind Xavier Dolan comes this year’s Oscar submission from Canada – MOMMY. Dolan has won numerous awards at Cannes and around the world for his 5 feature-length films, and he just turned 26. “A feisty widowed single mom finds herself burdened with the full-time custody of her rambunctious 15-year-old ADHD son. As they try to make ends meet, Kyla, the peculiar girl across the street, offers her help. Together, they find a new sense of balance, and hope is regained.” (taken from Roadside Attractions) This is a strictly limited engagement with just a handful of screenings, and we’re one of a few cinemas in Ohio to play it. Don’t miss it! Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

Synopsis for IT FOLLOWS: It’s been a long time since THE NEON has screened a horror film, and fans on Facebook seem enthusiastic for the engagement of this critically acclaimed film…let’s see if that excitement really translates to solid box office numbers. “For 19-year-old Jay (Maika Monroe), fall should be about school, boys and weekends out at the lake. But after a seemingly innocent sexual encounter, she finds herself plagued by strange visions and the inescapable sense that someone, or something, is following her. Faced with this burden, Jay and her teenage friends must find a way to escape the horrors that seem to be only a few steps behind.” (taken from RADiUS/Weinstein Co.) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

Don’t forget that tomorrow, Wednesday, March 25, The Alumni Chair in Humanities at UD will present special screenings of Stanley Kubrick’s classic film PATHS OF GLORY – starring Kirk Douglas. Dr. Tony Smith will introduce the award-winning film, and the screenings are free for UD faculty, staff and students. Tickets for the general public are available for a suggested donation of $5. Seating will be on a first come, first serve basis. The movie will screen at 7:30 and 9:30. The presentation of this film is part of the World War I cohort project at UD.

LUNAFEST is Back! On Sunday, April 12 at 3:00, The Dayton Women’s Rights Alliance will present the popular touring festival of short films by, for about women! “Established in 2000 by LUNA, the makers of the Whole Nutrition Bar for Women, LUNAFEST connects women, their stories and their causes through film. This traveling film festival spotlights the work of a diverse array of talented women filmmakers with intelligent, funny and thought-provoking themes. Equally important, LUNAFEST can be used as a ‘fundraiser-in-a-box.’ helping hosts raise money for nonprofits in their own communities, as well as the Breast Cancer Fund. 100 percent of all net proceeds are donated to charity. LUNAFEST’s main beneficiary, the Breast Cancer Fund…Tickets are $5 for students with valid IDs and $10 for general admission. Lunafest is sponsored by The Dayton Women’s Rights Alliance – a feminist organization whose members work to promote and protect the rights of women of all classes, races and cultures. We seek to foster education and activism, and we work with community organizations challenging sexism, racism, homophobia, ageism, classism, poverty and other manifestations of injustice.” (taken from DWRA press notes) Click this LINK to read more about the films.

The Dayton Jewish International Film Festival is preparing another incredible slate of films for you. Screenings will kick off later in April, and the official website will be available soon, but if you want to take a peek at some of the titles, visit The Jewish Community Center’s Event Page by clicking this LINK.

Every year when I come back from The Toronto International Film Festival, people ask me how hard it is to get tickets and participate. While anyone can go to TIFF (you don’t have to be an industry insider), so many people don’t realize that there’s a huge, incredible, well-respected film festival just a few hours away. The Cleveland International Film Festival has grown and grown over the years, and I’ll be attending the final 5 days of the festival – staring tomorrow. Check out the official website to see just how impressive it really is.

I hope you’ll help keep THE NEON nice and busy in my absence, and I hope to see you soon when I get back.

Thanks for your continued support.
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, Mar. 27 – Thursday, April 2:

THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL (PG) 2 Hr 2 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 2:10, 7:30
Monday – Thursday: 2:40

WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS (NR) 1 Hr 26 Min
Friday, Saturday: 12:15, 9:50
Sunday: 12:15
Monday – Thursday: 8:00

MOMMY (R) 2 Hr 19 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 4:40
Monday – Thursday: 5:10

IT FOLLOWS (R) 1 Hr 40 Min
Friday & Saturday: 12:50, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30, 9:45
Sunday: 12:50, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30
Monday – Thursday: 3:10, 5:30, 7:50

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)

April 3 – WILD TALES

April 10? – WHILE WE’RE YOUNG
April 17 – TRUE STORY
April ? – RED ARMY
TBD – GREY GARDENS
TBD – WILD TALES
TBD – ’71
TBD – FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD

TIM’S VERMEER Opens and GRAND BUDAPEST Holds at THE NEON!

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shareHello Everyone,

In just under 11 days, THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL became our #7 highest grossing film at THE NEON. All films above it played for a minimum of 6 weeks to reach those kind of numbers. Thank you so much for your enthusiasm and support – it has been a wonderful ride so far.

It goes without saying that we will continue our run of BUDAPEST HOTEL. That said, it will now play on just one screen. Starting Friday, we will open a documentary that many of you have been eager to see – TIM’S VERMEER.

Synopsis for TIM’S VERMEER: “Tim Jenison, a Texas based inventor, (Video Toaster, LightWave, TriCaster) attempts to solve one of the greatest mysteries in all art: How did 17th century Dutch master Johannes Vermeer (“Girl with a Pearl Earring”) manage to paint so photo-realistically – 150 years before the invention of photography? The epic research project Jenison embarks on to test his theory is as extraordinary as what he discovers. Spanning a decade, Jenison’s adventure takes him to Delft, Holland, where Vermeer painted his masterpieces on a pilgrimage to the North coast of Yorkshire to meet artist David Hockney and eventually to Buckingham Palace, to see the Queen’s Vermeer.” Visit the official site for TIM’S VERMEER by clicking this LINK.

