Hello Everyone!

Dates have been moving all around the past couple weeks. Now we have room to open the new comedy THE FABULOUS FOUR from Jocelyn Moorhouse - director of HOW TO MAKE AN AMERICAN QUILT and THE DRESSMAKER!

If you still need to see THELMA or WIDOW CLICQUOT, they'll both stick around for another week.  If you need to see DANDELION or TOUCH, this Thursday will be your last chance.  Many thanks to the folks who made it out for our Q&A with director Nicole Riegel last Friday.  It was a really special night! (Someone in the audience asked what we can do to help with the theatrical release of the film...and Nicole recently suggested to me that writing a review on rottentomatoes would be very helpful.  Please consider that if possible.)

Tomorrow night (Thu, July 25) is ART HOUSE THEATER DAY.  95 cinemas across the country are taking part in a day to highlight the kind of work we do at THE NEON.  To celebrate, we're presenting two films honoring our dear friend and filmmaking legend Julia Reichert - featuring a special introduction by Oscar winning director Steve Bognar! (More details below.)

And next Wednesday, July 31, you don't want to miss my favorite documentary from last year's Toronto International Film Fest - FLIPSIDE.  We're presenting this film in partnership with Skeleton Dust Records - and the film is a real treat!  Luke will have records for sale in our lobby while spinning some tunes! (This film is fantastic for any creative person or documentary lovers.  The trailer doesn't do it justice...take my word on it!)

Next Thursday night, we'll open the new Irish film KNEECAP.  This movie has a frenetic energy unlike anything I've seen recently...and it truly is a fresh take on the biopic genre.  Most people have me pegged for loving movies of the Merchant Ivory variety (which is true), but I really love this bold style of filmmaking, too.  (The Dublin Pub is going to help us market this film...stay tuned to our social media for details.)

"Open Caption Mondays" are back!  On Monday, July 29, all screenings of THE FABULOUS FOUR, THELMA, WIDOW CLIQUOT will be presented with Open Captions (aka - captions presented on the screen). 

Synopsis for THE FABULOUS FOUR: From Jocelyn Moorhouse - director of HOW TO MAKE AN AMERICAN QUILT and THE DRESSMAKER! Three lifelong friends travel to Key West, Florida to be bridesmaids in the surprise wedding of their college girlfriend Marilyn. Once there, sisterhoods are rekindled, the past rises up again in all its glory, and there’s enough sparks, drinks and romance to change all their lives in ways they never expected.

Art House Theater Day: JULIA'S STEPPING STONES + GROWING UP FEMALE

Join us on "Art House Theater Day" for a special screening honoring & remembering our old friend and filmmaking legend Julia Reichert. "Julia grew up a working-class girl in the 1960s, before the Women’s Liberation movement. She went on to become a pioneering Oscar & Emmy winning documentary filmmaker. Julia passed away in December 2022, but before her death, she recorded the story of how she became a filmmaker. Her partner in film and love, Steven Bognar, spent 2023 crafting Julia’s story into a film, which premiered in April at the Full Frame Film Festival - JULIA'S STEPPING STONES.  This short is paired with GROWING UP FEMALE - the very first film of the modern women's movement. Produced in 1971, it caused controversy and exhilaration."  We were honored to have hosted Julia's 50 YEARS IN FILM retrospective in 2021 & 2022 - with Julia attending several of the screenings.  We're delighted to know that what she presented in the Fall of 2021 has been captured and turned into a film. Tickets to this event are $12.50 each - available now!

Thu, July 25 | 7:30

FRIDAY NIGHT PATIO PARTIES

Our patio parties continue this Friday with big NEON supporters -  Montgomery County Commissioners Debbie Lieberman, Judy Dodge and Carolyn Rice - Friday, July 26 - 5:30-7:30!

You can mark your calendars for other guest hosts, too.  On Aug. 2, we'll welcome Brian & Mark Sharp as our hosts, and on Aug. 9, you can meet our sponsors from Russell Total Wealth and Wellness!

Many thanks to our sponsor Russell Total Wealth and Wellness - “We help good people make great decisions so they can enjoy an amazing retirement."

