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Jonathan McNeal

THE CLIMB & More NEON News!

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

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

NEW FILM FOR IN-PERSON SCREENINGS

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

NEW FILMS IN OUR VIRTUAL CINEMA

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

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

JOHN LEWIS, Catherine Deneuve & virtually THE LAST TREE!

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

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

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

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

THE NEON’s Reopening News! Postponed Screenings! Added Films!

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Hello Everyone!

In the last 48 hours, we’ve made a lot of changes. We’ve added movies to our virtual cinema line-up, some future events have been postponed, and we’ve received word that cinemas are allowed to reopen in Ohio next week.  So I’ll take you through all that news.

First off, we just found out about a new film that speaks to the much-needed discussions about race in America…and the distributor was excited for us to open it today (6/5/20).  So we’ve added 1 ANGRY BLACK MAN, from writer and director Menelek Lumumbato, to our line-up. (More details below)

Our special screening of SHIRLEY (along with the Elisabeth Moss Q&A originally scheduled for 6/6/20) has been postponed with a new date TBD.  Knowing that Saturday evening would be a time for national protests, the organizer of this nation-wide screening event had this to say, “The mission of the Movie Night platform is to cultivate a communal experience through cinema. Hosting the event this Saturday does not feel appropriate or supportive of the activism happening across the country.”  We agree! If you pre-ordered a ticket, you should have already received an email from the organizers.  I’ll keep you posted as to when this event will move forward.

 

Yesterday, Governor DeWine announced that movie theaters can open on June 10.  That said, we are going to give it a few more weeks.  Our target re-open date will be July 1.  We’ve still got some major projects in the works to make the return safer and more comfortable for you and our staff alike. We also have to re-hire the entire staff, learn new policies, order fresh supplies, and book films.  (That said, I’m delighted with the prospects of what we might have on July 4th weekend.  I’ll keep you posted.)

 

Knowing we won’t be open before June 22, we will have to re-schedule our screening of DIE! DIE! MY DARLING! – which was part of our PNC Presents WOMEN OF INFLUENCE IN THE MOVIES series with The Human Race Theatre Company.  I’ll keep you posted.

 

I was delighted to read that The Criterion Channel has lifted their paywall on numerous films that center on Black Lives…including Julie Dash’s masterpiece DAUGHTERS OF THE DUST – starring the brilliant actress from Dayton, BarbaraO. The Criterion Channel is a treasure!

Lastly, I’ve booked a lot more new titles in the coming weeks to our Virtual Cinema.  Check out those details in the revised newsletter below.  (New titles include YOU DON’T NOMI, LUCKY GRANDMA, and MISS JUNETEENTH.)

 