[yframe url=’https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CS_HUWs9c8c’]

The TAB Entertainment has rented one of our auditoriums on Sunday, April 13 for a special, one-time screening of MY DREAM BESIDE ME. “MY DREAM BESIDE ME is a romantic dramedy based on the true love story of Paul Rich and Mary Kay Slesinger Rich. At 84 years young Paul lost his wife of 66 years – Mary Kay was married for 34 years and she was left a widow when she was in her mid 60’s. After a few years Paul and Mary Kay met and fell in love. This union of marriage is a testimony that people can be strong, vital and full of life at any age.” (taken from press notes) Tickets for this screening are $9 each. Advanced tickets are only available on the film’s official website (Click HERE to visit the official site). Remaining tickets will be sold at THE NEON’s box office on the day of the screening.

“The Massie Creek Paddlers will be hosting Rapid Media’s 9th annual REEL PADDLING FILM FESTIVAL showcasing the world’s best paddling films to audiences in Canada, United States and around the world. The festival inspires more people to explore rivers, lakes and oceans, push physical and emotional extremes, embrace the lifestyle and appreciate the heritage of the wild places we paddle. The Reel Paddling Film Festival is a film contest awarding winning films in 10 categories. The winners and other shortlisted films are then toured to more than 100 cities around the world, screening for an audience of more than 30,000 outdoor adventure enthusiasts and their friends and families.” Advance tickets, just $10 each, are available on the official site (click this LINK). This special, one-night screening will stop by THE NEON on Wednesday, April 16 at 7:30.

The 2014 Dayton Jewish Film Festival is preparing for an exciting line-up. The festival kicks off on Thursday, April 24 at THE NEON, and the films look excellent. With all the extras that are being planned, this promises to be a truly exciting festival. I’ll include more details in next week’s newsletter…but if you can’t wait, visit the official site by clicking this LINK.

THE NEON is currently helping AIDS Resource Center Ohio sell tickets for a special raffle. Tickets are $25 each or 6 for $100. There will be 2 great prizes – one from the Red Rock Resort & Spa in Las Vegas and the other from Elizabeth Diamond Company. Each prize is valued at $4900. Raffle tickets are available at our box office.

Thanks for your continued support of THE NEON!
We couldn’t do it without you!

All the best,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, April 4 – Thursday, April 10:

THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL (R) 1 Hr 39 Min
Friday, Saturday: 12:30, 2:45, 5:10, 7:30, 10:00
Sunday: 12:30, 2:45, 5:10, 7:30
Monday – Thursday: 2:45, 5:10, 7:30

TIM’S VERMEER (PG-13) 1 Hr 20 Min
Friday, Saturday: 1:00, 3:00, 5:15, 7:15, 9:15
Sunday: 1:00, 3:00, 5:15, 7:15
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:15

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
April 11 – THE RAID 2
April 18 – THE LUNCHBOX
April 25 – LE WEEK-END
May 5 – JODOROWSKI’S DUNE
May 16 – ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE
May 16 – GOD’S POCKET
June 13 – FOR NO GOOD REASON
TBD – DOM HEMINGWAY
TBD – BELLE
TBD – UNDER THE SKIN

14th Annual Dayton Jewish Film Festival Opens April 24

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14_3_JCC_FilmFest_Branding_Logo_Orange

 

The Dayton Jewish Film Festival opens at the Neon on Thursday, April 24, at 6:45PM. The festival (running from April 24 through May 18) will bring the best in Jewish and Israeli cinema to the Dayton area, including an international selection of both feature films and documentaries. Festival venues include The Neon Movies in downtown Dayton and The Little Art Theatre in Yellow Springs.

 

 Single Tickets $9, Student Tickets $8, Season Pass $72 (includes all films)

 

 

Film Listings:

Thursday, April 24, The Neon , Daytonhero_ZigzagKid
6:45PM Reception , Film at 7:30PM
JCC FILM FESTIVAL OPENING NIGHT: The Zig Zag Kid
2012 | Feature | 95 min | Dutch & French w/subtitles

A witty, spirited, and action-­packed adventure about a boy on the brink of turning 13 named Nono, whose wild nature constantly gets him into trouble. Two days before his bar mitzvah, he is sent off to his uncle’s to be disciplined yet again. On the train, the over-imaginative boy discovers one last chance to prove himself by befriending a charming international thief. Based on the beloved novel by David Grossman, The Zig Zag Kid uses wit and humor to explore the most fundamental questions of good and evil.
WINNER: Dramatic Directing — Sundance; Audience Award, Best Feature — Hong Kong Jewish FF; Golden Elephant Award, Best Screenplay — International Children’s FF; Grand Prix Award — Kyoto International Children’s FF; Young Audience Award — European Film Academy; Audience Award, Best Feature — ANDkids World FF; Opening Night Film — San Francisco Jewish FF.

Opening Night  features a red carpet and string quartet with members of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra. The Zig Zag Kid will be showing in both theatres. Opening Night Sponsor: Morris Home Furnishings.

 

Tuesday, April 29 @ 7:15PM, The Neon, Dayton
Aftermath
2012 | Feature/Thriller | 107 min| Polish w/subtitles

A peaceful village embodying the idyllic beauty of the Polish countryside harbors a dark secret. Two brothers uncover the mystery and are forced to revise their perception of their father, their entire family, and the history of their nation.
Local native Daytonian Martin Gottlieb will speak after the film to share his historical perspective.

WINNER: Yad Vashem Chairman’s Award — Jerusalem FF; Best Actor, Best Production Design, Jan Karski Eagle Award Winner, Critics Prize — Gdynia FF; Eagle Awards — Polish Film Academy.

Thursday, May 1 @ 7:15PM, The Neon, Dayton
Bethlehem
2013 | Feature |100 min |Hebrew & Arabic w/subtitles, MATURE LANGUAGE AND SUBJECT MATTER

Bethlehem tells the story of the complex relationship between Razi, an Israeli Secret Service officer, and his teenage Palestinian informant, Sanfur. Now 17, Sanfur struggles to navigate between Razi’s demands and his loyalty to his family, living a double life and lying to both. Co-written by Israeli director Yuval Adler and Ali Waked and based on extensive research, this film transcends perspectives, revealing the impossible situations and moral dilemmas associated with the dark and fascinating world of human intelligence.