Fri, July 26 | 5:30-7:30

Red Carpet Movie Event: THE UNBREAKABLE MARRIAGE, BOY MEETS GIRL & THE JOURNEY TO FOREVER

THIS SUNDAY! Tisha Griffith and Bertha Davis are bringing 3 new films to THE NEON. "Join us for an unforgettable celebration of the magic of cinema at the premieres of BOY MEETS GIRL - a thought-provoking short film of two people from different worlds and THE UNBREAKABLE MARRIAGE - an inspiring full-length feature from the award winning writer Tisha Griffith, followed by her documentary short, THE JOURNEY TO FOREVER. Come experience the glamour of the red carpet as we kick off the festivities with light bites, drinks, and exclusive swag. Then, settle in for an evening of cinematic excellence as we showcase three films that are sure to captivate with their compelling narratives and powerhouse performances. Tickets are $25 each in advane, $30 day of show."

Sun, July 28 | 5:30PM

FLIPSIDE - presented in 
Partnership with Skeleton Dust Records

"When filmmaker Chris Wilcha revisits the record store he worked at as a teenager in New Jersey, he finds the once-thriving bastion of music and weirdness from his youth slowly falling apart and out of touch with the times. FLIPSIDE documents his tragicomic attempt to revive the store while revisiting other documentary projects he has abandoned over the years. In the process, Wilcha captures THIS AMERICAN LIFE icon Ira Glass in the midst of a creative rebirth, discovers the origin story of David Bowie’s ode to a local New Jersey cable television hero, and uncovers the unlikely connection between jazz photographer Herman Leonard and TV writer David Milch. This disparate collection of stories coheres into something strange and expansive—a moving meditation on music, work, and the sacrifices and satisfaction of trying to live a creative life."  One of my favorite films from last year's Toronto International Film Fest! (The film's trailer does not do the film justice.)

Wed, July 31 | 7:30

NEON's ANNUAL POSTER SALE

During downtown's "Art In the City" event on Saturday, Aug, 3, we'll hold our annual poster sale.  Some old, some new, some rare, some huge! We're hoping the weather is good so we can really spread things out on our patio.
Stop by, check out our sale, grab a DORA drink and enjoy what downtown has to offer. (But don't miss KNEECAP.)

Sat, Aug 3 | Noon-4:00

CatVideoFest 2024

CatVideoFest is a compilation reel of the latest and best cat videos culled from countless hours of unique submissions and sourced animations, music videos, and classic internet powerhouses. CatVideoFest is a joyous communal experience, only available in theaters, and raises money for cats in need through partnerships with local cat charities, animal welfare organizations, and shelters to best serve cats in the area. At THE NEON, 10% of all ticket sales will go to The Humane Society of Greater Dayton, and we'll be joined by kittens in our lobby on Sunday, Aug. 4 for our 12:30 screening!

Sun, Aug 4 | 12:30

Neon Nostalgia Nights: TO CATCH A THIEF

Join us for the next in our "Neon Nostalgia Nights" series (formerly known as "Date Night") on Aug. 8. It will be a special night on the French Riviera - one of glamour, mystery and romance - with the Hitchcock classic TO CATCH A THIEF - starring Cary Grant and Grace Kelly. Thur, Aug. 8 at 7:30.  We're encouraging you to wear your chic, resort-style clothing...think white linen shirts, striped tops, sundresses, and wide-brimmed hats!  We'll have more details to share soon.
Special Thanks to our sponsor - Brian Sharp of SharpGroup - Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Professional Realty!

