Hello Everyone!

Contrary to what you may have heard, we are not renting out cots this weekend at THE NEON.  I'm just teasing...but I know several of you will be here multiple times this weekend. We are packing in numerous contenders from this year's Oscar race, and the mix is pretty fantastic.  In addition to holding the ANIMATED and LIVE ACTION OSCAR NOMINATED SHORTS, we will open the DOCUMENTARY SHORTS, THE GIRL WITH THE NEEDLE, THE SEED OF THE SACRED FIG and PORCELAIN WAR - all very different...all incredible!  Please be sure to pay close attention to showtimes - they're different every day.

If you still need to see NICKEL BOYS or HARD TRUTHS, Thursday will be your last chance to catch them at THE NEON.  

Despite the controversy and the fact that it's streaming, we've had several people ask about EMILIA PÉREZ (nominated for 13 Oscars this year).  We will bring it for one special screening on Saturday, March 1 at 2:30! Tickets are HERE.

Don't forget to mark your calendars for Hollywood's Big Night as we watch the ceremony on the Big Screen.  It's FREE, and ballots to play along (and win great prizes) are now available in our lobby.  You can start reserving your seats for the Party by turning in your ballots on Saturday, Feb. 22!  The awards take place Sunday, March 2 at 7PM.

NEW BOOKING! On March 6, we're bringing the new film from director Bong Joon Ho - MICKEY 17 - starring Robert Pattinson.  Bong Joon Ho's PARASITE was a huge hit for us back in 2019/2020, and we're excited about this new film that just premiered at the Berlin Film Festival. Tickets for opening weekend are on sale now! Watch the trailer and get tickets HERE.

"Open Caption Mondays" are a hit and much appreciated by many of our regulars.  On Monday, Feb. 24, our screening of PORCELAIN WAR will be presented with Open Captions (aka - captions presented on the screen)....that said, many films this week are international - so we have a lot of subtitles this week.

Synopsis for OSCAR NOMINATED SHORTS: DOCUMENTARY: We're excited to once again present the nominees for this year's Academy Awards for "Best Documentary Short."
This year's nominees are:
INSTRUMENTS OF A BEATING HEART - 23min - Japan (in Japanese)
INCIDENT - 30min - USA (in English)
I AM READY, WARDEN - 37min - USA (in English)
THE ONLY GIRL IN THE ORCHESTRA - 35min - USA (in English)
DEATH BY NUMBERS - 36min - USA (in English)

Synopsis for THE GIRL WITH THE NEEDLE: Struggling to survive in post-WWI Copenhagen, a newly unemployed and pregnant young woman is taken in by a charismatic elder to help run an underground adoption agency. The two form an unexpected bond, until a sudden discovery changes everything.
This haunting film is absolutely stunning.  The cinematography is among the best of the year, and once you think you've figured it out, you haven't.  Though quite dark, it was one of my favorites from TIFF last year!

Synopsis for THE SEED OF THE SACRED FIG: "Investigating judge Iman grapples with paranoia amid political unrest in Tehran. When his gun vanishes, he suspects his wife and daughters, imposing draconian measures that strain family ties as societal rules crumble." IndieWire calls it "an extraordinarily gripping allegory about the corrupting costs of power and the suppression of women under a religious patriarchy that crushes the very people it claims to protect."

Synopsis for PORCELAIN WAR: Over the past few months, a handful of people have been asking for this incredible documentary.  Don't miss it on the big screen. "Under roaring fighter jets and missile strikes, Ukrainian artists Slava, Anya, and Andrey choose to stay behind and fight, contending with the soldiers they have become. Defiantly finding beauty amid destruction, they show that although it’s easy to make people afraid, it’s hard to destroy their passion for living."