In addition to starting a couple new films this week in our virtual cinema, we are bringing back PAHOKEE.  This film is an important part of the national conversation, and I want to give our community another chance to see this powerful work.  In addition, we just started the handsome and thrilling new period political thriller by Agnieszka Holland (director of EUROPA EUROPA and THE SECRET GARDEN) – MR. JONES.  We will also open the Oscar nominated film that several of you have asked for – CORPUS CHRISTI.  HAIL SATAN?, which starts Friday, will wrap up our Magnolia Pictures documentary fest, and on Saturday, we will have a one-time screening of a film with a very special Q&A – SHIRLEY (about famous author Shirley Jackson). 1 ANGRY BLACK MAN, has just been added to our virtual offerings. Jamie Broadnax of Black Girl Nerds says it’s “An impactful film that deals with cerebral discussions around race, class, and society through the lens of liberal arts students.”
Synopsis for 1 ANGRY BLACK MAN: “After a traumatic sexual mishap at the quintessential New England liberal arts school, Mike Anderson, 8 weeks away from graduation, is in his African-American literature class with his favorite teacher feeling sad, isolated and angry.” (Soulidifly) Click the image below to watch the trailer and gain 48 hour access to the film for $4.99.
Synopsis for our return engagement of PAHOKEE: “In a small agricultural town in the Florida Everglades, hopes for the future are concentrated on the youth. Four teens face heartbreak and celebrate in the rituals of an extraordinary senior year. Ivete Lucas and Patrick Bresnan create a detailed and incredibly nuanced portrait…A complex and multi-layered work that recalls both the gritty social realism of the new American cinema as well as a neorealist touch. PAHOKEE is a powerful portrait of a forgotten America absent from the current political discourse.” (Giona A. Nazzaro) Here’s a note from the distributor for this film: “you can watch it on your computer, smartphone, or tablet, or use the official Vimeo app on your Apple TV (4th generation), Android TV, Roku, Amazon Fire, Samsung TV, or Google Chromecast. Please note that there is no Vimeo app available for LG Smart TVs.” More details can be found on this Help Page. To purchase 72 hour access of the film for $12, click on the image below to be directed to the film’s official site.  You will get a small pop-up that will allow you to purchase the film for $12.  If you get to a screen that quotes you $18, enter the word “neon” as your promo code…this will get your our $12 screening price (instead of $18) and will give us proper credit for your purchase.
Synopsis for CORPUS CHRISTI: OSCAR NOMINATED! “After spending years in a Warsaw prison for a violent crime, 20-year-old Daniel is released and sent to a remote village to work as a manual laborer. The job is designed to keep the ex-con busy, but Daniel has a higher calling. Over the course of his incarceration he has found Christ, and aspires to join the clergy – but his criminal record means no seminary will accept him. When Daniel arrives in town, one quick lie allows him to be mistaken for the town’s new priest, and he sets about leading his newfound flock. Though he has no training, his passion and charisma inspire the community. At the same time, his unconventional sermons and unpriestly behavior raise suspicions among some of the townsfolk – even more so as he edges towards a dark secret that the community hasn’t revealed in the confessional booth.” (Film Movement) Anchored by a “dynamically physical, wild-eyed performance” (THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER) from newcomer Bartosz Bielenia, this film is an incisive, darkly humorous, and “engrossing exploration of faith, second chances and the possibility of atonement” (SCREEN). You can watch this film on your web browser or via an app on AppleTV, Amazon Fire or Roku. Here’s a link to more instructions from the distributor. Click the picture below to watch the trailer and gain 72 hour access to the film for $12.
Synopsis for MR. JONES: “Agnieszka Holland’s thriller, set on the eve of world WWII, sees Hitler’s rise to power and Stalin’s Soviet propaganda machine pushing their ‘utopia’ to the Western world. Meanwhile an ambitious young journalist, Gareth Jones travels to Moscow to uncover the truth behind the propaganda, but then gets a tip that could expose an international conspiracy, one that could cost him and his informant their lives. Jones goes on a life-or-death journey to uncover the truth behind the façade that would later inspire George Orwell’s seminal book ANIMAL FARM.”  This film stars James Norton, Vanessa Kirby and Peter Sarsgaard.  Click the picture below to watch the trailer and gain 72 hour access to the film for $12.
MAGNOLIA PICTURES: A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE DOCS is wrapping up. We’re now on the last film of the series…and this one is a documentary that we didn’t have a chance to play when we were open – HAIL, SATAN?  Watch the film anytime and then you can then participate in a live Q&A next Wednesday by submitting questions in advance (You can either submit them over email to submityourquestion@magpictures.com, or they can tweet at Magnolia by using the hashtag #magnoliadocseries.)  You can still rent the earlier films by clicking each film’s title.
RBG started on May 15.
LIFE ITSELF started May 22.
BLACKFISH started May 29. (Q&A tonight – 6/3 with director Gabriela Cowperthwaite)
HAIL SATAN? started today. (Q&A on 6/10 with director Penny Lane in conversation with Lucien Greaves, head of The Satanic Temple.)
Watch the trailer and gain 72 hour access to the film for $5 by clicking the image below.

The DAYTON JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL is ready to go! Though we’ll certainly miss hosting this fantastic festival at THE NEON, we think they’ve made a wise decision!! Check out their awesome line-up by clicking the image below!  It’s their 20th anniversary, and they’re making all the screenings and on-line discussions FREE!!  Opening night is next Tuesday and it’s at the Dixie Drive-In (make sure to register on-line).
Wanna know what’s coming down the road in our virtual cinema? (Click any title to watch that film’s trailer.) On June 10, we have two new films set to open.  The first is YOU DON’T NOMI – a cine-essay on the cult status of the terribly bad film SHOWGIRLS. We’ll also open a dark comedy heist film LUCKY GRANDMA. On June 12, we will open the documentary FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO– Daniel Karslake’s follow-up to his film FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO. (I’m working on creating an on-line, community-based discussion for this film. Save the date for June 28…more details next week!)
On June 17, we plan to open a film that was supposed to have its world premiere at the SXSW Film Festival –THE SURROGATE.  On June 19, we’ll open the Sundance hit MISS JUNETEENTH. On June 26, we will open a new doc that I know many of you will love – ELLA FITZGERALD: JUST ONE OF THOSE THINGS. And sometime in late June/early July, we hope to open THE TOBACCONIST – a film I saw and loved at The Cleveland International Film Festival last year.
Wishing you all good health!
Be safe & well.
Jonathan

THE NEON Needs New Seats- Can You Help?

