steve bognar

Yellow Springs Filmmakers Nominated for Academy Award!

January 13, 2020 By Lisa Grigsby

The announcement was made this morning, American Factory, the documentary about the Chinese company Fuyao, was nominated for Best Documentary. This is the fourth nomination for Julia Reichert and the second nomination for Steve Bognar.

The film follows the opening of the Fuyao plant, which makes glass for automobiles, that reopened a former plant in Moraine. Led by its self-made billionaire owner, Chairman Cao Dewang, Fuyao brings along 200 experienced Chinese employees to oversee production and hires over 1000 locals. Working with 1,200 hours of footage — heroically edited by Lindsay Utz — Steve & Julia have amazing access to a complex economic reality that is touchingly hard on workers. Wages are low, work expectations high and there is certainly a culture clash between workers from the two nations.

Julia Reichert and Steve Bognar

Netflix acquired the non-fiction feature out of the 2019 Sundance Film Festival, where it won the Directing Award for U.S. Documentary.

According to a Indie wire, “The Participant Media production focuses on the dramatic culture clash when a Chinese billionaire opens a new factory in the husk of an abandoned General Motors plant, hiring two thousand blue-collar Americans. Following its Sundance premiere, the film impressed Barack and Michelle Obama, who launched their Netflix-partnered Higher Ground Productions last spring “to harness the power of storytelling,” as the former U.S. president described it at the time. This marks the first title from Higher Ground to premiere on the streaming service.”

“We are honored and thrilled that Netflix and Higher Ground are teaming up to bring ‘American Factory’ to the world,” said Reichert and Bognar in a statement. “Their energy and enthusiasm is infectious. We’re excited about the national and global conversations we believe this film can spark.”

How To See Yellow Springs Filmmakers American Factory Documentary

August 14, 2019 By Lisa Grigsby

American Factory, the documentary from Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Productions and Participant Media, will premiere on Netflix on August 21. The streaming service had acquired the pic from co-directors Steven Bognar and Julia Reichert at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, where it won the U.S. Documentary directing award.

This becomes the first title from the Higher Ground slate to land a spot on the service after the Obamas inked their multi-year agreement in May 2018 to produce films and series for Netflix.

The documentary focuses on post-industrial Ohio, where a Chinese billionaire opens a new factory in the husk of an abandoned General Motors plant, hiring 2,000 blue-collar Americans. Early days of hope and optimism give way to setbacks as high-tech China clashes with working-class America.

The filmmakers capture every key moment in this high-stakes intercultural chess game, revealing how American and Chinese workers view themselves within systems of authority.

For FREE General Admission tickets (while they last) to the Dayton Premiere of AMERICAN FACTORY, go to:

http://www.gofobo.com/AmericanFactoryGA

We recommend you “Sign up as Guest” – it’s a little faster.

You can choose to select 1 or 2 free tickets. You can print your passes (tickets) at home, or show up to the Will Call area at the Victoria and your name will be on the list.

The film will be screened at both The NEON and the Little Art Theatre in Yellow Springs Aug 21-27. It will also begin streaming on Netflix on August 21st.

Netflix Sets Release Date for Local Filmmakers Sundance Winning Documentary

June 26, 2019 By Lisa Grigsby

It’s been a busy month for Yellow Springs filmmakers Steven Bognar and Julia Reichert. Earlier this month The Museum of Modern Art opened a career retrospective Julia Reichert: 50 Years in Film | MoMA . And just today Netflix announced a Release Date for their latest film, “American Factory.” This eye-popping look at the differences between American and Chinese workers when they come together at a Chinese car-glass factory in Ohio, will open globally in 190 countries on Netflix and in select North American theaters on August 21. Netflix acquired the non-fiction feature out of the 2019 Sundance Film Festival, where it won the Directing Award for U.S. Documentary and became a top early contender in the 2020 Oscar race.

Julia Reichert and Steve Bognar

Stay tuned for more information on how the film release will be celebrated locally.

Yellow Springs Filmmakers To Debut Latest Documentary At Sundance

November 28, 2018 By Lisa Grigsby

In 2009 Yellow Spring filmmakers Julia Reichert and Steve Bognar made a film based on the closure of the Moraine Assembly plant, a General Motors automobile factory on December 23, 2008. Reichert and Bognar spoke to several hundred of the nearly 3,000 workers at the plant who were to lose their jobs as a result of the closure. Lacking access to film inside the plant itself, the filmmakers supplied some of the workers with flip cameras to smuggle into the factory, allowing them to acquire footage of some of the final vehicles being assembled there. The film, The Last Truck: Closing of a GM Plant was picked up by HBO and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary (Short Subject) in 2009.