CULT MOVIE NIGHT - CANDYMAN

TOMORROW! Cult Movie Night is excited to celebrate the late, great Tony Todd with the 1992 cult classic CANDYMAN!
CANDYMAN follows Helen, played by Virginia Madsen, a skeptical college student researching a popular urban legend in the Chicago housing projects known as Cabrini-Green.  After learning of a recent murder there, the local residents describe seeing a tall man with a hook for a hand linking him to the murder.  Helen gets deeper and more obsessed with the lore when a man resembling the legend starts to stalk her, sending her into the realization that this legend may be all too real.  
Based on a story by Clive Barker and featuring a beautifully haunting score by Philip Glass while exploring themes of racism and injustice through black history, CANDYMAN remains a nearly perfect film and needs to be seen theatrically...just don’t say his name 5 times.   
Also featuring trailers, A tribute to Tony Todd, a short film and other surprises.  
Tickets $13 each

THU, FEB 20 | 7:30

TWIN PEAKS: FIRE WALK WITH ME

Join us as we honor the life of the filmmaking legend David Lynch by celebrating "Twin Peaks Day" with a special screening of TWIN PEAKS: FIRE WALK WITH ME. "In the questionable town of Deer Meadow, Washington, FBI Agent Desmond inexplicably disappears while hunting for the man who murdered a teen girl. The killer is never apprehended, and, after experiencing dark visions and supernatural encounters, Agent Dale Cooper chillingly predicts that the culprit will claim another life. Meanwhile, in the more cozy town of Twin Peaks, hedonistic beauty Laura Palmer hangs with lowlifes and seems destined for a grisly fate."  Tickets are $10 each, and a fun-filled night is in the works.

MON, FEB 24 | 7:30

TAB TALKS: A CIVIL RIGHTS EPILOGUE

Caring Hearts Foundation presents a ONE NIGHT ONLY event!  "Join producer Curtis A. Welch and writer/director Dr. Michelle of Tab Talks! for  A CIVIL RIGHTS EPILOGUE, a thought-provoking documentary that showcases the incredible stories of everyday people questioning the motives of past civil rights icons. Why were these icons so different, and how did they not become jaded? This film dives deep into the heart of social movements, highlighting the struggles, triumphs, and unyielding spirit of those fighting for justice and equity. 
The film director and producer will be on hand to introduce the film, and a brief Q & A will follow.  Proceeds of the film will support Tab Talks, a small non-profit local film production company in their mission to create social impact and faith aligned content to spark broader conversations."

THU, FEB 27 | 7:30

LIZA: A TRULY TERRIFIC ABSOLUTELY TRUE STORY

Rich with archival gems and Liza Minnelli’s own point of view, Bruce David Klein's luminous documentary celebrates a young entertainer full of boundless raw talent and the deep, creative relationships with her mentors and influences.
Special One-Time-Only Screening! Tickets $12.50

SUN, MAR 9 | 3:00

HIPPO

Join us for a special, one-night-only screening of HIPPO - with visiting lead actor Kimball Farley! "HIPPO examines the coming-of-age of two step-siblings: Hippo, a video-game addicted teenager and Buttercup, a Hungarian Catholic immigrant with a love of classical music and Jesus. Like the Ancient Greek Aphrodite, Buttercup’s love is unrequited by a brother who prefers to indulge the art of war and chaos. The result is a hormone-fueled, tragicomic waking nightmare that must be seen to be believed."  David Gordon Green said, "HIPPO’s’ strange and dark humor is quintessential viewing and a wonderful reminder of why we all got into indie filmmaking in the first place…a brilliant feature debut." Nick Allen of RogerEbert.com wrote, "the work of a budding provocateur and American satirist...an unholy fusion of A CLOCKWORK ORANGE and NAPOLEON DYNAMITE.” Tickets are $12.50.

TUE, MAR 18 | 7:30

DAWN OF IMPRESSIONISM: PARIS 1874

Join us with our friends from Dayton Art Institute for our next edition of Exhibition on Screen. "The Impressionists are the most popular group in art history - millions flock every year to marvel at their masterpieces. But, to begin with, they were scorned, penniless outsiders. 1874 was the year that changed everything; the first Impressionists, “hungry for independence”, broke the mould by holding their own exhibition outside official channels. Impressionism was born and the art world was changed forever.
The screening will be followed by a presentation from Dr. Jerry Smith, chief curator at Dayton Art Institute.
Tickets are $12.50 each, and your DAI membership card gets you a FREE small popcorn at this event!

