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Critically Acclaimed LOVE IS STRANGE Opens at THE NEON!

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Love-is-StrangeHello Everyone,

Taking a cue from national trends, we didn’t have the highest hopes for ALIVE INSIDE…but it’s a film we believed in and hoped would find an audience. Unfortunately, those trends proved to be right in line with the film’s performance in Dayton. That said, people who saw it can easily understand why this inspiring film won the audience award at Sundance. Unfortunately, Thursday was the last chance to see it at THE NEON. On Friday, we open a wonderful new film with two of the best male performances of the year – LOVE IS STRANGE. We will also hold onto the much-loved, darkly funny sibling drama THE SKELETON TWINS. Visit www.neonmovies.com for this week’s remaining showtimes.

Synopsis for LOVE IS STRANGE:Rated 97% FRESH on Rottentomatoes.com. “After nearly four decades together, Ben (John Lithgow) and George (Alfred Molina) finally tie the knot in an idyllic wedding ceremony in lower Manhattan. But when George loses his job soon after, the couple must sell their apartment and – victims of the relentless New York City real estate market – temporarily live apart until they can find an affordable new home. While George moves in with two cops (Cheyenne Jackson and Manny Perez) who live down stairs, Ben lands in Brooklyn with his nephew (Darren Burrows), his wife (Marisa Tomei), and their temperamental teenage son (Charlie Tahan), with whom Ben shares a bedroom. While struggling with the pain of separation, Ben and George are further challenged by the intergenerational tensions and capricious family dynamics of their new living arrangements.” (taken from Sony Pictures Classics) This film was directed by Ira Sachs – a director who has visited Dayton and worked directly with WSU motion picture students…he has also been quite kind to The Dayton LGBT Film Festival over the years. Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

“Next Wednesday, October 8 at 7:30, there will be a one-time screening of AMERICAN WINTER immediately followed by a moderated discussion with the producer Harry Gantz. This screening is sponsored by the City of Dayton, Ohio CDC Association, and CareSource. ‘For countless middle-class families who have experienced job loss or an unexpected financial setback, the American Dream has become an American nightmare. Working families, seemingly on a path toward economic security, have discovered how quickly they can slip from the middle class into poverty. The film presents an intimate snapshot of the state of the nation’s economy as it is playing out in the lives of many American families.’ (From American Winter notes) A must see for those working with those in poverty and those involved in the formation of policy that impacts the community’s safety net services! Admission is $5 and open to the public. THIS JUST IN: Tickets to this screening are sold out!  If you’d like to be put on a waiting list, contact  [email protected].” (taken from press notes).

On Sunday, Oct. 19 at 5:30, Jeff Akers has rented one of our auditoriums to locally premiere his new short film ILLUMINATION. “Jeff Akers Films, a subsidiary of NJP Media Network, is pleased to announce the release of the riveting new short film ILLUMINATION, which brings to light the mindset of an unbeliever who continues to deny that God is real. The film is set in current reality but personifies new age technology and the power it can have on those in control of it. ILLUMINATION stars veteran actor Shane Willimon, as well as newcomers like Chedrick Cohens, Kenya Permenter, and Darrell Brown who bring this film to life with their skill and believability on screen. Director Jeff Akers plans to screen the film in Greenville, SC and Dayton, Ohio where the majority of it was filmed, he will also enter the production into numerous Christian-based film festivals. ‘This film will not only surprise people, but it will have them thinking on a completely different level,’ he stated. Akers plans to leave you pining for more compelling films and industrials that change your thinking and re-shape your awareness.” (taken from press notes) Akers will attend this screening, and tickets are $5 each – available at THE NEON.

The Dayton LGBT Film Festival is right around the corner, and we have 4 guests who will attend screenings this year. Lisa Hass, lead actress and writer of THE FOXY MERKINS, is flying in from NYC. Director Drew Van Steenbergen will join the writer and star of ALONE WITH PEOPLE – both flying in from L.A. Chinonye Chukwu, writer and director of A LONG WALK, is now part of the Motion Pictures Department at WSU and a recent Dayton transplant. Tickets for the Opening Night Film – THE WAY HE LOOKS – are going quickly…take a look at the brand new trailer for this wonderful film. Visit the official site to read about all of our selections and get your tickets before they’re gone.

Maggie Smith fans rejoice! We have booked MY OLD LADY for Oct. 17! Click HERE to visit the film’s site and check out the trailer.

Thanks for your continued support!

We hope to see you soon,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, Oct. 3 – Thursday, Oct. 9:

THE SKELETON TWINS (R) 1 Hr 33 Min
Friday & Saturday: 12:30, 2:45, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40
Sunday: 12:30, 2:45, 5:00, 7:20
Monday – Thursday: 3:15, 5:30, 7:45

LOVE IS STRANGE (R) 1 Hr 34 Min
Friday & Saturday: 12:45, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30, 9:40
Sunday: 12:45, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30
Monday & Tuesday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:30
Wednesday: 3:00, 5:15
Thursday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:30

AMERICAN WINTER (NR) 1 Hr 30 Min + Discussion
Wednesday: 7:30

COMING SOON:

(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)

Oct. 10-12 – DAYTON LGBT FILM FEST, Oct. 17 – MY OLD LADY
Oct. 24 – PRIDE, Oct. 24 –  ST. VINCENT, Nov. 7 – BIRDMAN, Nov. 14 – WHIPLASH, Nov. 28 – THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING

SKELETON TWINS and ALIVE INSIDE Open at THE NEON!

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98f6a31d29a786e520a9fb5198413b7eHello Everyone,

We’re moving forward this weekend with 2 new films! THE SKELETON TWINS has been winning high praise for Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader, and ALIVE INSIDE is a moving documentary that will uplift audiences and perhaps start a local movement.

Synopsis for THE SKELETON TWINS: “When estranged twins Maggie (Kristen Wiig) and Milo (Bill Hader) feel they’re at the end of their ropes, an unexpected reunion forces them to confront why their lives went so wrong. As the twins reconnect, they realize the key to fixing their lives may just lie in repairing their relationship.” (taken from Roadside Attractions) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

Synopsis for ALIVE INSIDE: “Alive Inside is a joyous cinematic exploration of music’s capacity to reawaken our souls and uncover the deepest parts of our humanity. Filmmaker Michael Rossato-Bennett chronicles the astonishing experiences of individuals around the country who have been revitalized through the simple experience of listening to music. His camera reveals the uniquely human connection we find in music and how its healing power can triumph where prescription medication falls short. This stirring documentary follows social worker Dan Cohen, founder of the nonprofit organization Music & Memory, as he fights against a broken healthcare system to demonstrate music’s ability to combat memory loss and restore a deep sense of self to those suffering from it…An uplifting cinematic exploration of music and the mind, Alive Inside’s inspirational and emotional story left audiences humming, clapping and cheering at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival, where it won the Audience Award.” (taken from Bond/360) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