WINNER: Best Film — Venice FF; 6 Israeli Academy Awards (Nominated for 12); Best Israeli Feature — Haifa FF; Represented Israel at Academy Awards

 

Tuesday, May 6 @ 7:20PM & 7:40PM, The Neon, Dayton
Quality Balls: The David Steinberg Story
2013 | Documentary | 80 min | English

Follow David Steinberg’s hilarious history as Canada’s biggest comedic export. From apperances on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson to joining the ranks of fellow comedians George Carlin and Richard Pryor, Steinberg brings laughter and controversty to all his projects. With directing credits including Seinfeld, Golden Girls, and Curb Your Enthusiasm, Steinberg’s career has influenced a generation. After 25 years, he returns to the stage in this exceptional biography.

Official Selection – Hot Docs

Quality Balls: The David Steinberg Story will be showing in both theatres. Partnering with Hillel Academy of Greater Dayton. Barry Avrich, Director of Quality Balls, will join us for a short Q&A after the film.  

Wednesday, May 7 @ 7PM, Little Art Theatre, Yellow Springs
When Day Breaks
2012 | Feature | 90 min | Serbian w/subtitles

A retired Serbian music professor uncovers his true origins and family’s tragic fate during the Holocaust in When Day Breaks, a sentimental and haunting drama from veteran director Goran Paskaljevic. The elderly and widowed Misha Brankov lives a largely solitary existence in Belgrade until the excavation of the city’s old fairgrounds unearths a decades-old secret. An iron box contains documents that verify the professor is the son of a Serbian Jewish couple murdered at a Nazi death camp, not the child of the Christian farmers who raised him. An earnest and seldom-seen remembrance of Serbian involvement in the Holocaust in which thousands of Jews, gypsies and political prisoners were killed.

WINNER: HP Bridging the Borders Award — Palm Springs Intl FF.Serbian Submission for Best Foreign Language Academy Award. Audience Award Best Film – Warsaw Jewish Motifs Film Festival; Silver Award Best Feature Film – Cleveland Film Festival

Thursday, May 8 @ 7:15PM, The Neon, Dayton
Suskind
2012 | Feature | 118 min | Dutch & German w/subtitles

The gripping true story of a Jewish industrialist who saved hundreds of lives is recounted in this lavish award-winning WWII drama. Actor Jeroen Spitzenberger brings magnetism and gravitas to the role of Walter Süskind who exploits his position to protect his family and maneuver some 600 children to safety. Exploring the morally ambiguous, sometimes treacherous line between traitor and hero during times of war, the handsomely-mounted SÜSKIND certainly delivers.

WINNER: Audience Award — Atlanta Jewish Film Festival

Film Sponsor: Square One Salon & Spa

Monday, May 12 @ 7:15PM, The Neon, Dayton
The Prime Ministers: The Pioneers
2013 | Documentary| 115 min | English
Based on the best-selling book, The Prime Ministers: The Pioneers takes the audience inside the offices of Israel’s Prime Ministers through the eyes of an insider, Yehuda Avner, who served as a chief aide  and speechwriter to five of Israel’s Prime Ministers. The first of two parts, The Pioneers focuses on Avner’s years working with Prime Ministers Levi Eshkol and Golda Meir and reveals new details about the Six-Day War, the development of Israel’s close strategic relationship with the United States, the fight against terrorism, the Yom Kippur War and its aftermath.

The Pioneers is the 13th release by Moriah Films, the Academy Award winning documentary filmmaking division of the Simon Wiesenthal Center.

Film Sponsor: Brady Ware

Tuesday, May 13, The Neon, Dayton
9:30AM Coffee , Film at 10AM
Esther Broner: A Weave of Women
2013 | Documentary | 62 min | English
A sterling biography of the Jewish author and women’s rights advocate who, bringing her political beliefs to her religion, co-wrote The Women’s Haggadah, providing a revisionist text for patriarchal Seder services. Broner’s Haggadah, devised in 1975, has been utilized since at countless Passover meals, including women as active participants in the Jewish emancipation from the land of Egypt.

Chosen by the JCC Film Fest Committee In memory of Kathy Ellison, discussion following film facilitated by Lindsay Meck, daughter of Kathy Ellison. Partnering with Hadassah.

Tuesday, May 13 @ 7PM, Little Art Theatre, Yellow Springs
The Zig Zag Kid
2012 | Feature | 95 min | Dutch & French w/subtitles

A witty, spirited, and action-­packed adventure about a boy on the brink of turning 13 named Nono, whos wild nature constantly gets him into trouble. Two days before his bar mitzvah, he is sent off to his uncle’s to be disciplined yet again. On the train, the over-imaginative boy discovers one last chance to prove himself by befriending a charming international thief. Based on the beloved novel by David Grossman, The Zig Zag Kid uses wit and humor to explore the most fundamental questions of good and evil.
WINNER: Dramatic Directing — Sundance; Audience Award, Best Feature — Hong Kong Jewish FF; Golden Elephant Award, Best Screenplay — International Children’s FF; Grand Prix Award — Kyoto International Children’s FF; Young Audience Award — European Film Academy; Audience Award, Best Feature — ANDkids World FF; Opening Night Film — San Francisco Jewish FF.

Thursday, May 15 @ 7:15PM, The Neon, Dayton
White Panther
2013 | Feature | 88 min | Hebrew & Russian w/subtitles

White Panther is the story of Alex, a young Jewish Russian immigrant, whose family falls apart after his father dies while serving in the Israeli army. In retaliation Alex joins a skinhead gang led by his older brother. An unexpected meeting with David, a religious Moroccan Jew, gives Alex a chance to pursue his longtime dream of becoming a boxer like his father.  Alex finds himself torn between his two father figures – the violent older brother and the new Jewish trainer –until he finds out the truth about those he so admires.

NOMINATED: Best Feature — Israeli Academy Awards; Best Israeli Feature — Haggiag Award.