SUN, MAR 23 | 5:00

MOSES - 13 STEPS

TICKETS ARE SELLING FAST!"MOSES - 13 STEPS tells the life story of one of the greatest track and field athletes of all times. Edwin Moses grows up in a segregated America. As an African-American athlete he overcomes the obstacles life throws at him. Without a coach and without support he teaches himself the toughest discipline in track and field, the 400-meter hurdles – depicted as a “man-eater” by athletes and runners alike – and creates a historic winning streak that leaves his competitors, fans and journalists puzzled. 9 years, 9 months, and 9 days.
Sporting success is one part of his story. The other is Edwin Moses’ fight for equal rights and equal treatment of people regardless of skin color and gender, and for adequate payment of athletes." (taken press notes)
Join us for 2 special screenings of this award-winning documentary...with Edwin C. Moses in attendance Tickets will be $12.50 each - available starting Feb. 14.

MAR 29 & 30 | 12:30

CRAFTY CINEMA: BARBIE Edition

Get ready for an afternoon of creativity, entertainment, and social activism at "Crafty Cinema for a Cause" - hosted by the Savage Stitcher (Angie). This unique charity event brings together the joy of crafting with the magic of film, all while supporting our local Planned Parenthood. Bring your own craft project that you can work on in your seat, such as crochet, knitting, embroidery, cross stitch, etc. and we will all enjoy an afternoon showing of BARBIE with the lights up so you can work on a project you’ve been putting off, or start something new. A recommended donation of $20 will be collected at the door and all proceeds will go to our local Planned Parenthood of Southwest Ohio. There are a limited number of seats available for reservation on Eventbrite (payment will still be collected at the event) and the rest will be offered as first-come-first-serve at the door."

SUN, APR 6 | 12:30

Thank you for all of your support,
Jonathan

NICKEL BOYS (PG-13) 2 Hr 20 Min
Wednesday & Thursday (Feb 19 & 20): 4:40
FINAL DAY - Feb. 20!

OSCAR SHORTS: ANIMATION (NR) 1 Hr 30 Min
Wednesday & Thursday (Feb 19 & 20): 5:15
Fri, Sat, Sun (Feb 21-23): 3:10, 7:30
Monday & Tuesday (Feb 23 & 25): 5:10
Wednesday (Feb 26): 3:00, 7:30
Thursday (Feb 27): 3:00

OSCAR SHORTS: LIVE ACTION (NR) 1 Hr 44 Min
Wednesday (Feb 19): 3:00, 7:20
Thursday (Feb 20): 3:00, 7:45
Fri, Sat, Sun (Feb 21-23): 12:50, 5:10
Monday (Feb 24): 2:50
Tuesday (Feb 25): 2:50, 7:15
Wed & Thur (Feb 26 & 27): 5:10

HARD TRUTHS (R) 1 Hr 37 Min
Wednesday (Feb 19): 2:30, 7:30
Thursday (Feb 20): 2:30
FINAL DAY - Feb. 20!

Cult Movie Night: CANDYMAN (R) 2 Hrs
Thursday (Feb 20): 7:30

OSCAR SHORTS: DOCUMENTARY (NR) 2 Hr 45 Min
Friday (Feb 21): 6:30
Saturday (Feb 22): 3:30
Sunday (Feb 23): 6:15
Monday (Feb 24): 4:10
Tuesday (Feb 25): 7:15
Wednesday (Feb 26): 2:30
Thursday (Feb 27): No Screening

THE GIRL WITH THE NEEDLE (NR) 2 Hrs 3 Min
Friday (Feb 21): No Screening
Saturday (Feb 22): 7:00
Sunday (Feb 23): 3:30
Monday (Feb 24): 7:45
Tuesday & Wednesday (Feb 25 & 26): No Screening
Thursday (Feb 27): 5:10

THE SEED OF THE SACRED FIG (PG-13) 2 Hrs 47 Min
Friday (Feb 21): 3:00
Saturday (Feb 22): 12:00
Sunday & Monday (Feb 23 & 24): No Screening
Tuesday (Feb 25): 2:00
Wednesday (Feb 26): 6:00
Thursday (Feb 27): 2:00

PORCELAIN WAR (R) 1 Hr 27 Min
Friday (Feb 21): 12:50
Saturday (Feb 22): No Screening
Sunday (Feb 23): 1:00
Monday (Feb 24): 2:00
Tuesday (Feb 25): 5:15
Wednesday (Feb 26): No Screening
Thursday (Feb 27): 7:45

TWIN PEAKS: FIRE WALK WITH ME (R) 2 Hrs 14 Min
Monday (Feb 24): 7:30

TAB TALKS: A CIVIL RIGHTS EPILOGUE (NR) 90 Min
Thursday (Feb 27): 7:30