“On Wednesday, October 8 at 7:30, there will be a one-time screening of AMERICAN WINTER immediately followed by a moderated discussion with the producer Harry Gantz. This screening is sponsored by the City of Dayton, Ohio CDC Association, and CareSource. ‘For countless middle-class families who have experienced job loss or an unexpected financial setback, the American Dream has become an American nightmare. Working families, seemingly on a path toward economic security, have discovered how quickly they can slip from the middle class into poverty. The film presents an intimate snapshot of the state of the nation’s economy as it is playing out in the lives of many American families.’ (From American Winter notes) A must see for those working with those in poverty and those involved in the formation of policy that impacts the community’s safety net services! Admission is $5 and open to the public. Tickets can be purchased by visiting THE NEON’s box office, going to www.thinktank-inc.org or by contacting [email protected].” (taken from press notes)

We received wonderful news late last week. THE WAY HE LOOKS, the opening night film of this year’s Dayton LGBT Film Festival, was selected by Brazil to represent their country in this year’s Oscar race. We’re so delighted that this little gem is getting such great recognition around the world! Our festival’s official website is now live, and festival passes (only 2 left) and single tickets are starting to move. Click this LINK to visit the site and read all about the films. If you get a ticket to Opening Night (only $8), you get to see the film (sponsored by Square One Salon & Spa) and attend the Opening Night Party at Salar (sponsored by Lisa Hanauer & Sue Spiegel) – where there will be complimentary wine and delicious appetizers. It’s really the best deal in town!

Thanks for your continued support!

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, Sept. 26 – Thursday, Oct. 2:

THE SKELETON TWINS (R) 1 Hr 33 Min
Friday & Saturday: 12:30, 2:45, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40
Sunday: 12:30, 2:45, 5:00, 7:20
Monday: 3:15, 5:30, 7:45
Tuesday: 5:30, 7:45
Wednesday & Thursday: 3:15, 5:30, 7:45

ALIVE INSIDE (NR) 1 Hr 18 Min
Friday & Saturday: 1:00, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30, 9:30
Sunday: 1:00, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30
Monday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:30
Tuesday: 3:00, 7:30
Wednesday & Thursday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:30

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
Oct. 3 – LOVE IS STRANGE
Oct. 10-12 – DAYTON LGBT FILM FEST
Oct. 17 – MY OLD LADY
Oct. 24 – PRIDE
Nov. 7 – BIRDMAN
Nov. 14 – WHIPLASH
Nov. 28 – THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING

TIFF 2014 – Day #9

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MV5BMjEwMDczOTU3Nl5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwMDYyMDU0MjE@._V1_SX214_AL_Friday, September 12, 2014

Hello.

Thanks for coming back to check out my last day of screenings at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival.  Even though I didn’t see as many as I have during some years, I had a great time and managed to see 30 films, visit with lots of people in various aspects of the industry, and attend a couple fun parties.

My first film today was Susanne Bier’s A SECOND CHANCE.  I was first introduced to Bier’s work at my first TIFF back in 2002.  That’s where I saw OPEN HEARTS (her film from the Dogme Movement) and I fell in love…BROTHERS, AFTER THE WEDDING, the Oscar winning IN A BETTER WORLS – all great films.  Bier is truly a gifted storyteller, but this new film is just too over-the-top for me.  A veteran police officer and his wife are new, proud parents…but when the baby dies in the night of SIDS, the cop decides to swap his dead child with a mistreated baby from an ill-kept apartment to help nurse back his terribly depressed wife.  This film is like a more cinematic, 2-hour episode of LAW & ORDER: SVU.  Though the craft is there, the story and the script seem too big and even trite at times.  Though I was engaged and wanted to see what happened, I was ultimately disappointed.  (The lead actor, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, is from GAMES OF THRONES.  I’m sure there will be added appeal due to his presence.)

I usually only name films that I finish.  If I walk out early, I don’t feel a review is warranted.  That said, I watched the first 20 minutes of a movie today to kill some time.  My plan was to leave early because I needed to get to a different screening.  The movie was X + Y, and I was truly engaged (Sally Hawkins is in it, so that adds to the allure). I wish I could have finished it, but I wanted to get to ST. VINCENT in time.

ST. VINCENT is Bill Murray’s most recent film.  It’s the story of a grumpy, older man who ends up babysitting his new next door neighbor’s kid when he gets home from school.  Murray takes the kid to the race tracks, teaches him to defend himself on the playground and adds a few new colorful words to his vocabulary.  Though a little “easy” sometimes, this film is a crowd-pleaser.

 

My last film of this year’s fest was LEARNING TO DRIVE – a film starring Patricia Clarkson and Ben Kingsley.  What a perfect way to end the fest!  This is a film about a middle-aged woman who has just been left by her husband.  Feeling even more trapped in her life by not being able to pick up and go visit her daughter, she finally takes the driving lessons she needs in order to get a license.  Clarkson is luminous in this film, and her chemistry with Kingsley is spectacular.  Clarkson attended the Q&A, and she told this audience that this is a film she’s been trying to make for 9 years.  It’s touching, it’s very funny, and it’s a liberating film in regards to finding and taking control of yourself.  I hope it finds distribution!

learning-to-drive-ben-kingsley-patricia-clarkson

After the screening, I met up with a childhood friend who now lives in Buffalo.  It’s been 5 years since I saw him last, and it was so great to catch up.

Thanks so much for checking in on my TIFF experience.  It’s been a great year, and I’m going to miss this wonderful city.

In the next few days, I’ll try to upload a few photos I took on my phone and come up with a mini-recap.

All the best,

Jonathan

TIFF 2014 – Day #8

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movies-benedict-cumberbatch-the-imitation-game-filming-3Thursday, September 11, 2014

Welcome back!  Thanks for checking out my Day #8 blog of my TIFF adventures.

This morning was so different than the others.  I slept in!  Because I didn’t need to be in line by 7:00, I woke up at 9:15 instead of 6am.  It was glorious!

My first film of the day was LOVE IN THE TIME OF CIVIL WAR – a French-Canadian film about a 20-something guy with a crack problem.  An alternate title for this film could be DON’T DO CRACK.  I’ve never seen such a gruelingly monotonous film about drug use.  The lead character smokes to get high, has some sex (in what is generally very unsexy footage), buys some drugs and gets high again.  Sometimes, he has to find money – so he robs someone, gets paid for sex and then buys more drugs and gets high.  This film could essentially be a 2-hour PSA about the horrors of crack.  As much as I wanted to go, I felt like I needed to stay.  I didn’t make the right decision.

There is no trailer available for this film.  Below is a picture.