Film Sponsor: James Free Jewelers

 

Sunday, May 18 @ 7:15PM, The Neon, Dayton

JCC FILM FESTIVAL CLOSING NIGHT: The Third Half
2012 | Feature | 112 min | Macedonian, German, Bulgarian w/subtitles

Set in Macedonia following the Nazi invasion and based on a true story, The Third Half follows the fortunes of FC Macedonia. Determined to build the best football club in the country, Dimitry hires the German coach, Rudolph Spitz, to galvanize his rag tag team but – when the first Nazi tanks roll through the city and Rebecca, the beautiful daughter of a local banker, elopes with his star player, all Dimitry’s plans must change.

Winner: 2nd place Audience Award – Palm Springs Int. Film Festival; Best Narrative Feature – Atlanta Jewish Film Festival. Represented Macedonia at the Academy Awards

Local native Daytonian Alan Gabel will hold a discussion after the film.

Closing Night Sponsor: Economy Towel and Linen

MUD – Starring Matthew McConaughey – Opens at THE NEON!

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video-mud-anatomy-articleLargeHello Everyone,

THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES is heading out. Today (May 2) is its last day at THE NEON. We open the new film starring Matthew McConaughey and Reese Witherspoon – MUD – directed by Jeff Nichols (who also did TAKE SHELTER). MUD currently has a score of 98% on rottentomatoes.com…that’s incredibly high! For this week’s remaining showtimes, visit our official site: www.neonmovies.com

Synopsis for MUD: “Mud is an adventure about two boys, Ellis and his friend Neckbone, who find a man named Mud hiding out on an island in the Mississippi. Mud describes fantastic scenarios-he killed a man in Texas and vengeful bounty hunters are coming to get him. He says he is planning to meet and escape with the love of his life, Juniper, who is waiting for him in town. Skeptical but intrigued, Ellis and Neckbone agree to help him. It isn’t long until Mud’s visions come true and their small town is besieged by a beautiful girl with a line of bounty hunters in tow.” (taken from Roadside Attractions) Click this LINK to visit the official site for MUD.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2m9IFlz2iYo’]

The 13th Dayton Jewish International Film Festival is breaking records this year. The festival has experienced some sell-outs, and audiences are loving the films. You can visit our lobby to pick up a brochure for this year’s festival, and you can visit the website to purchase advanced tickets by clicking this [yframe url=’http://www.jewishdayton.org/be-active/jewish-life-in-dayton/djcc/13th-dayton-jewish-international-film-festival/’]. 2 remaining films from this festival will screen at THE NEON. Here are the dates and times:
Tue, May 7 at 10am – TORN
Thu, May 9 at 7:15 – A BOTTLE IN THE GAZA SEA

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mL8p6FKCPzQ’]

“The India Foundation celebrates One Hundred Years of Indian Cinema: 1913 – 2013 with a Tribute to Dada Saheb Phalke – Father of the Indian Cinema. The first Indian silent film produced, written and directed by Mr. Phalke was released in Bombay on May 3, 1913. A screening of selected clips entitled Silent Movies – Early Years will be presented on Saturday, May 4th at Noon (the collection includes digitized clips from Phalke’s RAJA HARISHCHANDRA and KALIYA MARDAN (1919) and clips from the only surviving Bengali silent film JAMAI BABU (Son-in-Law) by Kalipada Das). A reception preceding the screening will begin at 11:30a.m. Admission is only $5. The National Film Archives of India has graciously made the present collection possible.” (taken from press notes)

We’ve got a gathr screening on the horizon. This time, it’s for a film called GIRL RISING. For more about this film, click this LINK. This is the site where you can read about the film and reserve your ticket. The screening will only take place if 50 people reserve a ticket by May 26 (the screening is tentatively scheduled to take place on Wednesday, June 5 at 7:30). Watch the trailer…this film looks terrific!

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

Film #4 in Start Freedom Dayton’s film series – CALL + RESPONSE – is scheduled for May 30 at 7:30. “Organized by Justin Dillon, an artist, public speaker, abolitionist, founder and CEO of Slavery Footprint, CALL + RESPONSE is a documentary about human trafficking that combines musicians, celebrities, national abolitionists and political figures to shine a light on human trafficking concerns in the US and abroad. Tickets are $10 day of show at THE NEON or advance tickets are $8 (available exclusively at Peace on Fifth – 508 E. 5th – 937.367-7215). For information about Peace on Fifth or Start Freedom Dayton visit the official site. CALL + RESPONSE is sponsored by Fairly Simple.” (taken from the press release)

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mS-0CHXfyIk’]

We’re slated to open the crowd-pleasing, festival darling THE SAPPHIRES next Friday. I haven’t seen it yet, but I know I’ll be seeing it with a bunch of friends. It looks like a lot of fun! I’ll keep you posted.

We hope to see you soon!

All the best,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. May 3 – Thur, May 9:

MUD (PG-13) 2 Hr 10 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:10, 9:45
Monday – Thursday: 2:10, 4:50, 7:30

THE COMPANY YOU KEEP (R) 2 Hr 05 Min
Friday: 1:30, 4:40, 7:20, 9:45
Saturday: 4:40, 7:20, 9:45
Sunday: 1:30, 4:40, 7:20, 9:45
Monday – Wednesday: 2:00, 4:40, 7:20
Thursday: 2:00, 4:40

100 YEARS OF INDIAN CINEMA
Saturday: Noon (reception at 11:30)

DAYTON JEWISH INTERNATIONAL FILM FEST
Tuesday at 10:00am – TORN (reception at 9:30am)
Thursday at 7:15 – A BOTTLE IN THE GAZA SEA

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.

May 10 – THE SAPPHIRES
May ? – STARBUCK
May ? – TO THE WONDER
May 24 – AT ANY PRICE
May 31 – RENOIR
June 7 – LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED
TBD – GINGER AND ROSA
TBD – KON TIKI
TBD – FROM UP ON POPPY HILL
TBD – FRANCES HA
TBD – IN THE HOUSE
TBD – NO

AMOUR and QUARTET Continue Successful Runs at THE NEON!

