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FilmDayton invites you to make your Oscar Predictions!

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And the Oscar goes to…

Will the night belong to “Moonlight” or “La La Land”? With 14 nominations, “La La Land” has tied the Oscar nominations record with “All About Eve” and “Titanic.” Will the movie musical sweep the ceremony, matching or surpassing the Oscar record of 11 wins (by “Ben-Hur,” “Titanic” and “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King”)? While unlikely, it’s possible. “La La Land” also breaks other records. It’s the first musical with original music and story to receive a Best Picture nomination since 1979’s “All That Jazz” and 1945’s “Anchors Aweigh.” Ai-Ling Lee and Mildred Iatrou Morgan are the first female team to be nominated for Sound Editing for the film.

You can help support FilmDayton by filling out your online ballot and making a $20 donation to be in the running for our grand prize.

The ballot with the most correct answers will win a 24″ Samsung ‘Smart’ Flat screen TV, compatible Blue Ray DVD player, and a selection of Oscar Winning movies/or films featuring Oscar winners. In the case of a tie, winning ballots will be placed in a box and one winner will randomly drawn. We’ll announce our winner at FilmDayton’s Oscar Watch Party being held at the Historic Plaza Theatre located at 33 S Main St, Miamisburg, Ohio 45342. It’s free to join us to watch the Oscars, but we do request you reserve a ticket online, to make sure we’ll have enough seats for all. The concession stand will be open, we’ll have Oscar Bingo Cards for sale and a raffle to support the works of FilmDayton.

Over the past 25 years, the winner of the “feature film” category at the Directors Guild awards went on to win the Academy Award for best director 21 times. A perennial favorite to watch, Best Actress category once again looks like it’ll be competitive. A surprise win at the Golden Globes put Isabelle Huppert back in the conversation just as it looked like Natalie Portman would be dueling Emma Stone for the prize. Stone’s wins at the Screen Actors Guild Awards and the British Academy of Film and Television Arts have made her the clear leader. The Screen Actors Guild’s choice for best actor has gone on to win at the Academy Awards 18 out of the past 22 years, so that’s the show to watch. Casey Affleck has been cleaning up at the critics awards, but any category with Denzel Washington in it is far from decided.

So whether you’ve seen all the films nominated or not, do a little online research and fill out your ballot online!

 

Oscar at the Neon: Red Carpet, Crystal Anniversary & POPCORN!

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2016_Oscar_Watch_Header_750X450_2-750x450It is that time of year again when the sound of tearing envelopes fills the air. The 88th Academy Awards will be presented on Sunday, February 28th, and one place you can catch the excitement is at the Neon Movies. The theater is hosting its Crystal Anniversary or 15th Annual Oscar Party beginning at 7:00pm. ‘We have lots of fun,’ says Jonathan McNeal, the Neon’s manager, ‘and some major prizes.’ Part of that fun is the chance to take home some goods for picking the winners. ‘We have ballots in our lobby now, stop by and make your predictions. If you are right, you can win anything from blu-ray copies of nominated films, to a grand prize basket filled with champagne, movie passes and gifts from Square One Salon!’

The broadcast is truly a treat on the big screen in high definition, and the theater is packed with around 100 movie lovers, some dressed to the 9’s, all anxious to hear the winners. The Neon is well known for its comfy chairs, and great refreshments, including beer, wine and delicious popcorn. The party is free and parking is easy with a lot across fifth street, and validation for the Convention Center garage. The Oscars start at 8:30pm, but McNeal warns, ‘Come early, make your picks, because ballots must be turned in before the first award is given.’

One of the most exciting facets of this year’s show, ‘Will be seeing Chris Rock handle the ceremony.’ says McNeal, ‘in light of the on-going nomination controversy.’ McNeal went on to say, ‘I would personally love to see Brooklyn win the Best Picture, but I feel Spotlight, the Revenant and The Big Short are the ones to watch!’

logoThe night will certainly have its share of surprises, but one thing you won’t be surprised by is the fun-filled Oscar Party at Dayton’s beloved Neon Movies, where the WINNER IS…..YOU!