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I went into my next film with a qualifier in place.  If the film failed to reel me in within the first 12 minutes, I would leave to go to a different selection.  It failed and I walked.  The next selection was worse.  Including eye-rolling situations with characters that were much too twee or playing on archetypal stereotypes, I failed to see the backbone of good storytelling…so I left that screening and got lunch instead.

After a 30-minute nap, I was off to AN EYE FOR BEAUTY – the new film from Denys Arcand (director of BARBARIAN INVASIONS, JESUS OF MONTREAL and more).  It’s the story of a married man and how he’s both interested in another woman and dealing with the mental instability of wife.  This film is full of stunning landscapes, the changing seasons, and well-written dialog.Though fully engaged, I felt the film fell flat with a lack of focus.

There is no trailer with English subtitles, but take a look at this anyway.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1QO8SXywHs

THE IMITATION GAME was my final film for the day.  I am quite certain that this film will be nominated for “Best Picture.”  I’ll bet the farm on it! Based on the story of Alan Turing and the breaking of the Enigma codes, this film is filled with familiar NEON favorites Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley and Matthew Goode.  The art direction is superb, the story is touching and suspenseful with quite a few laughs, and the packed 1200+ audience was truly engaged.  Though I wasn’t as emotionally attached to this film as I was to THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING, I still think this film will play very well.  (For those who know the story, NCR was only mentioned once very quickly. No other mention of Dayton was made.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5CjKEFb-sM

A last-minute decision for a late-night cocktail in the neighborhood where I’m staying ended up creating a nice evening.  I ran into some old and new friends and was able to talk about highlights of the festival before wrapping it up for the night.  More than likely, I’ll see at least 3 films tomorrow…and I head home Saturday.

More soon!

Thanks for reading,

Jonathan

Locally Produced Reality Show, “The Valley”, To Premiere Sept 14th

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TheValley-1Dayton’s CW (WBDT-TV) has announced that The Valley, Dayton’s first locally produced reality show, will premiere on Sunday, September 14th at 8:00 pm on Dayton’s CW.  The Valley centers around six high school graduates as they prepare for the next big step in their lives. The cast, which includes Alexys Bardonaro and Christopher Harrison from Centerville, Ally Lewber from Springboro, Donald Boone from Huber Heights, Nathan Baker from DeGraff and Stephanie Patino-Garfias from Dayton, embark on a series of adventures throughout the greater Dayton region and explore important topics, such as drinking and driving, self-exploration, peer pressure, etc.

“The Valley isn’t your typical reality show. This is reality with a purpose,” said Joe Abouzeid, President and General Manager. “The show is enlightening and entertaining for viewers of all ages. It really captures what teenagers are going through during this important right of passage in their lives. There has been a lot of buzz around the show and we are all excited about its debut in September.”

 

“These young adults are not scripted characters produced for an adolescent melodrama, but they are actually real people with real experiences,” said Steve Bailey, Executive Producer of The Valley. “Each cast member has something unique to prove and we are pleased to share their exciting journey with our viewers.”

 

The Valley was produced by WDTN-TV and will wrapped up production in August. To learn more about the cast, see behind the scenes video of production, and to watch a launch promo for the show visit www.daytonscw.com. The Valley will air each Sunday evening at 8:00pm with 8 episodes in season one. Full episodes will also be available at www.daytonscw.com.

 

 

 

TIFF 2014 – Day #7

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out-of-nature-posterWednesday, September 10.2014

Hi Again!

I only saw three films today, but I also attended a pretty great, intimate party.

First off, I saw OUT OF NATURE – a Norwegian film about a man who decides to spend the weekend hiking in the mountains…away from his job, his wife, his son.  In film school, you’re taught to – “Show.  Don’t Tell.”  This simply means that an audience should be able to figure out what someone is thinking by their strong performance…not by what a narrator or bad dialog is telling us.  This film is a rule-breaker – but it’s also the point.  As the protagonist is getting ready for his trip and as he’s hiking up the mountain, we get his interior dialog and realize exactly what he’s thinking, what he’s feeling.  In earlier scenes, we understand that he has issues connecting with people, and through the voice-overs, we understand that his thoughts are mostly of sex and breaking free from the routine of his current life.  Ultimately, I liked this film…but it’s a tough sell.  Including everything from a naked jogging scene to masturbation and urination, we truly live with this character over the course of the weekend.  It’s an inner journey we take with this character, and though you may not be on the same page with his thoughts, you can certainly empathize with the idea of an interior monologue.

Because this trailer contains graphic content, you’ll have to follow the link to find it on youtube.

MAPS TO THE STARS was next up.  It’s the new, darkly satirical film about “Hollywood-types” from David Cronenberg (that said, it could be about any “types” where greed and narcissism play a role in success).  Julianne Moore won “Best Actress” this year at Cannes for this film (but I think her performance in STILL ALICE is even stronger).  If you’re familiar with Cronenberg’s work, you know you’re in for a non-traditional ride in MAPS TO THE STARS.  It’s unsettling, it has awkward moments when laughter seems imminent but also wildly inappropriate, and the stellar cast is committed to the long, crazy ride.  Not a favorite…but not bad.

ELEPHANT SONG was the big treat today.  I went to see this film because I wanted to see Xavier Dolan in a film that he didn’t direct…and one in which he’s speaking English.  Though this film certainly shows its roots of being based on a play, I didn’t mind.  The performances (Dolan, Catherine Keener, Bruce Greenwood), the set design, the screenplay – they are all terrific.This is the story of a young man in a mental institution who may know the whereabouts of a doctor who has recently disappeared.  Taking place mostly in the doctor’s office, the film has a claustrophobic feel…and Dolan at times channels a young Jack Nicholson.  I went on a lark to this screening, and I’m so glad I did.  I hope this film find distribution!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMjQ9i6J5B0

At the end of the evening, I was invited by a friend to attend a party being thrown for Ethan Hawke’s new documentary called SEYMOUR: AN INTRODUCTION.  It was a small party at the Trump Hotel, and it was lovely.  I ran into a couple folks from indiewire as well as got to hang out with a festival programmer I met several years ago.  Hawke was in attendance, but I never felt like interrupting him.  On my way out, someone whispered, “Did you see who just walked by you?”  “I didn’t,” I responded.  “That’s Mike Tyson.”

More tomorrow – including one of the most talked about/buzzed about films of the festival season – THE IMITATION GAME.

Thanks for reading,

Jonathan

TIFF 2014 – Day #6

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phoenix-posterTuesday, September 9, 2014

Hello.  Thanks for coming back!

STILL ALICE was my first film today.  Based on a famous novel, this is the story of a linguistics professor who is dealing with early onset Alzheimer’s.  We learn in the film that diagnosis can come late in highly educated people – as they learn to have tricks to help retain their memory.  Julianne Moore plays the lead in this film, and she’s terrific.  This is a sad story due to the fact that we’re watching the terrible effects of a hideous disease…but Moore brings such humanity to the role that you can’t let go.

