• In honor of Neil deGrasse Tyson‘s new book, Astrophysics for People in a Hurry, and his Tuesday, June 13, presentation at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, Pack Memorial Library has begun hosting a lunch-hour event every Thursday through Aug. 31. Starting each week at 12:30 p.m., an episode of one of Tyson’s television shows, such as “Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey” and “StarTalk,” will be screened. Attendees of all ages are invited to bring a lunch. Free. avl.mx/ff
• Just Peace for Israel/Palestine’s Stories of Struggle, Conscience and Spirit: A Film Festival on Israel/Palestine continues Thursday, May 11, at 7 p.m. in the Reuter Center at UNC Asheville with a screening of Disturbing the Peace. Directed by Stephen Apkon and Andrew Young, the 2016 documentary highlights the universality of suffering by juxtaposing the stories of former combatants on both sides of the Middle Eastern conflict. The UNCA political science department and the Palestinian and Jewish Egalitarian Team are co-sponsoring the event. Free. olliasheville.com/reuter-center
• UNCA mass communication and drama students present their original film Mountebank on Thursday, May 11, at 10 p.m. at Asheville Pizza & Brewing. Written by UNCA alumnus Clint Owens and directed by mass communication lecturer Anne Slatton, the film follows two con artist brothers who hustle to support their family. It was shot on location at numerous Asheville businesses, including Habitat Brewing Co., Mike’s Auto Service and Barley’s Taproom, and filmed with cooperation from the Screen Actors Talent Casting Agency. Free. ashevillebrewing.com
• Grail Moviehouse’s and the Asheville Jewish Community Center’s monthly Israeli Film Series — designed to allow viewers to use film as their window into the minds and culture of Israel — continues Sunday, May 14, at 3 p.m. with The Farewell Party. The 2014 dramedy centers on a close-knit group of residents at a Jerusalem retirement home who build a machine for self-euthanasia to help their terminally ill friend. When rumors of their creation begin to spread, more people ask for their assistance, forcing the friends to reconsider their work. Tickets are $7 and available online or at the Grail box office. avl.mx/3ou