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double posterHello Everyone,

Thank you! We had another great weekend. We truly appreciate your patronage and all the good word-of-mouth recommendations you’ve been giving regarding our films. QUARTET continues to be a big hit for us – it will stick around. Though numbers for the Oscar-winning AMOUR have fallen, it will stay for one more week (hurry down if you need to see it…many of our patrons agree that Emmanuelle Riva should have taken home the Oscar this Sunday). Remaining showtimes for this week are at www.neonmovies.com.

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Though attendance was down for this year’s Oscar Party (we think some folks made other plans since we’ve been so busy in past years…and we realize there are lots of other options), we had a great time! Thanks so much to everyone who came…and Special Thanks to ThinkTV and Square One Salon & Spa for helping to make the night a success!

“This evening, February 28 at 7:30, Peace on Fifth brings you movie #2 in their series about human trafficking and exploitation. HALF THE SKY, based on the book by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl Dunn, takes you on a journey from oppression to opportunity. Because this film focuses on the oppression of women, we will explore the direct links of oppression of women and the growth of human trafficking locally and abroad during our after-movie discussion. This screening is sponsored in part by Gallery 510, Loretta Puncer.” (taken from press notes) Advanced tickets (before the day of the event) are only available at Peace on Fifth for $8.50 each (Peace On Fifth is located at 508 E. 5th Street in the Oregon District). Tickets on the day of the screening will be at THE NEON for $10 each.

Omari Matlock, a former Daytonian, will premiere his latest film – DESCENT OF A SUPERSTAR – this Saturday, March 2 at Noon. “When money power and fame is not enough, a young pop star turns to habits put in place by dark spirits.” A minimum donation of $10 is required for each ticket. Each ticket includes admission to the film and to the After Party/Networking event at Therapy Cafe at 3:00 (be sure to bring head shots, demo reels & resumes to this event if you are in or aspiring to be in the entertainment industry). Visit the facebook page for this film by clicking this LINK. Tickets are available at our box office.

Next week, we will share the line-up for this year’s Dayton Jewish International Film Festival and a few other special events on the horizon.

We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. March 1 – Thur, March 7:

QUARTET (PG-13) 1 Hr 38 Min.
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:45, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:30

AMOUR (PG-13) 2 Hrs 7 Min.
Friday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:30
Saturday: 4:00, 7:00, 9:30
Sunday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 2:30, 5:15, 8:00

DESCENT OF A SUPERSTAR (NR) 30 Min + Discussion
Saturday: Noon

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.

March 8 – EMPEROR
March 15 – WEST OF MEMPHIS
March 22 – STOKER
March 29 – THE GATEKEEPERS
April 5 – ON THE ROAD
April 12 – NO
April ? – A PLACE BEYOND THE PINES
April 26 – STARBUCK
May ? – TO THE WONDER

“We Need To Talk About Kevin” Opens Friday at THE NEON!

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Hello Everyone,

Tilda Swinton was robbed!  One of the most disappointing omissions from this year’s Oscar nominations was Swinton’s performance in WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN.
After several months of playing the trailer, a print is available and we’re finally able to open this chilling, masterfully crafted film.
In addition to opening KEVIN, we will hold JEFF WHO LIVES AT HOME (which had a fantastic weekend) and one screening per day of THE RAID: REDEMPTION.

Synopsis for WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN: “We Need to Talk About Kevin explores the factious relationship between a mother and her evil son. Tilda Swinton plays the mother, Eva, as she contends for 15 years with the increasing malevolence of her first-born child, Kevin. Based on the best-selling novel of the same name, We Need to Talk About Kevin explores nature vs. nurture on a whole new level as Eva’s own culpability is measured against Kevin’s innate evilness.” (taken from Oscilloscope Laboratories) This film also stars John C. Reilly and Ezra Miller.
Click this LINK to visit the official site.

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“In celebration of National Record Store Day, GHETTOBLASTER MAGAZINE will be hosting a special screening of EMPIRE RECORDS on Saturday, April 21 at 10:15pm. In addition to the movie we’ll be giving away two tickets for this year’s Nelsonville Music Festival and all proceeds will go toward 2012’s Dayton Music Fest. Dayton MostMetro.com is the media sponsor for Record Store Day and other events that day include music trivia at Blind Bob’s from 4-6pm, live music throughout the day at Omega Music, Record Gallery and Feathers in the Oregon District and Toxic Beauty in Yellow Springs (Omega and Toxic will also be selling special RSD releases) and many local businesses will be offering discounts with a shown receipt from one of our local record stores.” (taken from press notes) Tickets for this event will be just $6 each (and only $4 each if you have a receipt from one of the local, indie record stores). Tickets will only be available on the night of the screening.

The banner just went up in our lobby for the 12th Dayton Jewish International Film Festival. This wonderful, international film festival has a focus on the lives and issues of Jewish people, but it’s open the community and essential viewing for those who love good cinema. The following is a list of films that will screen at THE NEON:
Sun, Apr 29 at 5:15 – EICHMANN’S END: LOVE, BETRAYAL, & DEATH
Tues, May 1 at 9:30am – DAVID
Thurs, May 3 at 7:10 – REUNITING THE RUBINS
Sun, May 6 at 2:50 – SHOLEM ALEICHEM: LAUGHING IN THE DARKNESS
Sun, May 6 at 7:10 – KADDISH FOR A FRIEND
Tue, May 8 at 7:10 – SALSA TEL AVIV
Thur, May 10 at 7:10 – BERLIN 36
For the complete line-up of films and ticket details, check out our feature article here.

For those of you who use Facebook, we finally have an actual page…not just a “group” page. We will soon be fazing out the old group, so please LIKE us by visiting our page – which now has a very easy address: www.facebook.com/neonmovies

For remaining showtimes for this week – including details about tomorrow’s premiere (4/19) of OBSCURA – visit our site.