There’s no trailer for this film yet, but you can hear Julianne talk about the film below.

 

With a screenplay by Nick Hornby (who attended the screening), WILD is based on the true story of Cheryl Strayed’s hike up the Pacific Crest Trail.  Played by Reese Witherspoon (Oscar buzz is well underway), the story starts at the middle of her hike and circles back to the beginning…but the beginning of the hike isn’t the beginning of the story.  Through a series of flashbacks, we fully begin to understand why she’s taking this grueling journey.  For the first 15 minutes of this film, I was skeptical…but then it reeled me in.  The real Cheryl Strayed attended this screening, and had a lot of eloquent things to say about her journey – both physical and emotional.

PHOENIX was next.  This is the story of Nelly, a concentration camp survivor who has reconstructive facial surgery upon coming back into society.  After she recovers, she begins the search in post-war Berlin for her husband – who may have betrayed her to the Nazis.  Upon finding him, he doesn’t recognize her, and they begin a tension-filled game that is bound to reveal the truth.  The concept of this film is a little hard to believe initially.  Really?  He didn’t recognize her? But if you let that go, everything else is spectacular.  The production design, the tension and the performances.

Sorry…no subtitles trailer yet.

 

My last film of the day was TWO DAYS, ONE NIGHT – the new film from the Dardenne Brothers.  This gem stars Marion Cotillard as Sanda – a mother and wife who has just found out that her job is in jeopardy.  Other employees have been given the decision to chose between getting bonuses or retaining Sandra’s position at the factory.  Majority rules…and the vote will be taken Monday morning.  Over the course of the weekend, she attempts to visit the other employees and plead her case – even though doing so seems degrading and hurtful to an already fragile state-of-mind.  In true Dardenne fashion, the film is truly a piece of realism with keen insights to what makes us work.

 

More tomorrow!  Thanks for checking in!

Jonathan

TIFF 2014 – Day #5

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Noah+Baumbach+While+Young+Premiere+Arrivals+aA14qv9ZudIlMonday, September 8, 2014!

Hello!

It was another late night…and another early morning…but the first film I saw after waiting in line for Wednesday’s public tickets was the new comedy from Noah Baumbach – WHILE WE’RE YOUNG.  I loved it!  Unfortunately, most of the films I saw today do not have trailers yet, so still photos will have to do.

Full of keen observations on generational differences between 40-somethings and 20-somethings, WHILE WE’RE YOUNG is one of the funniest, most charming comedies I have seen in years!  In its third act, the film goes into some deeper territory, but it was all material that I found directly relatable…and I loved it. The film stars Ben Stiller, Naomi Watts, Adam Driver, Amanda Seyfried, and Charles Grodin.  It hasn’t been picked up yet American distribution, but I’m certain it will!

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OCTOBER GALE is a new thriller starring one of my favorite actresses – Patricia Clarkson (directed by Ruba Nadda, who directed Clarkson in CAIRO TIME).  It’s the story of a woman, while still getting over the death of her husband, visits her Autumn, remote island cottage.  While there, a mysterious man with a gunshot wound washes onto her shore, and it’s quickly made clear that someone will soon arrive to finish the job.  I liked the tone and pacing of this film quite a bit…until a single moment when I thought the script took a ridiculous turn.  Clarkson saves this film to some degree…but saving it completely would have required a rewrite.

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I have bad news for the folks who are terribly anxious for THE LAST FIVE YEARS.  This is a film version of the off-Broadway musical by Jason Robert Brown.  Though the adaptation is quite faithful, it’s also quite uncinematic.  The lead performances by Anna Kendrick and Jeremy Jordan are beautifully sung and full of charisma, but the film failed to get off the ground for me until there was a fun, playful song about working summer stock in Ohio (it was the first time that the camera work came alive and played with location, etc.).  All this said, the people who are terribly anxious about it will love it regardless – as the director barely played with any of the material (it’s as straight-forward as possible – aka hardly exciting on screen at all).

LAST5

PASOLINI is a film about the famous director’s last days starring Willem Dafoe, directed by Abel Ferrara.  Dafoe is incredible in this film, and the material with Pasolini commenting on his feelings about humanity and  our drive for materialism were quite compelling (so much so that I want a copy of the screenplay).  That said, I found the film to be a little jumbled (and even slightly confusing sometimes…as Ferrara made a decision not to give us subtitles during some rather difficult moments).  We get to look at  the film Pasolini wanted to make next and hear about the novel he never published – all before his murder by a hustler.  It’s a tough film, but I think people who give it a chance may be inspired to learn more about this iconic filmmaker.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOVDmHmisQw

Thanks for checking in.  I’m looking forward to the new Dardenne Brothers film tomorrow – TWO DAYS, ONE NIGHT.

More tomorrow!

Jonathan

TIFF 2014 – Day #4

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The-Theory-Of-Everything-PosterSunday, September 7, 2014

Hello Again.

Last night was a late night again…so this morning started with a drag…but I don’t regret staying out until 2:00.  I had dinner with an old friend (I met Bill in line for Almodovar’s TALK TO HER back in 2002) and then met a couple other friends for cocktails.  It was a great night.

This morning started in line like all the other mornings.  I managed to get the tickets I want for Tuesday public screenings (including WILD – the buzz for Reese Witherspoon is quite big), and I was then off to my first P&I screening.

TOUR DE FORCE was first.  It’s a German film about a group of friends getting together for their annual bike ride.  This year, the protagonist has chose Belgium as the destination – much to his friends’ consternation.  Within the first act, it is revealed that he has chosen Belgium because physician assisted suicide is an option there.  He has ALS, and his body is reacting worse and worse each day.  The chemistry of the friends is quite good, and I liked a lot of the film, but I think it lost its way a couple times.  Ultimately, I think there’s a really strong 80 minute film here.  Unfortunately, the 95 minute version isn’t the best.

FACE OF AN ANGEL was my next selection.  It’s the new Michael Winterbottom film that uses the murder of an American student traveling in Italy (the Meredith Kercher case is clearly the inspiration) as the jumping point for the film.  This movie is about a filmmaker who has been offered the chance to write a screenplay and direct the film version of the murder and court proceedings.  As he gets deeper into understanding the dynamics, he decides he’d rather create a film that speaks to the murder but isn’t actually traditional telling of the story.  Daniel Bruhl, who I first fell in love with in GOODBYE, LENIN, plays the director, and Kate Beckinsale plays the journalist who has written extensively about the case.  Sadly, I think the film becomes a self-reflexive jumble – with dream sequences and drug-induced hallucinations that create a frenzy of a film that ultimately doesn’t work.  Though I like that the film makes us question the idea of “truth,” I wasn’t up for all the antics of this story.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zbWCcSBva4

I was quite excited to see MISS JULIE – the new Liv Ullmann adaptation of the classic play by Strindberg, starring Jessica Chastain and Collin Farrell.  This is the story of a daughter of a count who is enamored by a well-spoken valet.  What initially seems like flirting becomes a cat and mouse game for control of affections and desire – and certainly an examination of class. The production elements are divine, and Chastain’s performance is absolutely incredible, but I ultimately felt that the adaptation was rather arduous.  There’s something to be said for honoring the text of a classic play, but I think this film needs tightening.