They just found out today their latest film, American Factory will debut this January at the Sundance Film Festival in the U.S. Documentary Competition. The category will showcase sixteen world-premiere American documentaries that illuminate the ideas, people and events that shape the present day.

American Factory / U.S.A. (Directors: Steven Bognar, Julia Reichert, Producers: Steven Bognar, Julia Reichert, Jeff Reichert, Julie Parker Benello) — In post-industrial Ohio, a Chinese billionaire opens a new factory in the husk of an abandoned General Motors plant, hiring two thousand blue-collar Americans. Early days of hope and optimism give way to setbacks as high-tech China clashes with working-class America. World Premiere

When Steve Bognar called to share the news of the films acceptance into the festival he shared that the film is not yet finished. They submitted a rough cut for judging and crossed their fingers. They now have a pretty great reason to get the film finished, but he says there is still a lot of work to be done. And they’ll be taking some time out to go to California in December where Julia will be awarded the International Documentary Association’s Career Achievement Award for 2018 in Los Angeles.

American Factory was selected out of a record-breaking 14,259 submissions from 152 countries. Bognar said that the film was untitled until just two days ago. American Factory refers to what the Chinese call this venture and also to the inside look the film has of the business.

2019 is already shaping up to be a pretty major year for the filmmaking team as , the Museum of Modern Art and the Wexner Center for the Arts will team up to present a traveling retrospective of Julia Reichert’s films later in the year.

ReInvention Stories: Daniel Kinney

May 26, 2013 By Juliet Fromholt Leave a Comment

Daniel Kinney works third shift at UTC Aerospace Systems, a company that makes wheels and breaks for airplanes. He’s been an electrician for over twenty-five years. He and his wife Keshia own and operate Caribbacanas, a Caribbean food truck. They are part of a group of people reinventing dining. Kinney saw that the food truck movement has potential, and recognized the instability in manufacturing – so he decided to make the leap.

Listen

2:34

Caribbacanas is now a member of the newly formed Miami Valley Mobile Food Association. The truck will be hitting the streets again this summer.

This ReInvention Story was produced by Steve Bognar, Basim Blunt and Sarah Buckingham.

ReInvention Stories is brought to you by WYSO and Localore, a national initiative produced by AIR, the Association of Independents in Radio, Incorporated – in collaboration with Zeega- with financial support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

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STOKER and WEST OF MEMPHIS Open at THE NEON!

March 19, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

We’re moving along this weekend. If you still need to see QUARTET, you only have through Thursday to catch it at THE NEON. On Friday, we start a new, stylish thriller which clearly pays homage to Hitchcock – STOKER. We will also begin a one-week engagement of the new documentary WEST OF MEMPHIS. In addition, EMPEROR will stick around for a couple screenings per day for one more week. For this week’s remaining showtimes, visit our official site: www.neonmovies.com.

Synopsis for STOKER: “After India’s father dies in an auto accident, her Uncle Charlie, who she never knew existed, comes to live with her and her emotionally unstable mother. Soon after his arrival, she comes to suspect this mysterious, charming man has ulterior motives, but instead of feeling outrage or horror, this friendless girl becomes increasingly infatuated with him.” (taken from rottentomatoes.com) This film stars Mia Wasikowska, Nicole Kidman, Matthew Goode and Jackie Weaver. Click HERE to visit the film’s official site.

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Synopsis for WEST OF MEMPHIS: “From director Amy Berg, in collaboration with filmmakers Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh comes WEST OF MEMPHIS, a powerful examination of a catastrophic failure of justice in Arkansas. The documentary tells the hitherto unknown story behind an extraordinary and desperate fight to bring the truth to light. Told and made by those who lived it, Berg’s unprecedented access to the inner workings of the defense, allows the film to show the investigation, research and appeals process in a way that has never been seen before; revealing shocking and disturbing new information about a case that still haunts the American South.” (taken from rottentomatoes) This story was told in a film called PARADISE LOST and its subsequent follow-ups…but critics agree that this film is a masterfully crafted summation that reveals fresh insights. Click HERE to visit the film’s official site.