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

P.S.  Below is a picture I took at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival.  In addition to a Q&A, I was able to attend a 90-minute conversation with Ms. Swinton.  It was divine!  (Pictured: director Lynne Ramsay, Tilda Swinton, Ezra Miller)

SHOWTIMES for Fri. April 20 – Thur. April 26:

JEFF WHO LIVES AT HOME (R) 1 Hr 23 Min
Friday: 1:00, 3:10, 7:20, 9:20
Saturday: 1:00, 3:10, 7:20
Sunday: 1:00, 3:10, 7:20, 9:20
Monday – Thursday: 3:10, 7:20

THE RAID: REDEMPTION (R) 1 Hr 41 Min
Friday – Thursday: 5:15

WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN (R) 1 Hr 51 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:30, 9:50
Monday – Thursday: 2:40, 5:00, 7:30

EMPIRE RECORDS (PG-13) 1 Hr 47 Min
Saturday: 10:15pm

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative.
Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
April 27 FOOTNOTE
May 4 JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI
May 11 DAMSELS IN DISTRESS
May 25 DARLING COMPANION
May 25 THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL
June 1 SOUND OF MY VOICE
July ? BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD
July ? TO ROME WITH LOVE

Sofia Coppola’s SOMEWHERE + NORTH DIXIE DRIVE!

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Hello Everyone.

I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS performed better than anticipated last weekend, so we’re going to at least be able to keep it for a handful of screenings for another week. Though CEDAR RAPIDS fell substantially, we’re going to keep it, too. In addition, we’re going to open a new film. Scholars of cinema recognize its influence from Italian masters like Antonioni and Bertolucci, and A.O. Scott of THE NEW YORK TIMES (and several others) gave it a 100% review. Sofia Coppola’s SOMEWHERE, starring Stephen Dorff and Elle Fanning, won the Golden Lion at last year’s Venice Film Festival.

Synopsis for SOMEWHERE: “You have probably seen him in the tabloids; Johnny is living at the legendary Chateau Marmont hotel in Hollywood. He has a Ferrari to drive around in, and a constant stream of girls and pills to stay in with. Comfortably numbed, Johnny drifts along. Then, his 11-year-old daughter Cleo from his failed marriage arrives unexpectedly at the Chateau. Their encounters encourage Johnny to face up to where he is in life and confront the question that we all must: which path in life will you take? ” OFFICIAL SITE

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THE 11th DAYTON JEWISH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL had it’s first screening at THE NEON on Thursday evening…and there are many more great screenings. To see a list of titles, screening venues, showtimes and ticket details, visit the official site.
Here are the films that will screen at THE NEON:
Sunday, March 27 at 5:15 – THE YANKLES
Tuesday, March 29 at 9:30am – AHEAD OF TIME
Wednesday, March 30 at 7:10 – IMAGINE THIS
Sunday, April 3 at 3:00 – WHERE I STAND: THE HANK GREENSPUN STORY
Sunday, April 3 at 7:10 – NORA’S WILL
Wednesday, April 6 at 7:10 – A MATTER OF SIZE
Thursday, April 7 at 7:10 – JEWS & BASEBALL: AN AMERICAN LOVE STORY

NORTH DIXIE DRIVE tickets are really starting to move for our additional screenings. Tickets are now available for April 1, 2 & 3 at 1pm, and they’re just $5. “NORTH DIXIE DRIVE is the portrait of a small community of businesses and people residing in the Northridge section of Dayton, OH. It is the story of big time wrestlers, mechanics, a donut salesmen, an eccentric country singer, barbers, exotic dancers and car repo men. This collection of people, from all walks of life, live and work around a traffic circle situated along highway I-75, and fight to keep their lives and careers afloat in a failing economy. This debut film by Brooklyn, NY filmmaker Eric Mahoney showcases an off beat group of characters in today’s Middle America.” (taken from website) You can see a trailer and read more about the film by visiting the official site.

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On Tuesday, April 5, Andrew – one of our employees – will premiere his latest work. “ONE SUMMER HERE is an independent short film by local filmmakers and Wright State Motion-Pictures alumni Andrew Fiscus (writer, director) and Cole Pisano (director of photography) that will be holding its world premiere screening on Tuesday, April 5th at 9:30PM. It’s a sweltering Ohio summer, and Emma and Dan are growing up. They’re eighteen, hovering somewhere between child and adult. Emma is dreaming of leaving, and Dan is dreaming of her. All the nuance of growing up and the confusion and impetus to be something new, something more than yourself, is explored in the dreamy ONE SUMMER HERE. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged to help offset the high cost of film festival submissions. You can view the trailer for the film by visiting this site.

PUNCHING THE CLOWN will have one special screening on Wednesday, April 13 at 7:30…and Henry Phillips will be in attendance for a Q&A after the screening. “Winner of the Audience Award at the Slamdance Film Festival, this uproarious and smart new comedy tells the story of Henry Phillips, a hapless modern day troubadour who grinds his way through the heartland, living out of his car and singing his twisted satirical songs to anyone who will listen. After a booking mishap involving a Christian fundraiser, he decides he’s hit rock bottom. Seeking to shake things up, he moves to L.A. where his luck changes overnight. Thanks less to his inept manager than to a wild case of mistaken identity, he falls backwards into a string of packed gigs, a record deal and even the promise of love. But he who lives by the whimsy of show business dies by it, and reality hits him like a fist in the face: an innocent miscommunication over a bagel brands him a neo-Nazi in the world of tabloid journalism…Hailed by comedy icon Sarah Silverman as ‘the best movie about comedy I’ve seen so far,’ this hilarious and evocative film is ‘totally primed for a fervent cult following.'” (taken from press notes) General admission will apply, and tickets will be available one week prior to the event.

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Gar Drolma Buddhist Center will host an event at THE NEON on Saturday, April 16th. “Imagine if every thought, word, and action was only…FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL BEINGS – A film by Christina Lundberg, producer of Mystic Tibet, Discovering Buddhism, and On the Road Home.
Garchen Rinpoche’s life presents tragic events from the light of transcendent experience. After the Chinese invasion of Tibet, Rinpoche joined the Tibetan resistance fighters and was subsequently imprisoned for more than 20 years, enduring horrifying conditions. He practiced the Buddha’s teachings in secret and emerged a Realized Being; then risked his life to preserve the living tradition of the path to enlightenment… On Saturday, April 16th at 3:00 pm Gar Drolma will host a benefit screening of this magnificent film with Garchen Rinpoche in the audience. Garchen Rinpoche and Christina Lundberg, filmmaker, will speak following the screening of the movie.
When you purchase your tickets online, you will see price levels of $10, $20, $30, $40, $50 and $108…all seating will be general admission. The tiered prices are offered to you as a convenient way to donate to the making of the film…Any amount above $10 is a tax deductible donation.” (taken from press release) Official site.

