Hello Everyone!

It's that time of year when we're able to see all the OSCAR NOMINATED SHORTS on the big screen.  It's become a tradition for many of our NEON regulars, and we're excited to get started with the Live Action & Animated shorts this Friday (we'll work in screenings of the Documentary shorts very soon). In addition, we're opening the lovely and stirring film with Lesley Manville & Ciarán Hinds - MIDWINTER BREAK.  If you still need to see THE CHORAL, A PRIVATE LIFE or JIMPA, you'll need to hurry down.  They are only here through Thursday.

"Open Caption Mondays" are much appreciated by many of our regulars.  On Monday, February 23, our screenings of MIDWINTER BREAK will be presented with Open Captions (aka - captions presented on the screen).

Synopsis for MIDWINTER BREAK: "Longtime retired couple Stella and Gerry realize that their relationship has reached a crossroads while on holiday in Amsterdam. After so much time and so many memories, long-held promises and deeply concealed wounds threaten to come to light and force them to confront their future...A stirring meditation on faith, commitment, and the enduring power of love."

Synopsis for  A PRIVATE LIFE:We're delighted to once again bring all the Oscar nominees for "Best Animated Short Film" (plus one additional film that was shortlisted).
Here are this year's films:
THE THREE SISTERS - Dir. Konstantin Bronzit | Israel, Cyprus | 14min
FOREVERGREEN - Dir. Nathan Engelhardt and Jeremy Spears | United States | 13min
THE GIRL WHO CRIED PEARLS - Dir. Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski | Canada | 17min
BUTTERFLY - Dir. Florence Miailhe | France | 15min
RETIREMENT PLAN - Dir. John Kelly | Ireland | 7min
ÉIRU **Shortlisted- Dir. Giovanna Ferrari | Ireland | 13min
Some films in this program include some disturbing and mature content and may not be suitable for young children.

Synopsis for  OSCAR NOMINATED SHORTS: LIVE ACTION:  All five Oscar nominees for "Best Live Action Short Film" will head to THE NEON starting Feb. 20.
Here are this year's contenders:
THE SINGERS - Dir. Sam A. Davis | United States | 18min
BUTCHER’S STAIN - Dir. Meyer Levinson-Blount | Israel | 26min
A FRIEND OF DOROTHY - Dir. Lee Knight | United Kingdom | 21min
TWO PEOPLE EXCHANGING SALIVA - Dir. Alexandre Singh and Natalie Musteata | France, United States | 36min
JANE AUSTEN'S PERIOD DRAMA - Dir. Julia Aks and Steve Pinder | United States | 12min
Some films in this program contain adult language, adult themes, and sensual images. Recommended for persons 17 and up.

CULT MOVIE NIGHT:
BRIDE OF CHUCKY

"Cult Movie Night returns in 2026 with an Anti-Valentines Day edition with a screening of the classic romance BRIDE OF CHUCKY.  Jennifer Tilly steals the show as the equally insane wife of Chucky who then gets reincarnated as a doll herself, creating the iconic & beloved Tiffany Valentine character.   A late 90’s metal soundtrack, inventive kills, tons of great one liners, and an outlaw love story with even a little doll nudity makes this movie a 90’s time-capsule and very fun on the big screen.  
Also having its world premiere will be the short film LOVE, MIKE from Dayton filmmaker Issac Ingle.  A night of Chuckies, Tiffanies, & retro trailers for the hater in you this holiday season.  Plus a sneak peak at our next Cult Movie Night. 
Rated R. Thursday, February 19th at 7:30 PM - Tickets are $13

THU, FEB 19 | 7:30

The Junior Leaguers Club of Dayton presents HOLLYWOOD BLACK

Junior Leaguers Club of Dayton will present their 15th Annual Scholarship Fundraiser with the first 2 episodes of the docuseries HOLLYWOOD BLACK - directed by Justin Simien and based on the book by African American film historian Donald Bogle - author of six books on Black History in film and television.  This documentary will give attendees an historical perspective of Black cinema, the journey told in a structured timeline helping each attendee connect the dots from the silent era to current movies and artists struggle.  A discussion will follow the screening.

Ticket prices are $25 for adults (which includes the price of admission, popcorn, soda, and wine) and $10 for students (which includes the price of admission, popcorn, and soda).  Tickets can be purchased in-person at THE NEON or from any JLC member.