The Neon Movies is located at 130 E 5th St, Dayton, OH 45402. For more information, call neonmovies.com

FilmDayton Hosts Virtual Oscar Party

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Oscar-Watch-Party-Film-StripBehind every Oscar winner, there’s a film commission. FilmDayton is a 501c3, non-profit that serves the film industry in the greater Dayton and Miami Valley region. FilmDayton depends on contributions to finance resources and programs to grow our local film industry and attract outside productions to our area.  Money spent on a babysitter, tux or fancy dress for the traditional party would be better utilized in supporting our local film commission. Contributions are tax deductible.

And now, on to the fun……

Going to an Awards party? Staying home in your pj’s to watch? Party with FilmDayton on Awards night wherever you go! This year we are doing a multi-interactive party with loads of fun events and prizes!

Read details below on how you can win a FilmDayton swag bag, 50/50 cash ballot and Marion’s Piazza delivered to your house or party by Jim Bucher during the Academy Awards broadcast!

Highlights of the evening are:
– Raffle for FilmDayton Swag Bag ($300.00 value)
– 50/50 cash Awards ballot entries
– Chances to win Marion’s Piazza delivered to you by Jim “Buch TV Guy” Bucher during the Academy Awards broadcast on 2/22/’15.

Here’s how to enter for the contest portion of the event:

Complete your 50/50 Ballot here ($1.00 per chance; minimum of 10 chances):

Purchase your Raffle Tickets here for the FilmDayton SwagBag ($5.00 per chance):

Links to enter the Marion’s Piazza contest will be posted &  shared via our Facebook and Twitter feeds at 6pm the night of the event. (Feb. 22) The pizza contest will only be held from 6pm to 9pm during the telecast. (see contest rules below)

  Prize Details       imgad

FilmDayton Swag Bag Contents: ($300.00 value)
~ 2 Neon Movie Passes
~ $25.00 Certificate for Olive, An Urban Dive
~ Up to $40.00 of hair services from Salon EXP
~ 1 Year FilmDayton Membership ($40)
~ 1 FilmDayton thermal travel mug
~ 2 FilmDayton tee-shirts (specify size)
~ 1 FilmDayton messenger bag
~ 1 FilmDayton cloth lanyard
~ Collection of cd film soundtracks from Classical 88.1, WDPR
~ “Matrix” screenplay script book
~ “Downton Abbey” teleplay script book

Marion’s Piazza Delivery with Jim Bucher:
This contest is exclusively for participants of the live interactive FilmDayton event on Facebook.com/FilmDayton and Twitter.com/FilmDayton
Enter to win pizza from Dayton’s own “Piazza Of The Stars”, Marion’s Piazza, delivered TO YOU during the Academy Awards broadcast by local personality, “Buch TV Guy”, Jim Bucher! Entries will begin at 6:00pm and end at 9pm (2/22)
$5.00 per chance, enter to win.
There will be two winners chosen for this contest.

Contest rules:
Winning entries for all contests associated with this event will be selected by contest software.

*Marion’s Piazza delivery by Jim Bucher contest:
Delivery address must be within 5 miles of a Dayton Marions Piazza location. (This does not need to be your own home. It can be a party you are attending or even if you are at work! The delivery address MUST be within a 5 mile radius and will only be offered during the televised Academy Awards on 2/22/15.)
Delivery only.
2 pizzas per winner only. (NO ADDITIONAL pizza, beverage or food orders to be added to winning delivery.)
There will only be 2 pizzas per winner. Contest begins at 6PM, ends at 9PM. Marion’s Piazza winners will be drawn randomly via electronic selection.

*50/50 ballot contest:
All 50/50 ballot submissions must be completed before 6PM on 2/22/15 and winners will be drawn randomly via electronic selection after all Oscars have been awarded. (approx. 11:30pm Eastern)

If you would rather receive paper ballots for the 50/50 or paper raffle tickets, please email Shelly Hulce at filmdayton.director@gmail.com.