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13669277_10157156918630385_2101891302895746382_oAccording to the Cornell University Human Factors and Ergonomics Research Group,  on average, you can expect a chair or recliner to last about 10 years with regular use.

The chairs at downtown Dayton’s only movie theater,  THE NEON,  have been around for 30 years, though they were reupholstered 15 years ago when the theater closed for remodeling and reopened with 2 screens.  With an average of 60,000 people a year attending shows, we’d say this is more than average usage!   It’s time to replace those chairs!

Neon Manager Jonathan McNeal anticipates  “closing the theater on a Monday, ripping up the old chairs, fixing the floor painting  in mid-September.   Since we’re open 365 days a year, this brief closing will give us time to do some other minor touch-ups we can’t do at any other time. The new seats are a forest green faux leather rockers and the arm rest between seats will go up, and the cupholders are much nicer than the ones we have now.  We’ll also have the aisle seats on the back 2 rows in each theater with arm rests that go up, allowing for easier seating for those with mobility issues.  We’ll be losing a few seats in each theater but gaining more room for wheelchair or scooter seating.”

 

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Diagram of # of seats sold on display at the theater.

The entire project will cost about  $50,000.  That’s $250 per seat!

So THE NEON has launched a campaign to find some “NEON Lumbar Supporters” to help fund this project.

For each donation of $250, you will be buying a Brand New Comfy Chair for THE NEON.  As a special “Thank You,” they will recognize you (or your company) in our lobby when the project is done.  We will also give you a card for one complimentary small popcorn per month for the next 12 months.

If you’d like to go upgrade to the  “Sitting Pretty” level (at $350 or more), you will have the option to claim two of the current seats upon removal (while supplies last) in addition to the “Thank You” details listed above.

Neon Manager Jonathan McNeal wants you to know  “that although they are a for-profit small business, they offer very reasonable prices and our profit margins are slim.  Any donations you make are not tax deductible, but they are greatly appreciated.”

If you’re interested in making a donation, we encourage you to come into THE NEON and check out our sample seats.  You can also use  GoFundMe  and make a donation online or you’re also more than welcome  to make your donation in person with a credit card, check or cash during the traditional operating hours of the theater.

McNeal shared that this project has been in the planning stage for over a year and he conferred with Jenny at the Little Art, who went through a recent upgrade at the Yellow Spring theater.

 

FilmDayton Festival: The Award Winners

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Award-for-Web-1-1This weekend was the 6th annual Eichelberger FilmDayton Festival  and the  second year as a submission based festival.  For the first time they honored filmmakers with audience choice awards from various shorts blocks during the festival. Members of this weekends audience  participated in the awards process by voting for their favorite films.The actual awards was commissioned by FilmDayton and designed and created by talented local glass artist Susan Cannon.

The first group of awards presented tonight are the SUN DOG AWARDS –
These awards are presented to our newest and youngest film makers who participate and compete in the annual Sun Dog film festival for Junior High and High School students. The top 4 student short films were shown at the beginning of our feature films. These award winners are in no particular order as follows:

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SunDog winner Carly Vagedes

“Surrounded” (Brian Ferenchik – Hilliard Davidson)
“Run from Risk” (Khari Anthony – Centerville High School)
“5 Seconds” (Kylee Griffin and Grace Brooks – Southern Middle School)
“Julian” (Carly Vagedes – Stivers School)

Flick My Clip, curated by Ryan Singer
Poker Noir –  By B-side comedy, a film that takes Friday night poker games to an extreme.
Accepting for the film were Caz Finnegan and Max Cothrel.

International Shorts 
Whose Afraid of The Big Black Wolf, by Janez Lapajne, Slovenia. A film set in the Alps in 1944 as a multicultural triangle between a shepherd boy and two officers from opposite sides with two tunes and one flute.