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On Thursday, March 28 at 7:30, “Peace on Fifth will present movie #3 for their trafficking awareness campaign – Start Freedom Dayton (Sponsored by Love146 Dayton, Stop Human Trafficking Dayton and Peace on Fifth). FLESH, a documentary about sex trafficking in the U.S., challenges our ideas of slavery, human trafficking & prostitution. The story is told by the girls who have escaped and those who are currently enslaved, former and current pimps, and modern day abolitionists. The post-screening discussion will be led by Elizabeth Ranade Janis, Ohio’s first human trafficking coordinator. Tickets: $10 day of show at The Neon. Advance tickets: $8.50 at Peace on Fifth (508 E. 5th 937-367-7215).” (taken from press notes)

This year’s edition of LUNAFEST – a collection of 9 short films made by, for and about women – will take place on Sunday, April 7 at 3:00. In addition to the nationally touring program (which you can read all about by clicking this LINK), this year’s local line-up will also feature a short film by WSU student Megan Hague – WOMEN WHO YELL. (I previously announced that Hague would be at the screening, but that has changed. She will not be able to attend.) Proceeds will go to the Breast Cancer Fund and Planned Parenthood – Southwest Ohio. The suggested donation for tickets is $10 each (minimum of $5 per ticket). More ticket information will be available soon.

Downtown resident and NEON regular Hector Escobar wants us to screen the film BLESS ME, ULTIMA. In order to make the screening happen, we need to “sell” 65 tickets by the end of March. If that many tickets are reserved, the screening will take place Wednesday, April 10 at 7:30. (This is a lot like our screening of THE CENTRAL PARK FIVE. There’s no gamble. If 65 tickets aren’t reserved, you will not be billed…and the event will not proceed.) Watch the trailer below and check out this LINK to reserve your ticket.

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On Tuesday, April 16 at 7:30, Five River Metroparks will host a screening of WHERE THE YELLOWSTONE GOES. The film “follows a 30-day drift boat journey down the longest ‘undammed’ river in the lower 48. Intimate portraits of locals in both booming cities and dusty, dwindling towns along the Yellowstone River illustrate the history and controversies surrounding this enigmatic watershed leading to questions about its future. Connect with colorful characters, get lost in the hypnotic cast of a fly rod, and experience silhouetted moments of fireside stories on this heartfelt river adventure.” (taken from press notes) Tickets will be $11 in advance ($10 plus $1 service fee) or $15 the day of the screening at the door (cash only). We will not be selling advanced tickets to this screening at THE NEON. Click this LINK to purchase advanced tickets. Visit the official site to learn more about the film.

Also on the horizon is The 13th Dayton Jewish International Film Festival. I’ll go into more details in the coming weeks, or you can visit our lobby for the new brochures . To visit the website, click this LINK. 8 films from this festival will screen at THE NEON, and the line-up looks terrific!

Over the years, we have celebrated the work of local filmmakers Julia Reichert and Steve Bognar. Well if you haven’t already heard, they recently unveiled a new website about Dayton, and new content (the 2nd part of a documentary found on the site) was just released today. Click this LINK to read an article I wrote about their project.

The spring looks very promising at THE NEON, and we hope to see you soon.

All the best,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. March 22 – Thur, March 28:

STOKER (R) 1 Hr 39 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:45
Monday – Wednesday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30
Thursday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:50

EMPEROR (PG-13) 1 Hrs 46 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 2:00, 7:15
Monday – Wednesday: 2:45, 8:00
Thursday: 2:45

WEST OF MEMPHIS (R) 2 Hrs 27 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 4:15, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 5:00

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
March 29 – THE GATEKEEPERS
April 5 – ON THE ROAD
April 12 – NO
April 12 – A PLACE BEYOND THE PINES
April 26 – MUD
April 26 – THE COMPANY YOU KEEP
April 26 – STARBUCK
Late April – THE SAPPHIRES
May ? – TO THE WONDER

Reinventing The Telling of Stories – A New Interactive Website About Dayton Wants Your Input

March 11, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

In the Spring of 2012, Emmy-winning, Oscar nominated filmmakers Julia Reichert and Steve Bognar, along with about 15 other media artists, hit the streets of Dayton asking the question, “How is Dayton doing?” Engaging subjects in thoughtful interviews and creating compelling, non-fiction stories is nothing new for Reichert and Bognar – but it turns out that this project was much more difficult than anticipated.