To make a pledge to FilmDayton, please use PayPal (filmdayton.director@gmail.com) or send to:
FilmDayton
22 E. 5th. St.
Dayton, Ohio 45402

All products and services used in this event are from local businesses and vendors. All proceeds stay local and also benefit FilmDayton. All contributions to FilmDayton are tax deductible.

Please support the greater Dayton and Miami Valley regional film industry! We are all winners when we support local arts!

THE NEON – Oscar Nominee THE GREAT BEAUTY Opens and FREE Oscar Party News!

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thegreatbeauty.poster.wpHello Everyone,

Every now and then I hear people say “I wish you’d bring more foreign films to town”…well now’s your chance. Between the Oscar Shorts, THE PAST, and GLORIA, we’re having a nice run of foreign material at THE NEON. And starting this Friday we’ll have THE GREAT BEAUTY, the Italian picture nominated for “Best Foreign Film!” In addition to it, we will hold all of our other current attractions – PHILOMENA, DALLAS BUYERS CLUB and GLORIA!

Click this LINK to visit the official site for PHILOMENA. Click this LINK to visit the official site for DALLAS BUYERS CLUB. Click this LINK to visit the official site for GLORIA.

Synopsis for THE GREAT BEAUTY: “Journalist Jep Gambardella has charmed and seduced his way through the lavish nightlife of Rome for decades. Since the legendary success of his one and only novel, he has been a permanent fixture in the city’s literary and social circles, but when his sixty-fifth birthday coincides with a shock from the past, Jep finds himself unexpectedly taking stock of his life, turning his cutting wit on himself and his contemporaries, and looking past the extravagant nightclubs, parties, and cafes to find Rome in all its glory: a timeless landscape of absurd, exquisite beauty.” Nominated for “Best Foreign Film” at this year’s Academy Awards. Click on this LINK below to visit the film’s official site.

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I’m happy to report that the latest tugg request we received will move forward! Special thanks to those of you who got on-line and reserved your ticket! On Thursday, March 6 at 7:30, the Ohio Valley Chapter of the National MS Society will host a screening of WHEN I WALK. “In 2006, 25-year-old Jason DaSilva was on vacation at the beach with family when, suddenly, he fell down. He couldn’t get back up. His legs had stopped working; his disease could no longer be ignored. Just a few months earlier doctors had told him that he had multiple sclerosis…Jason tried exercise to help cope, but the problem only worsened. After his dispiriting fall on the beach, he turned to his Mom, who reminded him that, despite his disease, he was still a fortunate kid who had the opportunity to pursue the things he loved most: art and filmmaking. Jason picked up the camera, turned it on his declining body, and set out on a worldwide journey in search of healing, self-discovery, and love.” Read more about the film, watch the wonderful trailer and reserve your ticket at this LINK.

We’re ready for you this Sunday! THE NEON’s Annual Oscar Party has been a success for more than a decade, and we’re excited that ThinkTV has once again agreed to help us get a signal for the broadcast. On Sunday, March 2, seating will begin as close to 7pm as possible (which is when the pre-show begins). Ballots for guessing the winners are now available in our lobby…and must be turned in before the first award is given (guests must be present during our party to be eligible for prizes). Prizes will be given throughout the evening for correct guesses…and the Grand Prize – “The Star Treatment” (courtesy of Square One Salon & Spa and THE NEON) – will go to the person with the most correct guesses. This party is FREE and YOU are Invited! Come in anytime on Sunday, March 2 to turn in your ballot. Upon turning in a ballot (one per person), you will be given a number – which will result in the seating priority later that night.

We hope to see many of you this weekend!

