Screen scene: Local film news

RARE AIR: Women mountain bikers traverse challenging terrain in this still from The Sisterhood of Shred. Grail Moviehouse hosts three screenings of the documentary. Photo courtesy of Meg Valliant

• Mechanical Eye Microcinema hosts an open screening at Grail Moviehouse on Thursday, May 18, at 7 p.m. All Asheville filmmakers and video artists are invited to share their work with a live audience. The maximum length of a submission is 10 minutes, but any genre and style — be it old, new or a work-in-progress — is welcome. Accepted formats are DVD, QuickTime or MPEG file, 16 millimeter and Super 8. Submit work early by email to mechanicaleyemicrocinema@gmail.com or just show up with a piece. First-come, first-served, as time allows, and there will be short discussion after each piece with a chance to gather feedback from the audience. Free. mechanicaleyecinema.org

Just Peace for Israel/Palestine’s Stories of Struggle, Conscience and Spirit: A Film Festival on Israel/Palestine continues Thursday, May 18, at 7 p.m. in the Reuter Center at UNC Asheville with a screening of The Occupation of the American Mind. Directed by Loretta Alper and Jeremy Earp, the 2016 documentary examines how public relations efforts in the U.S. have shaped media coverage and public attitudes concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The UNCA political science department and the Palestinian and Jewish egalitarian team are co-sponsoring the event. Free. olliasheville.com/reuter-center

• Grail Moviehouse hosts three screenings of Sisterhood of Shred, Meg Valliant’s documentary about women mountain bikers. The Thursday, May 18, screening at 7 p.m. will be followed by a Q&A with the filmmaker via Skype as well as information and giveaways from local bike shops. Tickets are available online and at the Grail box office and cost $7 for students and senior citizens and $9 for adults. Encore screenings take place Saturday, May 20, and Sunday, May 21, at noon. grailmoviehouse.com

• The West Asheville Public Library’s Pixar Film Series continues Friday, May 19, at 4:30 p.m. with The Incredibles. The feature will be preceded by the Pixar short film Boundin’. Free. avl.mx/1z5

• The Swannanoa Public Library presents a screening of E.T. the Extraterrestrial on Friday, May 19, at 7 p.m. in Grovemont Park. The evening also includes games, face-painting, hula hoops and concessions. Bring a chair or blanket for seating. Free. grovemontpark.org

• On Wednesday, May 24, from 5 to 11 p.m., the High Hampton Inn & Country Club in Cashiers hosts a screening party of ABC’s Dirty Dancing remake on the grounds where part of the three-hour musical version of the 1987 film was shot. The day includes games, a midafternoon traditional tea, live music, dancing and a dinner buffet. Attendees are invited to wear their favorite ’50s or ’60s themed attire. Tickets are $44. RSVP by calling 743-6500. highhamptoninn.com

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About Edwin Arnaudin
Edwin Arnaudin is a staff writer for Mountain Xpress. He also reviews films for ashevillemovies.com and is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association (SEFCA) and North Carolina Film Critics Association (NCFCA). Follow me @EdwinArnaudin

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