And then I saw the world premiere of  THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING – the story of Stephen Hawking, his relationship with his wife and his battle with ALS.  I love this film! The photography is lovely, the evolving period aspects are perfect, and the performances are out of this world.  I didn’t sense a false note in any moment, and I think numerous awards will follow.  Eddie Redmayne was in attendance and spoke quite eloquently of the process of creating his body movements – which involved doctors and a choreographer.  In addition to all the folks from the film (many of whom participated in the Q&A), there were several stars in attendance for the screening – including Andrew Garfield, Jon Stewart and Julie Taymor.  THE NEON has tentatively put this film on the schedule right around Thanksgiving!  (Look at this photo comparison…I’ve only just seen it, and it makes the film all the more impressive.)

Stephen-Hawking-Jane-Wedding

Thanks again for checking in!

Jonathan

TIFF 2014 – Day #3

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Pride-posterSaturday, Sept. 6, 2014

Hello Again,

THE RIOT CLUB was my first P&I screening of the day.  It’s the new film from Lone Scherfig – director of AN EDUCATION (the “Best Picture” Oscar nominee that made Carey Mulligan a full-fledged star).  This is a film about a “posh” club of young men at Oxford.  They’re a terribly attractive, elite group (the limit for the club is 10) who are  and smart, charismatic, “well-bred,” and quite self righteous.  The movie is about their search for 2 new members and their annual dinner that allows them to indulge in debauchery.  There’s underlying tension during the whole film that truly becomes terrifying in the third act.  Overall, the film is a well done look at class and abuse of privilege.

THE NEW GIRLFRIEND is the new film from one of my favorite filmmakers, Francois Ozon (UNDER THE SAND, 8 WOMEN, SWIMMING POOL, TIME TO LEAVE, IN THE HOUSE).  Ozon, like Woody Allen, has a new film almost every year.  Some are brilliant (see all of the films listed above) and some are not (though even ANGEL, RICKY and HIDEAWAY have their merits).  THE NEW GIRLFRIEND is about a woman who has become depressed after the death of her best friend.  After working through some pain, she summons the courage to visit her friend’s husband only to discover some secrets that will change her life (I don’t want to give away too much.)  This story is based on a novel by Ruth Rendell, and her work has been adapted by other favorite filmmakers like Pedro Almodovar and Claude Chabrol.  Sadly, this film has some major tone issues…but I was intrigued enough to stick around and see what happened.

Sadly, there’s no trailer with subtitles yet, but here’s the French trailer:

PRIDE was my only public screening for the day, and it has already been booked for THE NEON this Fall.  With a stellar cast of British NEON regulars (not to mention thematic elements that interest me), it was a film I had to put on my list.  Just look at this cast: Bill Nighy (BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL, NOTES ON A SCANDAL), Imelda Staunton (VERA DRAKE, ANOTHER YEAR), Paddy Considine (IN AMERICA).  The movie, based on a true story, is about a coal miners’ strike in the UK in 1984 – and how a group of gay and lesbian people began collecting money for the cause.  From watching the trailer, I thought I’d be in for a fun, charming ride…but the trailer doesn’t do the film justice.  Instead I got a moving, inspiring, uplifting and heartbreaking film.  There weren’t many dry eyes in the house.  I think this film could go on to win the audience award – as 1000+ people in today’s audience were on their feet cheering for quite a while.  When the curator introduced not only the cast but some of the real life people on whom the film is based, the crowd went wild.  A truly, truly wonderful film!  (Below is a little pic I snapped of the Q&A.)

photo-2

Thanks for checking in,

Jonathan

 

 

TIFF 2014 – Day #2

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Friday, September 5, 2014

Hello Again,

After getting the tickets I desired for Sunday (which include THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING and MISS JULIE – 2 films I can’t wait to see), I scurried to a screening that I ended up leaving after 20 minutes.  I had been up in the air about seeing it, but when it wasn’t working for me, I decided to scurry across the hall and see GEMMA BOVERY – and I’m glad I did.

GEMMA BOVERY is a modern take on the Flaubert novel MADAME BOVARY (which is next on my list) – but actually based upon a graphic novel by Posy Simmonds (known for her FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD update TAMARA DREWE).  The film was directed by Anne Fontaine  (COCO BEFORE CHANEL), and the male protagonist (NEON regulars will recognize Fabrice Luchini from POTICHE and IN THE HOUSE) is a baker who narrates the film and is quite familiar with the Flaubert novel…in fact he interferes and attempts to change the course of actions for the title character Gemma Bovery (which is close to Emma Bovary).  This might all sound a little confusing, but it’s actually quite fun (despite its melancholy shadow).  Luchini is hysterical, and Gemma Arterton (who plays Gemma Bovery) is sexy and delightful.  (I could see Sony Classics, Cohen Media or Music Box films picking up this film for distribution.)

Sadly, I can’t find a trailer with subtitles…below is all I could find.

Next I saw the latest adaptation of MADAME BOVARY. Like ANNA KARENINA and JANE EYRE, MADAME BOVARY has been translated to film numerous times.  This version stars Mia Wasikowska in the title role, and thoughthe production values are sturdy, I ultimately think it fell a bit flat.  That said, I may be hyper-critical…as I do think there’s an audience that will embrace this adaptation.  For me, Emma never really came to life.  We see her rack up debt, we see her bored in her marriage, we see her flinging herself into affairs, but she never had that spark that really made me care.  I was intrigued enough to stay through the end, but I wasn’t moved to tears.  (Though I’m not trying to draw comparisons, I prefer Huppert & Chabrol.)

Sadly, there is no trailer for yet for this film…but here’s a production still.

madame-bovary

GUIDANCE is the feature directorial debut of Pat Mills (he also stars in it).  In 2009, The Dayton LGBT Film Festival played one of Pat’s hysterical short films – PAT’S FIRST KISS, and I got to meet him here at TIFF a couple weeks before our festival.  I’ve kept up with him over the years, and I was happy I could snag a ticket to the world premiere of his first feature.  This film is about an out-of-work, alcohol-dependent, delusional actor who lies on his application and applies for a job as a high school counselor (he figures he can play the part).  The material is wildly inappropriate (the counselor does vodka shots with students to loosen them up), but there are moments of genuine honesty and tenderness.   This combination creates a rather interesting comedy with some wonderful one-liners.  I’m quite proud of Mills for seeing this project through and for his upcoming distribution deal (it has yet to be announced, but it’s gonna happen).