SAT, FEB 21 | NOON

MT. ZION RAISED ME: I'M A PK

After a very successful first screening, Michael is excited for this encore screening! Local comedian Michael Jackson reserved an auditorium to premiere his comedy special...and it sold out really quickly...so he added a 2nd date!
"Preacher’s Kids have a story to tell, but they are not always allowed to share it, or the secrets. Well this Preacher Kid, Comedian Michael Jackson is going to spill the beans on the secrets of being a PK in Mt. Zion Church of God Holiness, Dayton Ohio. So come along and take a journey through the life and times of a born preacher’s kid, with one of the craziest PK’s that Dayton, Ohio has to offer. Comedian Michael Jackson definitely has a story to tell in this new video special, and he will keep you laughing with his hilarious real life stories from his mischievous childhood growing up in church."
Sunday, Feb. 8 at 5:00 - tickets are $10 each.

SUN, FEB 22 | 5:00 - ENCORE!

YOU GOT GOLD:
A CELEBRATION OF JOHN PRINE

Join us for this special concert documentary - celebrating John Prine - featuring Lyle Lovett, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Brandi Carlile, Bonnie Raitt and many more! "This concert film was shot in October, 2022, over two nights at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN. More than 70 artists gathered with family, the Nashville community, and music fans to remember and pay tribute to the life and songs of John Prine.
Prine, widely celebrated as one of history's greatest songwriters, captivated millions of fans and earned the admiration of icons such as Bonnie Raitt, Brandi Carlile, Tyler Childers, Lucinda Williams, Dwight Yoakam, Jason Isbell, and Bob Weir, amongst many others."
If you're interested in a ticket for one of our sold out shows, be sure to keep an eye on the website.  Once in a while, last-minute tickets become available!
Tickets are $12.50 each.

WED, FEB 25 | 7:30 - FEW LEFT!
SUN, MAR 8 | 5:00 - SOLD OUT!

THE VOICE OF HIND RAJAB

We've had numerous requests for this film, and we're pleased to announce that we have booked the powerful, Oscar-nominated film THE VOICE OF HIND RAJAB for two special screenings on Saturday, February 28 at Noon and Monday, March 2 at 7:30.  Tickets are $10 each.
"January 29, 2024. Red Crescent volunteers receive an emergency call. A five-year old girl is trapped in a car under fire in Gaza, pleading for rescue. While trying to keep her on the line, they do everything they can to get an ambulance to her. Her name was Hind Rajab."

SAT, FEB 28 | NOON
MON, MAR 2 | 7:30

OREGON STORIES

OREGON STORIES is a documentary created by John Bognar and John Mays in 2007 chronicling the rollicking history of Dayton’s Historic Oregon District. The doc traces the history of The Oregon District from its beginnings as the city’s first platted neighborhood, providing housing for workers on the Miami-Erie canal, through the prosperous 1800’s, the 1913 flood, the industrial era, to the eventual blight of the 1950’s – 60’s.
OREGON STORIES focuses on the period of renewal in the 1970’s when urban pioneers saved one of Dayton’s most unique neighborhoods. Full of great tales of people who lived it. 
Join Oregon Historic District Society on  Sunday, March 1 at 5:00. Tickets are $12.
The program will begin with an introduction by filmmakers John Bognar & John Mays, and audience members can share their own "Oregon Stories" after the film.

SUN, MAR 1 | 5:00

OSCAR'S

Joshua Matthieu of Alpha Marshall Productions is premiering his latest film at THE NEON on March 5.
"At a neighborhood bar, a lonely mechanic, named Steven (JM Ward), and an overworked PR professional, named Audra (Lizzie Salata), meet by chance and form an unexpected bond. As their connection deepens, love collides with ambition, forcing them to confront what truly matters. OSCAR'S is a tender, grounded story about timing, vulnerability, and the courage it takes to choose love in a world that never slows down."

THU, MAR 5 | 7:30

TRAIN DREAMS

WINNER OF "BEST PICTURE" at The Independent Spirit Awards and Nominated for 4 Academy Awards including "Best Picture," we're bringing TRAIN DREAMS to the big screen for one special screening on Saturday, March 7. Traditional ticket prices apply.
"A logger leads a life of quiet grace as he experiences love and loss during an era of monumental change in early 20th-century America."