Hold the date:  LUNAFEST is set for April 17th!  Ticket details and additional information will be available in early April, but I wanted you to know that the date has just been set.

Next week, we’re scheduled to open TINY FURNITURE.  We’ll then open the crowd-pleasing film THE CONCERT.  THE NEON is buzzing, and FilmDayton will soon be unveiling their line-up for May. With so much happening, I’m sure we’ll see you soon.

Take care,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for March 25 – March 31:

SOMEWHERE (R) 1 Hr 37 Min
Friday: 12:45, 2:50, 5:00, 7:20, 9:30
Saturday: 12:45, 2:50, 7:20, 9:30
Sunday: 12:45, 2:50, 5:00, 7:20, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 5:00, 7:20, 9:30

CEDAR RAPIDS (R) 1 Hr 27 Min
Friday, Saturday: 3:00, 7:30
Sunday: 3:00, 7:45
Monday, Tuesday: 3:00, 7:30
Wednesday: 3:00
Thursday: 3:00, 7:30

I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS (R) 1 Hr 38 Min
Friday, Saturday: 12:50, 5:10, 9:40
Sunday: 12:50, 9:45
Monday, Tuesday: 5:10, 9:40
Wednesday: 5:10, 9:50
Thursday: 5:10, 9:40

NORTH DIXIE DRIVE (NR) 52 Min + Q&A
Saturday: 5:00

DAYTON JEWISH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Sunday: 5:15 – THE YANKLES
Tuesday: 9:30am – AHEAD OF TIME
Wednesday: 7:10 – IMAGINE THIS

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Some of these dates will change.
In some cases, titles may disappear.

April 1 TINY FURNITURE
April 8 THE CONCERT
April 15 WIN WIN
April 15 or 22 JANE EYRE

May 6 WINTER IN WARTIME
May 13 THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD
May 20 IN A BETTER WORLD
TBD POTICHE, OF GODS AND MEN, BILL CUNNINGHAM NEW YORK

CEDAR RAPIDS Opens + Much More at THE NEON!

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Hello Everyone.

It’s time for the first of this year’s Sundance hits – Ed Helms in CEDAR RAPIDS. This comedy has received numerous raves, and we think our audience might be in the mood for some lighter fare. Joe Morgenstern of The Wall Street Journal wrote, “The main thing about Cedar Rapids is that it makes you laugh – often and out loud.” The cast is superb – Ed Helms, John C. Reilly, Anne Heche, Isiah Whitlock Jr., and Sigourney Weaver…and we hope you’ll support it.

BARNEY’S VERSION has continued to perform well, and it will stick around. In addition, we will hold BIUTIFUL for one screening a day. That said, both of these films will more than likely only play for one more week – as we plan to open I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS on March 18. If you still need to see RABBIT HOLE, Thursday (3/10) will be your last chance to see it at THE NEON.

Synopsis for CEDAR RAPIDS: “To call insurance agent Tim Lippe, ‘naive’ is a gross understatement. He’s never left his small hometown. He’s never stayed at a hotel. And he’s never experienced anything like Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Sent to represent his company at the annual insurance convention, Tim is soon distracted by three convention veterans who will show him the ropes and push his boundaries. For a guy who plays everything by the book, this convention will be anything but conventional.” – Fox Searchlight Pictures
OFFICIAL SITE

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On Wednesday, March 16 at 7:30pm, Cityfolk’s Culture Builds Community program will present a FREE screening of RIZE – “including a talk session following the film with CBC artists Big Mijo and Hurricane, co-creators of krump dance. David LaChapelle’s spectacular 1995 documentary film captures the emergence of the hip-hop dance style known as krump. In the wake of the 1992 Los Angeles riots, this kinetic, high energy dance emerged as a cathartic release for Tommy “The Clown” Johnson and dozens of his cohorts. As LaChapelle weaves the stories of Johnson and his fellow creators, dancers perform a jaw-dropping array of moves in a delirious mixture of fun, intensity and raw release.” (taken from press notes)

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Last year marked the first time that THE FOUND FOOTAGE FESTIVAL made a stop in Dayton. Folks loved the show, the fellas are on the road again. On Sunday, March 20 at 7:30, THE FOUND FOOTAGE FESTIVAL will return to THE NEON with a new batch of material. Visit the official website to find out more about the show . Advanced tickets ($11 each) are only available on-line by visiting this LINK.

THE 11th DAYTON JEWISH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL is just around the corner. Screenings at THE NEON begin on Thursday, March 24th…but the festival has even more events and screenings around town. To see a list of titles, screening venues, showtimes and ticket details, visit this link .
Here are the films that will screen at THE NEON:
Thursday, March 24 at 7:10 – AJAMI
Sunday, March 27 at 5:15 – THE YANKLES
Tuesday, March 29 at 9:30am – AHEAD OF TIME
Wednesday, March 30 at 7:10 – IMAGINE THIS
Sunday, April 3 at 3:00 – WHERE I STAND: THE HAND GREENSPUN STORY
Sunday, April 3 at 7:10 – NORA’S WILL
Wednesday, April 6 at 7:10 – A MATTER OF SIZE
Thursday, April 7 at 7:10 – JEWS & BASEBALL: AN AMERICAN LOVE STORY

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BIG NEWS!!! Tickets for the March 26 screening of the documentary NORTH DIXIE DRIVE have SOLD OUT! That said, THE NEON has booked additional screenings. Advanced tickets are now available for April 1, 2 & 3 at 1pm, and tickets are just $5. “North Dixie Drive is the portrait of a small community of businesses and people residing in the Northridge section of Dayton, OH. It is the story of big time wrestlers, mechanics, a donut salesmen, an eccentric country singer, barbers, exotic dancers and car repo men. This collection of people, from all walks of life, live and work around a traffic circle situated along highway I-75, and fight to keep their lives and careers afloat in a failing economy. This debut film by Brooklyn, NY filmmaker Eric Mahoney showcases an off beat group of characters in today’s Middle America.” (taken from website) You can see a trailer and read more about the film by visiting the official site by clicking this link.