“This was a really ambitious project,” said Bognar. “We were attempting to take the pulse of the whole city. And we did not know what the answers would be.”

After identifying a handful of focus neighborhoods, the group—which was a collaboration with WYSO 91.3 FM— split into teams. They began to find and interview people who were in the process of reinventing themselves. In addition, the group documented over 35 events throughout the city. After weeks and months of sifting through hundreds of hours of material (not to mention a whole different language of web design), the resulting efforts can now be seen on an interactive website – ReinventionStories.Org.

Upon logging on the site, the first thing you’ll see is a beautifully animated introduction featuring a vintage postcard of the city and various soundbytes from numerous interviews. This introduction leads into an 18-minute documentary featuring 7 individuals from various neighborhoods. Using a combination of still photography, audio interviews and video footage, users get a sense for who these people are and how they are in the process of reinventing themselves. Each piece ends with a sort of cliffhanger. This 18-minute piece is merely Act One of three. In the coming weeks, each of the seven characters’ stories will continue in Act Two and Three. Reichert says that as the stories unfold, more dramatic material will reveal itself. She said, “These stories fit together to tell a bigger story about the city. We wanted to capture our City’s life and diversity and to show that we’re not all that far from each other. We’re all in this together.”

The 7 subjects of the documentary on ReinventionStories.org.

Those ideas are conveyed even more as we “Drive the Road.” This section of the website takes the viewer down East 3rd Street. The voice of Carol Coffey, teller of one of the stories, asks: “ What signs of life do you see in Dayton?” While passing storefronts and houses, a series of bubbles appear that allow the user to watch short stories about events from over the summer, prompting the viewer to think about that question. One story is about the Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus, another is about the Blessing of the Bikes, another, the World Soccer Tournament, sponsored by Welcome Dayton.

The storytellers want us to think about the fabric of the city…that all these very different events are happening in the same town.

In a third section of the site, the user is asked questions like “Where do you see signs of life in Dayton?” or “What city event do you most look forward to each year?” Once answered, the responses are broadcast via twitter. @ReinventDayton

In addition to new sections of the documentary, the coming months will see more coverage of events while “Driving Down the Road” and additional questions posed to users. The team also noted that “treasures have yet to be unveiled.”

The website went live in late February, but the idea is to let the website become a living, breathing site that will reveal more elements in time. The interactive part will rely on users to keep it fresh and alive. By April, Daytonians can upload their own stories of reinvention.

Neenah Ellis of WYSO and filmmakers Steve Bognar & Julia Reichert.

This project came about when WYSO director Neenah Ellis approached Reichert and Bognar regarding a national competition called LOCALORE – a new initiative of the Association of Independents in Radio (AIR), in collaboration with Zeega (a group of people who want to push non-fiction storytelling into unchartered territory*). Hundreds of organizations applied for the competition – only 10 were selected.

Bognar said he had so much fun running around the city over the summer. He noted that there was so much to do and that events were all always well attended. “When we started, we weren’t really sure how the city was doing. But luckily for the project and for the community, a corner was turning as we hit the streets. People were taking risks, opening new businesses, forming groups,and we caught the wave.” Reichert added, “A year later, we can answer with certainty. Yes. The city is very much alive and growing.

*AUTHOR’S BONUS NOTE FOR CINEASTES – Bognar told me that Zeega is named after Dziga Vertov – director of the masterpiece MAN WITH A MOVIE CAMERA. This is a great treat for film lovers. Vertov’s films and theories influenced the cinema verite movement…which pushed “non-fiction storytelling into unchartered territory.”

SLEEPWALK WITH ME at THE NEON + Big Benefit News!

October 9, 2012 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

Huge changes are just around the corner for THE NEON. Before I get to the source of my anxiety, let’s talk movies. If you still want to see THE MASTER, Thursday will be your last chance to see it with us. On Friday, we will open a film that has had the most requests this year – SLEEPWALK WITH ME. ARBITRAGE had a solid opening weekend…so it will stick around.