SAT, MAR 7 | NOON

TURNER & CONSTABLE - 
Exhibition On Screen at THE NEON

"Celebrating the 250th anniversary of their births, this unmissable new documentary explores Turner and Constable’s intertwined lives and legacies alongside the groundbreaking Tate exhibition. Two of Britain’s greatest painters, J.M.W. Turner and John Constable were also the greatest of rivals. Born within a year of each other, both used landscape painting to reflect the changing world around them. Tate Britain is bringing these two greats together for a groundbreaking exhibition, in London from November 2025 to April 2026, and Exhibition on Screen once again has exclusive and privileged access to bring their extraordinary art and remarkable stories to the big screen."
This Tate exhibition is one of the busiest in recent history...and you get a front row seat!
Many thanks to Dr. Jerry Smith from Dayton Art Institute - he will join us after the March 22 screening with an insightful presentation.
Tickets are $12.50 each, and DAI members get a FREE small popcorn at this screening when they show their membership cards.

SUN, MAR 22 | 5:00

FOR COLORED GIRLS

SAVE THE DATE! Join us at 3:00 on Sunday, March 29, 2026 for the debut fundraising event of the SHE-Roe organization. "Together, we will experience a powerful cinematic journey honoring the stories, beauty, and resilience of the African American woman with a screening of FOR COLORED GIRLS - starring Janet Jackson, Whoopi Goldberg, Kerry Washington, Tessa Thompson, Phylicia Rashad and more.
This afternoon event is donation-based, with a suggested contribution of $15 or greater. Your gift directly supports SHE-Roe’s mission to elevate women’s voices through storytelling, community, and empowerment."
Details about how you can reserve a ticket will be available soon!

SUN, MAR 29 | 3:00

PARIS IS BURNING - With Special Guest Trace Lysette

In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Greater Dayton LGBT Center, we're screening the classic documentary PARIS IS BURNING - featuring a post screening discussion with special guest - actress Trace Lysette. Lysette is known for her roles in TRANSPARENT, HUSTLERS, POSE and MONICA...and she has ties to the NYC Ballroom scene. You don't want to miss this special screening on the big screen!

"Where does voguing come from, and what, exactly, is 'throwing shade?' This landmark documentary provides a vibrant snapshot of the 1980s through the eyes of New York City's African American and Latinx Harlem drag-ball scene. PARIS IS BURNING offers an intimate portrait of rival fashion 'houses,' from fierce contests for trophies to house mothers offering sustenance in a world rampant with homophobia, transphobia, racism, AIDS, and poverty."
Tuesday, March 31 at 7:30. 

TUE, MAR 31 | 7:30

Thank you for all of your support!
Jonathan

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 18 – THURSDAY, FEB. 26:

THE CHORAL (R) 1 Hr 53 Min
Wednesday (Feb 18): 2:20, 7:20
Thursday (Feb 19): 2:20
FINAL DAY - Feb. 19!

JIMPA (NR) 1 Hr 53 Min
Wednesday (Feb 18): 2:30, 5:00, 7:30
Thursday (Feb 19): 2:45, 5:15, 7:45
FINAL DAY - Feb. 19!

A PRIVATE LIFE (R) 1 Hr 47 Min
Wednesday & Thursday (Feb 18 & 19): 4:50
FINAL DAY - Feb. 19!

Cult Movie Night
BRIDE OF CHUCKY (R) 1 Hr 29 Min + Bonus Content
Thursday (Feb 19): 7:30

MIDWINTER BREAK (PG-13) 1 Hr 53 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday (Feb 20-22): 1:00, 3:10, 5:15, 7:30
Monday-Thursday (Feb 23-26): 3:10, 5:15, 7:30

OSCAR NOMINATED SHORTS: ANIMATION (NR) 1 Hr 20 Min
Friday (Feb 20): 12:50, 5:20
Saturday (Feb 21): 11:00, 5:30
Sunday (Feb 22): 12:20
Monday & Tuesday (Feb 23 & 24): 3:00, 7:30
Wednesday & Thursday (Feb 25 & 26): 5:20

OSCAR NOMINATED SHORTS: LIVE ACTION (NR) 1 Hr 54 Min
Friday (Feb 20): 2:50, 7:20
Saturday (Feb 21): 3:00, 7:20
Sunday (Feb 22): 2:20, 7:20
Monday & Tuesday (Feb 23 & 24): 5:00
Wednesday (Feb 25): 2:50
Thursday (Feb 26): 2:50, 7:20

Junior Leaguers of Dayton: HOLLYWOOD BLACK (NR) 2 Hrs+
Saturday (Feb 21): Noon

ZION RAISED ME: I’M A PK (NR) 52 Min + Discussion
Sunday (Feb 22): 5:00

YOU GOT GOLD: A CELEBRATION OF JOHN PRINE 1 Hr 30 Min
Wednesday (Feb 25): 7:30