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We just added a bunch of new titles…and they’re exciting! Check out our list below!

We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for March 11 – March 17:

CEDAR RAPIDS (R) 1 Hr 27 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 3:10, 5:20, 7:30, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 3:10, 5:20, 7:30, 9:30

BIUTIFUL (R) 2 Hr 28 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:30
Monday – Thursday: 2:00

BARNEY’S VERSION (R) 2 Hr 14 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 4:30, 7:20, 9:50
Monday & Tuesday: 4:50, 7:40
Wednesday: 4:50
Thursday: 4:50, 7:40

RIZE (PG-13) 1 Hr 26 Min + Discussion
Wednesday: 7:30

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative.
Many of these dates will change.  In some cases, titles may disappear.
March 18 I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS
April 8 OF GODS AND MEN
April 15 WIN WIN
April 15 or 22 JANE EYRE
May 6 WINTER IN WARTIME
May 13 THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD
May 20 IN A BETTER WORLD (**Winner of “Best Foreign Film”**)
TBD POTICHE (One of my “Top 5” from Toronto)
TBD – late March/early April? – SOMEWHERE
TBD – late March/early April? – TINY FURNITURE

Javier Bardem in BIUTIFUL Opens + Our Oscar Success!

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Hello Everyone.

Wow! What a great weekend. On top of our Oscar party seeing its biggest crowd ever (we were at capacity!) BARNEY’S VERSION performed better than the national average. Thanks for your continued support in making THE NEON your destination for great cinema.

On top of holding onto BARNEY’S VERSION, we will hold RABBIT HOLE for one more week. If you haven’t seen this fantastic film, please hurry down. I’ve had a few people tell me that they didn’t intend to see RABBIT HOLE until I urged them to do so…and they’re so glad they saw it.

On Friday we will begin a film that was nominated for 2 major awards at this year’s Oscars. Starring Javier Bardem and directed by Alejandro Gonzelez Inarritu (director of 21 GRAMS and BABEL), BIUTIFUL was nominated for “Best Actor” and “Best Foreign Film.”

Synopsis for BIUTIFUL: “Academy Award winner Javier Bardem plays a man on the wrong side of the law who struggles to provide for his children on the dangerous streets of Barcelona. The latest film from Academy Award nominee Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, Biutiful won the award for Best Actor at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival.” (Roadside Attractions)
I saw BIUTIFUL at the Toronto Film Fest in September, and I think it’s a stunning film. Though certainly of heavy subject matter, it’s quite worth the ride. Bardem is superb!  Visit the official website by clicking HERE.

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Last year marked the first time that THE FOUND FOOTAGE FESTIVAL made a stop in Dayton. Folks loved the show, the fellas are on the road again. On Sunday, March 20 at 7:30, THE FOUND FOOTAGE FESTIVAL will return to THE NEON with a new batch of material. Visit the official website to find out more about the show. Advanced tickets ($11 each) are only available on-line by visiting this LINK.

THE 11th DAYTON JEWISH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL is just around the corner. Screenings at THE NEON begin on Thursday, March 24th…and I’ll give you even more details in next week’s newsletter. To see a list of titles, screening venues, showtimes and ticket details, click this LINK.

Tickets for the documentary NORTH DIXIE DRIVE are flying from our box office! The film will play on Saturday, March 26 at 5:00pm and tickets are $6 each (and only $4 for members of FilmDayton). “North Dixie Drive is the portrait of a small community of businesses and people residing in the Northridge section of Dayton, OH. It is the story of big time wrestlers, mechanics, a donut salesmen, an eccentric country singer, barbers, exotic dancers and car repo men. This collection of people, from all walks of life, live and work around a traffic circle situated along highway I-75, and fight to keep their lives and careers afloat in a failing economy. This debut film by Brooklyn, NY filmmaker Eric Mahoney showcases an off beat group of characters in today’s Middle America.” (taken from website) You can see a trailer and read more about the film by visiting the official site.

If you were lucky enough to see Djuna Wahlrab’s short film FALLING UP, don’t miss seeing her set pieces and puppets at the 5th Street Gallery at Stivers School for the Arts. The exhibit is up and running…and it is completely stunning. Call (937)542-7448 for more details.

If you’re in the mood for an escapist, well-reviewed, hysterical, dirty-minded comedy…we’ve got you covered. CEDAR RAPIDS is set to open on March 11.

We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for March 4 – March 10:

RABBIT HOLE (PG-13) 1 Hr 31 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 2:50
Monday – Thursday: 5:15

BIUTIFUL (R) 2 Hr 28 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:45
Monday – Thursday: 2:00, 5:00, 8:00

BARNEY’S VERSION (R) 2 Hr 14 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:15, 4:45, 7:20, 9:50
Monday – Thursday: 2:30, 7:30

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative.
Due to Oscar Season, we know that many of these dates will change.
In some cases, titles may disappear.
March 11 CEDAR RAPIDS
TBD I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS
TBD SOMEWHERE
TBD TINY FURNITURE
TBD JANE EYRE
TBD WIN WIN

Dayton Jewish International Film Festival Returns

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dayjewishfilmfestOpening on Tues, April 13th, the Jewish Film Festival celebrates it’s 10th anniversary by sharing 12 films, live discussion and receptions at five locations over the next two weeks.

Selections range from documentaries like Refusenik– on the campaign to free Soviet Jews to animated shorts like God & Co, starring Comedy Central’s Jonathan Katz.   Many of the films are foreign and will feature subtitles. Tickets are $8.50 for adults, $7.50 for students and full festival passes are available for $65.Tickets may be purchased online or contact Karen at 853-0372 for more information.