Synopsis for SLEEPWALK WITH ME: From the producers of THIS AMERICAN LIFE, this is the film that Ira Glass has been talking about! “When an aspiring stand-up fails to express his true feelings about his girlfriend and his stalled career, his anxiety comes out in increasingly funny and dangerous sleepwalking incidents.” (IFC Films)

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This weekend is the last chance to see movies via 35mm film at THE NEON. On Sunday evening, we will close our doors for 4 days as we make the transition to digital projection (the new industry standard). Our “Things To Do” list is jam-packed. Over the past 11 years, we’ve opened our doors for business every single day…while we’re closed, we’re going to take advantage of the opportunity and do some major cleaning, lay some new carpet and add some fresh paint to floors and walls.

And speaking of this weekend, Sunday marks the day for our big Digital Conversion Benefit featuring AMELIE. (If you missed Sunday’s nice article from Dayton Daily News, you can check it out here.) The festivities will start at 4:00 with delicious appetizers provided by Meadowlark, Roost and Coco’s Bistro. Around 5:00, everyone will head to the large auditorium for our “Dayton Meets Hollywood” auction (more details below) We’ll plan to begin our 35mm presentation of AMELIE by 5:30. Tickets are still available! 100% of the proceeds will go toward helping us make the switch to digital. They can be purchased at our box office or by visiting this link.

To check out all the items in our auction, we’ve listed each item (along with a picture below). Here’s the skinny:

If you’re unable to attend the benefit but would like to place a bid on one of the auction items, you can send me an email with your name, phone number, and your highest bid. I will need this e-mail by Saturday at noon. send to: [email protected] (If you’d like to see one of the items in person, you can schedule an appointment with me for this Saturday.)

We hope to see you this weekend.

Thanks so much for your ongoing support!

All the best,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. Oct. 12 – Sun. Oct. 14:
(We will be closed Mon, Oct 15 – Thu, Oct 18)

ARBITRAGE (R) 1 Hr 47 Min
Friday, Saturday: 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:45
Sunday: 12:30, 8:30

SLEEPWALK WITH ME (NR) 1 Hrs 30 Min
Friday, Saturday: 1:00, 3:10, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30
Sunday: 1:00, 8:30

COMING SOON:

As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear
Oct. 19 SEARCHING FOR SUGAR MAN
Nov. ? SAMSARA
TBD LIBERAL ARTS
TBD THE SESSIONS
TBD KILLER JOE
TBD NEIL YOUNG JOURNEYS
TBD ANNA KARENINA
TBD HYDE PARK ON HUDSON

AUCTION ITEMS:

Screenplay from the Pilot episode of THE WEST WING – Signed by Martin Sheen & Allison Janney. Includes signed Martin Sheen Photograph. Starting Bid: $75

Screenplay for THE WEST WING, Season 1, Finale – Signed by Martin Sheen + Signed Photograph. Starting Bid: $50

THE WEST WING Lot of Call Sheets and Script Changes with Signed Martin Sheen Photograph. Starting Bid: $50.

THE BIG LEBOWSKI Storyboard Print. Hand-signed by The Coen Brothers’ storyboard artist and Oakwood resident J. Todd Anderson. Includes $25 gift certificate from Patterson Chase – perfect to use toward framing your storyboard. Starting Bid: $50.

3 DVDs from local filmmakers Julia Reichert, Steve Bognar & Jim Klein. Emmy-Winning A LION IN THE HOUSE, Oscar-Nominated THE LAST TRUCK and recently inducted into The National Film Registry – GROWING UP FEMAL. It’s incredible that all these award-winning films were born right here in the Miami Valley. These films will be personalized by the filmmakers for your collection. Starting Bid: $75.

THE RUBI GIRLS documentary on DVD & Poster (which will be kissed and signed by The Rubi Girls before THE NEON’s benefit). This award-winning documentary has played at numerous film festivals around the world…but has not yet been released on DVD. Starting Bid: $50.

2 Original Chairs from THE NEON. These chairs, with their original upholstery, are 27 years old. Though they have slight imperfections, they still are quite cozy and would make a perfect addition to you screening room. (As a note of caution, these chairs require being bolted to the ground.) Starting Bid: $50.

Naming Rights to our Small Auditorium. Our small auditorium seats 74 people. The name you chose (perhaps your name, your company name or the name of your favorite director) will be placed on a plaque above the door to the auditorium. (The name is subject to approval from THE NEON’s Board…vulgarity or insensitive language will not be permitted.) Starting Bid: $100.