Ohio Shorts
Sinner Victim Saints, directed by Moses Flores,
Upon meeting a stranger claiming to have supernatural powers at his wife’s funeral is feted the opportunity to exchange his life for hers. receiving the award is Cody Brown and Gregory Kennedy

US Shorts 
Personal Day,directed by Philip Jessen,
The story of two disgruntled office workers who, by complete coincidence, choose the same day to bring guns to work and “resign”.

The Filmmaker Award—to honor career achievement of excellence in filmmaking – Jim Klein208259_1032329977767_1833_n
An excerpt from the nomination by Shayna McConville

“I have the great pleasure of knowing Jim as a friend, colleague and an integral part of Dayton region’s educational and creative economy. A filmmaker, film advocate and film editor for over forty years, his work has encouraged audiences to look at political and social issues through smart, important and engaging documentary filmmaking.

An educator at Wright State, Jim has impacted the careers of countless emerging filmmakers. His work has been recognized, collected and nominated by such agencies as the Library of Congress, the Academy Awards and the Emmys. Jim is also the co-founder of New Day Films, which strives to deliver “dynamic, provocative storytelling to educational institutions…ensuring access to a wide range of contemporary and classic films. Considering Jim for the Filmmaker Award this year is a great testament to his Salazarb and issues that impact our contemporary lives.

Enjoy the video retrospective produced by local filmmaker Andrew Fiscus:

 

The Key Award—to honor special service to the filmmaking community – Jonathan McNeal

Highlights about Jonathan from the nomination from Ann Rotalante

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“Many people know Jonathan because of his “day job.” For over a decade, he has managed The Neon, Dayton’s only independent movie theater.

But many people don’t realize that Jonathan is also a talented, award-winning filmmaker in his own right. He is a 1996 graduate of Wright State University’s prestigious motion picture production program. His documentary short The Rubi Girls is a joyous, uplifting chronicle of the professional men behind the comedic, charity-driven, Dayton-based drag troupe. The Rubi Girls premiered at the 2003 San Francisco International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival, and went on to win Audience and Best of Festival Awards at the Fire Island Film & Video Festival and the Out on Film Festival in Atlanta.

Each year Jonathan seeks out new, innovative, and interesting films to program here in Dayton by attending the Toronto International Film Festival, where he screens the latest independent films premiering on the festival circuit. While traveling, he writes a daily online blog to give his readers a little sneak peek to some of the films that will eventually be programmed at The Neon. His blog also allows those back home in the Miami Valley to live vicariously through his marathon movie-watching sessions, Q&A’s with filmmakers and stars, and the occasional industry party where he rubs elbows with celebrities.

Jonathan is also an ardent supporter of filmmaking and filmmakers in the Miami Valley. He offers his time and expertise on professional and student productions. He works closely with local filmmakers who need to have test screenings or local premieres of their finished work at The Neon. Jonathan volunteers his time to support FilmDayton, and has taught film production classes at both Stivers School for the Arts and Wright State University, inspiring the next generation of filmmakers.

Perhaps most notably, Jonathan McNeal is the founder and programmer of the the Downtown Dayton LGBT Festival. This festival takes place each October and will celebrate it’s ninth year in 2014. This popular festival screens the very best in contemporary LGBT cinema and offers something for everyone in the community-at-large.”

Video montage produced by local filmmaker Andrew Fiscus:

Jonathan McNeal Guest Speaker at Film Connections

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1146502_10153130390620385_500288722_nJonathan McNeal, film lover, filmmaker, director of the Dayton LGBT Film Festival, and manager of THE NEON, is our featured presenter and provides great stories and information. Want to hear his insights on filmmakers premiering at local theatres? Or catch some great trailers from his favorites from the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)? Maybe pick his brain on how independent film houses pick movies to screen? Enjoy a great conversation, show-and-tell, and more

Film Connections is the monthly social gathering for filmmakers and film lovers. Typically hosted on the last Tuesday of the month, Film Connections offers tips and hints to strengthen skills, critical perspectives on film genres, screenings of films connected to local filmmakers or networking among aspiring and professional filmmakers. The topics change monthly. Take a look at our Facebook page to learn more about upcoming programs. (https://www.facebook.com/FilmDayton)

Come on down, and bring your ideas with you! $5 at door/ Free for FilmDayton members.

NOTE: Typically, Film Connections is hosted at ThinkTV – 110 S. Jefferson Street, Dayton Occasionally, the location may need to change – follow us on Facebook for monthly topics and locations.