Thu, Aug 8 | 7:30

AMERICAN DELIVERY - presented by Fiver Rivers Health Centers

SAVE THE DATE!Join us for an interesting and informative evening with a free screening of AMERICAN DELIVERY (that includes Free Popcorn). The discussion and Q&A after the film will include representatives from Carolyn Jones Productions, the staff from Five Rivers Health Centers who are featured in the film and others who are working on the front lines to bring awareness to the high infant and maternal mortality rates in our area - particularly for Women of Color.  AMERICAN DELIVERY includes real-life stories of women who benefitted from midwifery care and how this method of care is positively impacting the pre-natal and delivery experiences for women in our community and across the country. Pregnant women who receive high quality, comprehensive pre-natal care, specifically from a midwife, are more likely to have positive birth outcomes. The movie is beautifully filmed and edited and sheds light on the challenges women face while going through pregnancy in the U.S.  To RSVP for yours, please send an email to:  Kim.Bramlage@frhc.org

Wed, Aug 14 | 7:30

Cult Movie Night: BUBBA HO-TEP

Victor Bonacore's "Cult Movie Night" returns once again for a special screening of the Early 2000’s absurd and heartwarming horror-comedy starring the beloved cult icon Bruce Campbell as Elvis Presley.  Elvis and JFK did not die, and today they're roommates in an East Texas nursing home whose residents are being killed by an ancient Egyptian Soul Sucker named Bubba Ho-Tep. After a long run with the PHANTASM franchise, writer/producer/director Don Coscarelli gave the genre film world yet another long-favored midnight movie gem in the form of 2002’s BUBBA HO-TEP. Starring Bruce Campbell in his other role-of-a-lifetime as Elvis Presley, BUBBA piles foulmouthed ancient mummies, conspiracy theories but also a surprisingly layered tale about growing old, regret and redemption.  It also stars the legendary Ossie Davis (DO THE RIGHT THING) as John F. Kennedy. 
Also screening will be the Dayton Premiere of the short documentary MURDERABILIA - the true story of a survivor of the Dark Knight mass shooting in a Colorado movie theater in July 2012. Survivor and subject of the doc, Rowyn Richards, will be on hand to introduce the short.

Thu, Aug 15 | 7:30

Exhibition On Screen: CEZANNE

Our next Exhibition On Screen event is scheduled with our special guest from Dayton Art Institute - Dr. Jerry Smith.  Join us for this one-time screening. "Dedicated to the portrait work of Paul Cézanne, the exhibition opens in Paris before traveling to London and Washington.  One cannot appreciate 20th century art without understanding the significance and genius of Paul Cézanne. Filmed at the National Portrait Gallery in London, with additional interviews from experts and curators from MoMA in New York, National Gallery of Art in Washington DC, and Musée d’Orsay in Paris, and correspondence from the artist himself, the film takes audiences to the places Cézanne lived and worked and sheds light on an artist who is perhaps one of the least known and yet most important of all the Impressionists."

Sun, Aug 18 | 5:00

We truly appreciate all of your support!
Hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

THELMA (PG-13) 1 Hr 37 Min
Wed & Thur (July 24 & 25): 2:50
Friday & Saturday: 12:50, 5:15
Sunday: 12:50
Monday-Thursday: 3:00

TOUCH (R) 2 Hrs 1 Min
Wed (July 24): 5:00, 7:40
Thur (July 25): 5:00
FINAL DAY - July 25!

WIDOW CLICQUOT (R) 1 Hrs 29 Min
Wed & Thu (July 24 & 25): 3:00, 7:30
Fri & Sat (July 26 & 27): 3:00, 7:30
Sun (July 28): 3:00, 8:00
Mon (July 29): 5:15
Tues (July 30): 5:15, 7:20
Wed & Thur (July 31 & Aug 1): 5:15

DANDELION  (NR) 1 Hr 53 Min
Wed & Thur (July 24 & 25): 5:10
FINAL DAY - July 25!

ART HOUSE THEATER DAY
JULIA'S STEPPING STONES & GROWING UP FEMALE
Thursday (July 25): 7:30

THE FABULOUS FOUR (R) 1 Hr 38 Min
Fri, Sat, Sun (July 26-28): 12:30, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20
Mon-Wed (July 29-31): 2:50, 5:10, 7:30
Thu (Aug 1): 2:50, 5:10

RED CARPET EVENT:
THE UNBREAKABLE MARRIAGE + 2 Shorts
Sun (July 28): 5:30

FLIPSIDE (NR) 1 Hr 32 Min
Presented in Partnership with Skeleton Dust Records
Wed (July 31): 7:30

KNEECAP (R) 1 Hr 45 Min
Thu (Aug 1): 7:45