The Asheville Cinema Festival, founded by Tom and Sandi Anton, returns for a fourth year with the goal of “bringing beautifully crafted independent films to the area, films that otherwise may not have been shown here.” Among this year’s offerings are Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, screening on Sunday, Nov. 10, 4:30 p.m. at Biltmore Regal. The movie is “is based on South African President Nelson Mandela’s autobiography of the same name, which chronicles his early life, coming of age, education and 27 years in prison before becoming President and working to rebuild the country’s once segregated society.” $15.
Narrative Feature Films (shown at Asheville Community Theatre) include:
• A New York Heartbeat (“He’s a 17-year-old gang leader trying to make a rep on the streets of New York in 1959. But Spider finds himself in way over his head when he steals a suitcase of money from Casket Mike, a notorious gangster who wouldn’t think twice about blowing away a punk hood if it means getting his cash back.”) Friday, Nov. 8, 7 p.m.
• The Republic of Two (“A close examination of the high-stakes game of heterosexual cohabitation in Los Angeles.”) Saturday, Nov. 9, 8:15 p.m.
Documentary Feature Films (shown at Asheville Community Theatre) include:
• Music City USA (“Nashville is an area rich in culture, inspiration and pride. Resilience unlike many have seen, yet it is known primarily for its music. Did the people inspire the area, did the music inspire the people, or did this special place on the globe inspire them both?”) Saturday, Nov. 9 at 3:15 p.m.
Narrative Short Films of 5-37 minutes show at The Masonic Temple on Friday, Nov. 8 and Saturday, Nov. 9 at various times. The screenings include Q&As with the filmmakers. Student Short Films also run at various times on Friday and Saturday. Screenings are at Posana Cafe and Asheville Community Theatre.
Animated Short Films show Saturday, Nov. 9, 10 a.m. at the Masonic Temple and include a discussion with Scott Varn.
Workshops are held on Saturday, Nov. 9 in the Grove Arcade conference room. The offerings are: “It’s More Than Talent” with Marty Cherrix at 9 a.m.; Film Editing Workshop with Blair Daily at noon; and Music Workshop with Kate Tucker at 1:30 p.m.
A Closing Night Party will be held at Strada Restaurant on Saturday, Nov. 9, 9 p.m.-midnight. Many of the filmmakers will be in attendance.
All screenings besides Mandela are $8/$5 for students. Find complete information and schedules here.