Now I’m off to bed.  I’ll wake again in less than 6 hours to do it all over again.

More soon.

Thanks for reading,

Jonathan

TIFF 2014 – Day #1

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Mommy-by-xavier-dolan-cannes-posterHello Everyone,

I got back on track rather quickly this morning. After a couple hours of waiting in lines, I still managed to get the tickets I wanted for the next couple days. (Each day, my pass allows me to get 2 tickets for public screenings that occur 2 days later (i.e. on Friday morning, I’ll get 2 tickets for public screenings on Sunday). My pass also allows me to see an unlimited number of screenings that are designated for press & industry.)) After I got my tickets, I went to see a press/industry screening of MOMMY – the Cannes-Award-Winning film from Xavier Dolan.

MOMMY is a film about a volatile teenage boy who has come back home to live with his mother after a stint in a group home. The film’s protagonist – Steve – is a good-looking, foul-mouthed powder keg, and the film is at times truly terrifying.  Dolan’s love of creating music montages (almost music videos within the narrative) is back in full-force with this film.  The film has some very powerful moments and the performances are mostly quite strong – in particular, Dolan favorite Anne Dorval, who plays Steve’s mother.  (Dorval was also in the Dolan films I KILLED MY MOTHER, HEARTBEATS, and LAURENCE ANYWAYS.)  Though I feel the film could still use some trimming (much like I did with LAURENCE ANWAYS), I ultimately think it’s a solid film with some dark Oedipal themes.  The small aspect ratio is also exciting (its such a narrow frame that there’s barely ever room for more than one person in a shot – much like “Mommy’s” life).

After MOMMY, I ran into some folks I know…different people who play a variety of roles in the industry – PR, distribution, press.  It’s fun to just randomly stumble into folks from across the country all in the same place.  I grabbed a bite with a friend from NYC and then I headed to my next P&I screening.

’71 – a period military thriller set in Belfast during a rather scary time – is a tense film with strong performances and great editing.  Though I rarely like films with lots of gun play, I was quickly enamored by the main character.  It’s the story of a British soldier, who during a scuffle with vocal and eventually violent townspeople, is separated from his unit in IRA-controlled territory.  Once his unit discovers that he’s missing, the film becomes a manhunt – both from his fellow soldiers who want to bring him back and from the IRA who want him dead.

For my last screening of the day, I went to the Opening Night Film – THE JUDGE.  This is a film that will open wide (aka – at multiplexes everywhere…not THE NEON).  This was my first time attending Opening Night festivities (Glenn Kiser, a director who visited The Dayton LGBT Film Festival with his short film SABBATICAL, invited me to be his guest).  Director David Dobkin and stars Robert Duvall, Robert Downey Jr., Vera Farmiga, Vincent D’Onofrio and others introduced the film.   It’s the story of a sleek, big city lawyer who returns home to the midWest for the funeral of his mother.  Long-estranged from his father, the trip isn’t meant to last long.  But the revelation that his father has been involved in an accident which resulted in the death of a former defendant has him sticking around to defend his father in court.  For the first 20-30 minutes, I thought I was in for a truly terrible ride…but eventually the film found its sometimes-stable footing and managed to have a few honest, wonderful moments (Duvall was the reason for any of these scenes).  Ultimately, the film is too, too long and full of contrived moments – with lots of terribly underused great actors.

After the film, Glenn and I attended the Opening Night Party.  Hundreds of beautiful, well-dressed people filled the TIFF Bell Lightbox – with music booming, dancers on scaffolding and appetizers and cocktails swirling around the various rooms and levels.  It was fun to people watch for a while, but eventually we left to grab dinner…and I got back to my apartment by 1:30am.  At 6:10am, my alarm will go off and I’ll be running out the door by 6:30.

More tomorrow!

Thanks for reading,

Jonathan

LAND HO! Starts Friday at THE NEON!

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SONY-LHOS-01_27x40_hires_041314 .inddHello Everyone,

Wow! We had a terrific weekend…much better than anticipated. Many thanks to all of you who came out to support our films. CALVARY performed better in Dayton than in many other cities, and we’re delighted and grateful. BOYHOOD has already screened for the last time, but MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT and CALVARY will stick around. In addition, we will open a film that many of you have been asking about – LAND HO! If you’ve been to THE NEON recently, you’ve more than likely seen the trailer. Remaining showtimes for this week can be found on our website at www.neonmovies.com.

Synopsis for LAND HO!: “A pair of 60-something ex-brothers-in-law sets off on a road trip through Iceland, hoping to reclaim their youth. Their picaresque adventures, from trendy Reykjavík to rugged outback, are a throwback to classic bawdy road comedies as well as a candid exploration of aging, loneliness, and friendship.” (taken from Sony Classics) Click on this LINK to visit the film’s official website.

KRW Cycles in Clayton hopes you’ll help tip the scales and bring PENTON to THE NEON. “The John Penton Story is an American story about family, competition, ingenuity and business that will tug at hearts of everyone who sees it. John Penton is motorcycle icon and pioneer who’s life on a farm in Ohio led to a long list of motorcycling accomplishments and global notoriety. What began with a humble motorcycle shop, turned into international off-road racing career leading him to the discovery of the need for a smaller machine which he was soon selling in the US. With his innovative Penton motorcycles he introduced riding to a new generation of riders around the world.” (taken from press notes) Click this LINK to the official site and reserve your ticket. If enough people don’t reserve a ticket by Sept. 5, the screening will not happen and your credit card will not be charged.

Start Freedom Dayton is hoping you’ll help tip the scales to bring #StandWithMe to Dayton on Thursday, Sept. 25. This film will only screen if 68 tickets are sold by Friday, Sept. 12. Click this LINK to watch a trailer and reserve your ticket now (if not enough tickets are reserved, your card will never be charged). “Only a 9-year-old would dream that a lemonade stand could free 500 enslaved children. What followed became so much bigger. After seeing a photo of two enslaved boys in Nepal, Vivienne Harr is moved to help in the only way she knows how: by setting up her lemonade stand. With the goal of freeing 500 children from a life of slavery, she sets up her stand every day, rain or shine. As Vivienne’s vision begins to show promise for something greater, her community stands with her – and she develops her own Social Purpose Company. In telling Vivienne’s story, #standwithme examines the realities of modern-day slavery, the role we play in it as consumers, and the importance of knowing the story behind what we buy.” (taken from tugg press notes)

Have you seen the trailer or read about the incredibly moving documentary ALIVE INSIDE? (If not, check out the official site.) We will have a traditional engagement of the film beginning sometime in late September or October, but a special preview screening is being planned for Wednesday, September 24 at 7:30. Special details are still in the works, but I wanted to let you know right away. Regular ticket prices will apply, and tickets are now available at THE NEON’s box office.