Thanks for your continued support,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, Feb. 28 – Thursday, March 6:

PHILOMENA (PG-13) 1 Hr 38 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:40, 5:10
Monday – Thursday: 3:00

GLORIA (R) 1 Hr 50 Min
Friday, Saturday: 2:50, 7:20, 9:45
Sunday: 2:50
Monday – Wednesday: 5:15, 7:45
Thursday: 5:15

DALLAS BUYERS CLUB (R) 1 Hr 57 Min
Friday, Saturday: 4:30, 9:50
Sunday: 4:30
Monday – Thursday: 5:30

THE GREAT BEAUTY (NR) 2 Hrs 22 Mins
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:30, 7:00
Monday-Thursday: 2:30, 8:00

THE NEON’S ANNUAL OSCAR PARTY (NR) Who Knows?!?
Sunday: Seating begins at 7:00

WHEN I WALK (NR) 1 Hr 24 Min + discussion
Thursday: 7:30

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
March 7 – OMAR (Nominated for Best Foreign Film)
March 14 – ELAINE STRITCH: SHOOT ME
March 21 – GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL
TBD – TIM’S VERMEER
TBD – LE WEEK-END
April 18 – THE LUNCHBOX

QUARTET & AMOUR – Biggest Hits in 6+ Months at THE NEON!

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4ce1f198044f2a54c7_57m6i6p9wHello Everyone,

Thank you! We had a tremendous weekend…our best in over 6 months. We will hold both films – QUARTET (which is a crowd-pleasing, huge hit) and AMOUR (which won’t stick around nearly as long…but is a powerful, amazingly crafted film). Remaining showtimes for this week are at www.neonmovies.com. In addition to our 2 current hits, we will present an encore screening of the Oscar-Nominated Shorts Films. The Animated Shorts will play on Friday at 1:00, and the Live Action Shorts will play on Sunday at 1:00.

Check out this fun featurette about QUARTET…

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Here’s an interesting piece with director Michael Haneke about AMOUR…

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjjKkZbfw2M’]

“On Saturday at Noon, the Junior Leaguers of Dayton – an African American Women’s Service Organization – will hold an annual fundraiser which raises money for scholarships. They will screen the film RED HOOK SUMMER (directed by Spike Lee and written by James McBride) – a coming of age movie about a young African American male who visits his grandparents living in the projects of Brooklyn New York. The discussion following the movie will be led by Dr. Michael Williams, a psychologist. The price is $30.00 which includes a movie ticket, glass of wine, soda, and popcorn. Student tickets are $15.00. Please contact Jackie Colvard for tickets at (937) 219-7501.” (taken from press notes)

Next Thursday, February 28 at 7:30, Peace on Fifth will hold a screening of HALF THE SKY. We don’t yet have all the needed details for this event. Stay tuned to our website for details as they come in. Advanced tickets are only available at Peace on Fifth for $8.50 each…day-of tickets will be at THE NEON for $10 each.

Omari Matlock, a former Daytonian, will premiere his latest film – DESCENT OF A SUPERSTAR – on 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 now available at our box office.

I’m excited to announce that Square One Salon & Spa has once again donated a prize for our Oscar contest! This Sunday marks the date of our Free Annual Oscar Party. Ballots are now available in our lobby and prizes have started to arrive (though you must be present at the party in order to win prizes). We hope you’ll make plans to spend this fun night with us. We will begin seating for this party as close to 7pm as possible…which is when the Red-Carpet pre-show begins. (We will begin collecting ballots on Sunday, Feb. 24 at Noon…collected ballots (only one per person present) will result in our seating priority for the party.) Special thanks to ThinkTV for their help is us getting a signal for the event!

We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. Feb. 22 – Thur, Feb. 28:

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

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

RED HOOK SUMMER (R) 2 Hr 1Min + Discussion
Saturday: Noon

OSCAR NOMINATED SHORTS
Animated Shorts – Friday at 1:00 (1Hr 27Min)
Live Action Shorts – Sunday at 1:00 (1Hr 55Min)

HALF THE SKY
Thursday: 7:30

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 22 – STOKER
March 29 – THE GATEKEEPERS
April 5 – ON THE ROAD
April 12 – NO

Amazing RUST AND BONE at THE NEON

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rust-and-bone-new-quad-1Hello Everyone,

We’re very excited to open a film that is edgy yet accessible. It’s a love story with incredible performances, and I hope you’ll take my word and give it a chance. RUST AND BONE has not performed terribly well in other markets, so hurry down if you want to catch it. Marion Cotillard (who won the Oscar for portraying Edith Piaf in LA VIE EN ROSE) gives a performance that is absolutely brilliant! It’s been a while since I’ve given my own, personal endorsement for a film…both this (and the upcoming AMOUR) are films that I will eventually add to my personal library.