 

Rubi Girls Event Features Film

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Film is a powerful medium for education, advocacy and entertainment. Jonathan McNeal, who many know as the manager of The MakeUpNeon Movies downtown, is a filmmaker with a story to tell. He created a short that shared some of the stories of the Rubi Girls and their great work in HIV/AIDS awareness and entertainment. McNeal’s film is a centerpiece of a special event planned for August 3 – their Decade of Decadence Party.

The Rubi Girls documentary premiered in San Francisco in 2003 and has garnered awards and played around the world. In celebration of the tenth anniversary, The Rubi Girls invite you to their Decade of Decadence Party and Film Screening. Combining live performance, interview and archival footage, the documentary not only traces the history of the group and their madcap antics, but also attempts to redefine the term family values. The evening will include the film screening, a live Rubi Girls show and a Q&A followed by the kind of after party you’d expect to be thrown for this milestone event. The after party will include a DJ, a few additional Rubi performances, hors d’ouvres catered by Veritas Events, operator of Roost and Leo Bistro at The Dayton Art Institute, cash bars and other terrific Rubi surprises. (More info and tickets)

The Rubi Girls are Dayton’s beloved, comedic drag troupe…who now have helped to raise over 1 Million Dollars for HIV and LGBT-related causes.  What started as something just for laughs on Rubicon Street in the late 1980’s has blossomed into a FUNdraising phenomenon. FilmDayton spoke to filmmaker and Rubi Girl Jonathan McNeal to learn more about the evening and his experience with how his film has sparked conversation and advocacy.

Q: How long have you been involved with the Rubi Girls and what has your experience been like?

I’ve been with The Rubi Girls since the late 1990’s.  I was a fan first…a groupie even.  Once they found out I was a film student, they asked me to start videotaping their shows.  Eventually, as I got closer with the group, I started taking the camera backstage, too.  (Backstage was just as fun as what was happening on-stage.) After a year or more, I started to really become part of the family dynamic that was happening, and they eventually asked me to start performing with them.  Though I never would have asked on my own, it was what I wanted all along.
 
Q: How did the idea for a documentary come about?
I did research on a different documentary for about a year, and I determined it would be too expensive to pursue.  A friend said, “There’s a great story happening right in your own backyard.  It might be familiar to you, but it’d be a fresh story for a lot of people.”  That’s when I decided to start exploring the idea and asking if The Girls would be game.
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Q: Even as a group insider, did you learn anything from the process of creating the film?
I was still relatively fresh to the group when we started filming.  Though I had performed for almost two years with the troupe, I had missed out on over a decade of their evolution.  Asking questions and digging for answers taught me a lot about the history that I didn’t know.  In addition, the process of making the documentary helped me realize why the group was personally so important to me.
Q: Where has the film been shown and what kind of reception have you gotten?
The movie premiered in June of 2003 in San Francisco.  Immediately after that first screening, numerous LGBT film fests invited THE RUBI GIRLS to screen at their festivals.  That was a really great way to see the country…it played in Seattle, Chicago, Reno, Atlanta, Fire Island and many other cities.  Audiences loved the movie and loved the Girls, and a few awards were garnered along the way.
 
Q: What’s your feeling about bringing this film back to the public 10 years after its creation?
It’s great to bring the film back to the community where it all started, but interestingly, the movie has had continual play since its premiere.  Several colleges and organizations have used the film over the years for various reasons – either as an educational tool or part of a festival or celebration.
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Q: What’s the goal of the evening for you?
The goal of August 3 is true with the mission of The Rubi Girls.  We want to create a space that is vibrant with fun and creativity…that also allows us to spread the word about what’s important to us and our causes.  We always bring some component of HIV/AIDS awareness to our shows, and fundraising is a major aspect of what we do.  The Rubi Girls have now helped to raise over 1 Million Dollars for HIV and LGBT-related causes…and that’s something we’re very proud of.  The money raised during this event will be split between The Dayton Art Institute (to be used for sound upgrades in their auditorium) and RubiBenefits (to assist with a variety of causes that we support).
Q: And anything else you’d like to share/add?
The support of the Dayton community has been incredible.  The love from the press, the admiration and generosity from the fans, and the willingness to assist from so many local businesses has been instrumental to our success.  This embrace, combined with the success of the documentary, has allowed us to spread our message to numerous cities across the country, and I’m incredibly grateful for that.
Join the Rubis on August 3 to support RubiBenefits and help with sound upgrades for the DAI auditorium.