I just made it to Toronto for the Toronto International Film Festival. I’ll see numerous films over the course of 9 days, and in order to keep track of what I’m seeing, I’ll keep a daily blog. Starting this morning, you can click this LINK daily to read about my adventures.

Thanks for your continued support!

Jonathan

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SHOWTIMES for Friday, Sept. 5 – Thursday, Sept. 11:

MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT (PG-13) 1 Hr 37 Min
Friday, Saturday: 12:50, 5:10, 9:30
Sunday:12:50, 5:10
Monday – Thursday: 5:20

LAND HO! (R) 1 Hr 35 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 3:00, 7:20
Monday – Thursday: 3:10, 7:30

CALVARY (R) 1 Hr 40 Min
Friday, Saturday: 12:45, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30, 9:45
Sunday: 12:45, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30
Monday – Thursday: 3:15, 5:30, 8:00

COMING SOON:

(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)

Sept. 12 – THE DROP
Sept. 12 – TRIP TO ITALY
Sept. 26 – SKELETON TWINS
Sept. 26 – ALIVE INSIDE
Oct. 3 – LOVE IS STRANGE
Oct. 10-12 – DAYTON LGBT FILM FEST
Oct. 24 – PRIDE
Nov. 28 – THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING

TIFF (The Toronto International Film Festival) Starts Today!

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TIFF_logo_rgbHello Everyone.

Jonathan from THE NEON here.  After a rather hideous day of travel (including an unexpected, long stop in Chicago due to passport issues (my own fault)), I finally made it to Toronto.  As of right now, I’m about a 1/2 day behind.  It’s 7:30am, and I’m usually in line for tickets.  That said, I don’t yet have my credentials (which is why I wanted to arrive yesterday afternoon)…so I have to wait for a different office to open at 9am (I’m first in line – as I’m determined to get back on track as soon as possible).

Having only briefly looked at the catalog on-line, I still don’t have a complete sense of what I want to see (I need both an actual catalog in my hands as well as to hear the buzz about what’s hot to truly know what’s happening).  I have a list of about 15 films that I “Must” see…but what will fill the other 15-20 spots has yet to be determined.  My list includes THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING about Stephen Hawking, Ozon’s new film NEW GIRLFRIEND, Xavier Dolan’s film MOMMY, the new film from the Dardenne Brothers – TWO DAYS, ONE NIGHT, and the adaptation of the play MISS JULIE.  Here are a couple trailers to hold you over:

Tomorrow morning, you’ll be able to check in and read about what I get to see today.  One thing is for sure, I have a ticket to the opening night film tonight.  A previous guest of The Dayton LGBT Film Festival – Glenn Kiser – invited me to be his guest this evening.  I’m excited to finally attend an Opening Night film…as well as to see Glenn again.

More soon,

Jonathan

FilmDayton Festival: The Award Winners

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Award-for-Web-1-1This weekend was the 6th annual Eichelberger FilmDayton Festival  and the  second year as a submission based festival.  For the first time they honored filmmakers with audience choice awards from various shorts blocks during the festival. Members of this weekends audience  participated in the awards process by voting for their favorite films.The actual awards was commissioned by FilmDayton and designed and created by talented local glass artist Susan Cannon.

The first group of awards presented tonight are the SUN DOG AWARDS –
These awards are presented to our newest and youngest film makers who participate and compete in the annual Sun Dog film festival for Junior High and High School students. The top 4 student short films were shown at the beginning of our feature films. These award winners are in no particular order as follows:

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SunDog winner Carly Vagedes

“Surrounded” (Brian Ferenchik – Hilliard Davidson)
“Run from Risk” (Khari Anthony – Centerville High School)
“5 Seconds” (Kylee Griffin and Grace Brooks – Southern Middle School)
“Julian” (Carly Vagedes – Stivers School)

Flick My Clip, curated by Ryan Singer
Poker Noir –  By B-side comedy, a film that takes Friday night poker games to an extreme.
Accepting for the film were Caz Finnegan and Max Cothrel.

International Shorts 
Whose Afraid of The Big Black Wolf, by Janez Lapajne, Slovenia. A film set in the Alps in 1944 as a multicultural triangle between a shepherd boy and two officers from opposite sides with two tunes and one flute.

Ohio Shorts
Sinner Victim Saints, directed by Moses Flores,
Upon meeting a stranger claiming to have supernatural powers at his wife’s funeral is feted the opportunity to exchange his life for hers. receiving the award is Cody Brown and Gregory Kennedy

US Shorts 
Personal Day,directed by Philip Jessen,
The story of two disgruntled office workers who, by complete coincidence, choose the same day to bring guns to work and “resign”.

The Filmmaker Award—to honor career achievement of excellence in filmmaking – Jim Klein208259_1032329977767_1833_n
An excerpt from the nomination by Shayna McConville

“I have the great pleasure of knowing Jim as a friend, colleague and an integral part of Dayton region’s educational and creative economy. A filmmaker, film advocate and film editor for over forty years, his work has encouraged audiences to look at political and social issues through smart, important and engaging documentary filmmaking.

An educator at Wright State, Jim has impacted the careers of countless emerging filmmakers. His work has been recognized, collected and nominated by such agencies as the Library of Congress, the Academy Awards and the Emmys. Jim is also the co-founder of New Day Films, which strives to deliver “dynamic, provocative storytelling to educational institutions…ensuring access to a wide range of contemporary and classic films. Considering Jim for the Filmmaker Award this year is a great testament to his Salazarb and issues that impact our contemporary lives.

Enjoy the video retrospective produced by local filmmaker Andrew Fiscus:

 

The Key Award—to honor special service to the filmmaking community – Jonathan McNeal

Highlights about Jonathan from the nomination from Ann Rotalante

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“Many people know Jonathan because of his “day job.” For over a decade, he has managed The Neon, Dayton’s only independent movie theater.

But many people don’t realize that Jonathan is also a talented, award-winning filmmaker in his own right. He is a 1996 graduate of Wright State University’s prestigious motion picture production program. His documentary short The Rubi Girls is a joyous, uplifting chronicle of the professional men behind the comedic, charity-driven, Dayton-based drag troupe. The Rubi Girls premiered at the 2003 San Francisco International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival, and went on to win Audience and Best of Festival Awards at the Fire Island Film & Video Festival and the Out on Film Festival in Atlanta.

Each year Jonathan seeks out new, innovative, and interesting films to program here in Dayton by attending the Toronto International Film Festival, where he screens the latest independent films premiering on the festival circuit. While traveling, he writes a daily online blog to give his readers a little sneak peek to some of the films that will eventually be programmed at The Neon. His blog also allows those back home in the Miami Valley to live vicariously through his marathon movie-watching sessions, Q&A’s with filmmakers and stars, and the occasional industry party where he rubs elbows with celebrities.