Synopsis for RUST AND BONE: “Ali finds himself with a five-year-old child on his hands – a son he hardly knows. Homeless, penniless and friendless, Ali takes refuge with his sister in the south of France. There things improve immediately. A man of formidable size and strength, Ali gets a job as a bouncer in a nightclub. He comes to the aid of Stephanie during a nightclub brawl. Aloof and beautiful, Stephanie seems unattainable, but in his frank manner Ali leaves her his phone number anyway. Stephanie trains orca whales at Marineland. When a performance ends in tragedy, a call in the night brings them together…Ali’s direct, unpitying physicality becomes Stephanie’s lifeline, but Ali too is transformed by Stephanie’s tough resilience. As their stories intersect and diverge, they navigate a world where strength, beauty, youth and blood are commodities-but where trust, truth, loyalty and love cannot be bought and sold, and courage comes in many forms.” (taken from Sony Classics)

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This Thursday at 7:30, Peace on Fifth will present a one-time screening of NOT MY LIFE. “January 1863 marked the first legal idea of freedom for slaves in the United States of America, but 150 years later there are more slaves and humans trafficked than ever before. Ohio is #5 in the nation for the most number of humans trafficked. With a reported 27 million people enslaved in the world, many US Americans may think this is a global problem that does not touch the shores of the US. In fact, who would ever think that Dayton is at risk or involved? The film covers five continents and shows multiple forms of trafficking/slavery. You will hear from victims, advocates and abolitionists that are on the ground living and fighting for freedom every day. Come out and see about modern day slavery and learn how you can change the world…right now!” (taken from press notes) Tickets at $10 at the door or $8.50 in advance at Peace on Fifth (located at 508 E Fifth Street). To learn more about Peace on Fifth, visit their official site.

By now, I’m sure you’re aware of our upcoming screening of the new documentary directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Burns, and David McMahon – THE CENTRAL PARK FIVE. We’re set to play it thanks to your support of a new distribution model called GATHR. Because 25 people have already purchased tickets to the screening, the date and time are secure. We’ll play the film on Thursday, February. 7 at 7:30. Tickets are $9 each. Visit our box office or the Gathr site to purchase advanced tickets (this is the LINK to the gathr site).

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ThinkTV has once again offered to help us get a signal for our FREE Annual Oscar Party. Mark you calendars for Sunday, February 24. Ballots are now available in our lobby and prizes have started to arrive (though you must be present at the party in order to win prizes). 15 films that are nominated for Academy Awards have screened at (or are coming soon to) THE NEON. Between these 15 films, there are 34 nominations. We hope you’ll make plans to spend this fun night with us. We will begin seating for this party as close to 7pm as possible…which is when the Red-Carpet pre-show begins. (We will begin collecting ballots on Sunday, Feb. 24 at Noon…collected ballots (only one per person present) will result in our seating priority.)

We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

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

RUST AND BONE (R) 2 Hrs
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:15, 4:15, 7:00, 9:30
Monday – Wednesday: 2:30, 5:00, 7:30
Thursday: 2:30, 5:00

SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK (R) 2 Hr 02 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:15, 9:45
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:30, 8:00

THE CENTRAL PARK FIVE (NR) 1 Hr 59
Thursday: 7:30

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
Feb 8 – A ROYAL AFFAIR
Feb. 15 – AMOUR
Feb 15 – QUARTET
Feb ? – WEST OF MEMPHIS
Late Winter/Spring – NO
Late Winter/Spring – THE GATEKEEPERS
Spring – ON THE ROAD