News From The Neon

NEW IN-PERSON ENGAGEMENT:

Synopsis for SUMMERTIME: “Over the course of a hot summer day in Los Angeles, the lives of 25 young Angelinos intersect. A skating guitarist, a tagger, two wannabe rappers, an exasperated fast-food worker, a limo driver—they all weave in and out of each other’s stories. Through poetry they express life, love, heartache, family, home, and fear. One of them just wants to find someplace that still serves good cheeseburgers. Inspired by a spoken-word showcase featuring 25 diverse high school performers, Carlos López Estrada (BLINDSPOTTING) proposed a collaboration to develop the performers’ work into a loose, interconnected narrative, allowing the non-actors to express themselves and their relationship to the city. With its Slacker-inspired structure, fanciful form, and exuberant magical realism, SUMMERTIME is a free-verse poem—of the kids, by the kids, for the kids. The young poets radiate vitality, honesty, and profound emotion. By the time they wind up together in a tricked-out mega-limo overlooking the city, we believe in what their crazy, creative togetherness represents: hope. As the driver says, ‘Y’all got a pocket full of dreams, so don’t let me down.'” (Sundance Program) Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer.

NEW IN OUR VIRTUAL CINEMA

Synopsis for BROKEN DIAMONDS: Available starting July 23! “In the wake of his father’s death, a twenty-something writer sees his dream of moving to Paris put in jeopardy when he’s forced to temporarily take in his wildly unpredictable, mentally ill sister.” Based on the screenwriter’s personal story, this film stars Ben Platt and Lola Kirke. Tickets are $12 for 72 hour access. This film can be viewed on your computer or mobile device or via your TV with Apple TV or Roku. Additional instructions can be found on Eventive’s HELP PAGE. Click the image below to watch the trailer and reserve access to the film.

To read more about all the films that are still available in our Virtual Cinema, please visit our WEBSITE. Here’s a LINK with a video I made about how Virtual Cinema works.

Our Virtual Cinema is slowing down, but we still want to bring new films now and again that deserve to be seen! We’re working on securing more titles, but for sure on August 6, we’ll have a true indie gem THE EVENING HOUR. On August 13, we’ll bring the brilliantly strange new Polish film NEVER GONNA SNOW AGAIN. On August 20, we’ll start DRAMARAMA – a charming love letter to drama nerds. More titles are on the way…stay tuned!

UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS:

Local filmmaker Max Kaplan will host the Dayton premiere of his latest short film HAWAIItonight, Wednesday, July 21 at 7:00 and 9:00. “HAWAII is a coming of age story that follows two high school sweethearts Erika Bierman (THE HUNGER GAMES, DUMB AND DUMBER TO) and Stone Taul (GOOD KIDS) as they say goodbye to everything they have known during their last summer before college; playing music, making memories, and chasing dreams, but ultimately learning how to say goodbye. The film is based on the director Max Kaplan’s high school experience and his time playing in the Dayton psych band Nudists on Strike. HAWAII boasts an incredible compilation soundtrack by both popular and local artists including Summer Salt, King Shelter, Surf Team, Nudists on Strike, and Sister Owsley. Two of Kaplan’s freshman shorts, GET THE F*CK TO CHURCH and SONG OF SONGS will also be shown. After the screenings there will be a Q&A with the cast and crew of HAWAII, actress Erika Bierman, director Max Kaplan and producer Savannah Webb.” (Luminous Coast) Tickets are $10 each and available now on THE NEON’s website and at our box office! Click the image below to watch the trailer for HAWAII.

Attention Families with Young Kids! Continuing this Saturday, July 24 at 11am, THE NEON and ThinkTV PBS will keep moving with our FREE Summer Family Film Festival. Each week, doors at THE NEON open at 10:30am, and tickets are given on a first-come, first-serve basis. Featuring episodic shorts from popular characters in the PBS Kids library, these screenings will give an opportunity for families to enjoy the movie-going experience together in a budget-friendly way while keeping kids thoughtfully engaged over the summer. Each Saturday will focus on a different program, and activity books will be available for children to take home after the screenings. This film festival is made possible from the generous support of The RubiGirls Scholarship Initiative. Week #4 (July 24) will feature ODD SQUAD. Week #5 (july 31) will be CURIOUS GEORGE. Week #6 (Aug 7) will be READY JET GO. Week #7 (Aug 14) will be PEG & CAT. (more title coming soon…including details about a special party at the end of the fest!)

Scripted in Black, an exclusive multi-disciplinary arts collective that centers the work and collaboration of Black + Brown unconventional creatives, has one more screening left in their series. “When SIB thinks of super chill kick back Thursday vibes, we envision a film series featuring just a few of the greatest Black classics + favorites to date. Whether we are learning from the past, relishing in hood politics, or examining the dynamics of friendship, this film series allows us to collectively experience the art of cinema, together. Featuring three Black-owned local businesses and partnering with THE NEON in Dayton allows for mingling amongst the creative community + supporting the local business ecosystem. This movie night series is a chance to celebrate as a community the importance of Black storytelling and the way it honors the multi-dimensional layers of our culture, experience, and perspective. This movie night series is the perfect way to close out a busy work week and step into the weekend with laughs, high vibes, + a little reminiscing on the good old days.” (Scripted in Black) Tickets are $20 each and come with a complimentary popcorn and soda. Tomorrow’s screening will be preceded by a business mixer from 6:00-7:00 on THE NEON’s patio…then the film will start at 7:15! Series sponsored by Westchester Education Services. This week’s film is THE WOOD, featured business – Teddy’s World.

“Please join the Southwestern Ohio Hemophilia Foundation for a free screening of BOMBARDIER BLOOD – the mountaineer and hemophiliac that has climbed the seven summits. The Southwestern Ohio Hemophilia Foundation is a non-profit organization that exists to improve the quality of life for those affected by hemophilia, von Willebrand disease and other bleeding disorders. We provide support, education, networking, advocacy and services to individuals and their families. We have been in the Miami Valley for over 30 years and we serve over 400 patients. Please contact director@swohf.org to reserve your tickets of call 937-298-8000.” (taken from press notes) This film will screen next Thursday, July 29, at 7:30. Click the image below to watch the trailer.

Our friends from Toxic Brew Co. & Hole in the Wall are hosting their sixth “Cult Movie Night” on Sunday, August 1 at 8:30…and they’ve chosen IN MEMORY OF this time – a film featuring Hole in the Wall bartender Haley Madison. Tickets are $20 each, and those tickets come with 2 beers from Toxic Brew (this event is limited to folks 21 years old and up). This adventure/horror/sci-fi film will be hosted by Madison with pre-screening drink specials at Hole in the Wall (just down the street).”When a medical experiment turns deadly, the only surviving subject flees for her life. Missing her memories and pursued by those who stand to profit from the experiment, she tracks down a mysterious stranger who can end her madness.” Click the image below to reserve your tickets.

A NOTE ABOUT COVID PRECAUTIONS. Starting Friday, July 23, THE NEON’s Board has decided to make a change to our COVID protocols. Every row will now be available for seating…though one buffer seat will still be preserved between parties. As a reminder, All NEON Staff as well as unvaccinated patrons will still be required to wear masks…they are optional for our vaccinated patrons.