Jonathan is also an ardent supporter of filmmaking and filmmakers in the Miami Valley. He offers his time and expertise on professional and student productions. He works closely with local filmmakers who need to have test screenings or local premieres of their finished work at The Neon. Jonathan volunteers his time to support FilmDayton, and has taught film production classes at both Stivers School for the Arts and Wright State University, inspiring the next generation of filmmakers.

Perhaps most notably, Jonathan McNeal is the founder and programmer of the the Downtown Dayton LGBT Festival. This festival takes place each October and will celebrate it’s ninth year in 2014. This popular festival screens the very best in contemporary LGBT cinema and offers something for everyone in the community-at-large.”

Video montage produced by local filmmaker Andrew Fiscus:

FilmDayton Celebrates Films & Filmmakers

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FilmDayton LogoIt’s  the final day of the Eichelberger FiilmDayton Festival and the schedule includes workshops, shorts and feature films, just like it has all weekend.  Based at The Neon in downtown Dayton, hundreds of festival attendees are exposed to films made with local Dayton connection as well as ‘best of the fest” flicks from some of the countries biggest festival like  Tribeca and SXSW.  Here’s the lineup for today:

The Critics Perspective Workshop  Sunday, August 24 – 12PM – ThinkTV
What makes a great film? Filmmakers and critics Jeff Reichert and Farihah Zaman will navigate you through the complex world of film criticism. Reichert and Farihah’s documentary, This Time Next Year, will be shown Sunday evening

 

US Shorts Block   Sunday, August 24, 12:30-2:30 PM – The Neon

My Date With Adam
A wedding planner uses internet dating to find the perfect man—only to discover that he’s more than just perfect.

One Armed Man
A wealthy cotton gin executive is confronted by a disgruntled former employee demanding the return of an arm lost in the gin’s machinery, in Oscar-winning writer Horton Foote’s chilling drama, One Armed Man.

Sheltered love
In blissful 1950s suburbia, a lovestruck bobbysoxer and her no-good-nik boyfriend seek refuge from her overprotective
and hot-headed father.

Two Lines Of Vagary
Brad is forced to reevaluate his life when he finds himself caught up in a cocaine scam.

Personal Day
‘Personal Day’ is the story of two disgruntled office workers who, by complete coincidence, choose the same day to bring guns to work and ‘resign’.

Poured: a lesson in d.i.y
The official documentary profiling THE D.I.Y. skatepark underneath the I-471 Bridge in Newport, Kentucky

Auditioning for Actors workshop  Sunday, August 24 – 2PM – ThinkTV
presented by Shaunn Baker and Jason Kaufman
Are you an actor looking for great tips on how to get the attention of casting directors? Here’s your chance! Jason Kaufman and Shaunn Baker are here to help you through the auditioning process. Jason Kaufman holds an MFA from the Institute for Advanced Theatre Training at Harvard University and the Moscow Art Theatre School. He has appeared in numerous stage productions and television shows. Most familiar include CSI-Miami, Without a Trace and many major soap operas. He is currently an assistant professor at Wright State University. Shaunn Baker is Managing Partner for WorldStage Media, an award winning media and entertainment Production Company located in Dayton, Ohio. He has produced hundreds of projects for businesses in the Dayton area and worked with FilmDayton to bring to life a pro-am community filmmaking project in 2013.

Stomping Ground–      Sunday, August 24 – 3:15PM – The Neon

Ben & Annie are a young couple on a weekend trip to Annie’s small North Carolina hometown. At the local bar they run into Paul, a charming old friend of Annie’s, and Ben learns something he never new about his girlfriend: She believes in Bigfoot. In fact, she and her friends used to ‘hunt’ for the creature when they were kids. Before Ben knows it, he’s off on an impromptu Squatchin’ trip deep in the Carolina backwoods. Amidst the Squatch calls, campfire stories and beers, Ben quickly realizes that Paul may have an ulterior motive in bringing Annie to the woods. And something else out here seems to be after her as well. Everyone but Ben thinks it’s Bigfoot. But it can’t be, can it? After all, Bigfoot isn’t real… Stomping Ground is a microbudget relationship dramedy/horror hybrid feature by television producer & first time feature director Dan Riesser.
Stick around for a Skype Q & A with the director

 

This Time Next Year   Sunday, August 24 – 5:30PM – The Neon

Directed by Jeff Reichert and Farihah Zaman (with additional photography by local filmmakers Julia Reichert and Steve Bognar), The documentary This Time Next Year tells the story of a community banding together to support each other after the devastation that Hurricane Sandy brought to Long Island Beach, New Jersey. Both directors will be present for a Q&A Award-for-Web-1-1after the screening

The final event of the sixth annual film festival is the presentation of the  Annual FilmDayton Awards , recognizing those who make our region a fantastic place for film. Created three years ago the awards are designed to honor those who demonstrated excellence in filmmaking, devote service to the filmmaking community and display creativity and innovation in their work. The community nominates local talent, and the board of FilmDayton makes the final selections.  Award winners are celebrated with a five minute film that highlights their contributions to the film community and introduced by their nominators.  The ceremony is held at The Neon, begins at 8pm and is free to attend.  All are invited to join FilmDayton as we celebrate and thank those who make our community strong.

 

JimKleinFilmmaker Award Winner: Jim Klein

An educator at Wright State, Jim has impacted the careers of countless  emerging filmmakers. His work has been recognized, collected and nominated by such agencies as he Library of Congress, the Academy Awards and the Emmys. Jim is also the co-founder of new Day Films which strives to deliver “dynamic, provocative storytelling to educational institutions…
ensuring access to a wide range of contemporary and classic films.”

 

McNealKey Award For Special Service to The Regional Film Community Winner:  Jonathan McNeal

For over a decade, Jonathan McNeal has managed The Neon Theater, but his true talent is as an award-winning filmmaker.  He graduated from Wright State University in 1996 from the motion picture production program.  His documentary short The Rubi Girls is a joyous, uplifting chronicle of the professional men behind the comedic, charity-driven, Dayton based drag troupe; Jonathan performs as IIeasa Plymouth.  The Rubi Girls premiered at the 2003 San Francisco International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival.  From there, the film went on to win Audience and Best of Festival at the Fire Island Film & Video Festival and the Out on Film Festival in Atlanta. He is the founder and programmer of the The Dayton LGBT Festival, now in its ninth year.   Jonathan is an ardent supporter of filmmaking and filmmakers in the Miami Valley. He offers his time and expertise on professional and student productions.  Jonathan volunteers his time to support FilmDayton, and has more than once been a presenter at their monthly Film Connections meetings. He has taught film production classes at both Stivers School for the Arts and Wright State University, inspiring the next generation of filmmakers.