Screen scene: Local film news

PLANTS' BEST FRIEND: Butterflies' vital role in nature will be celebrated throughout June as part of National Pollinator Month. The Collider kicks off the festivities with a screening of the documentary Wings of Life on May 30. Photo by Kathi Petersen

Mechanical Eye Microcinema offers a Cellphone StopMotion course on Wednesday, May 24, from 6-8 p.m. Students are invited to bring their smartphones or iPads and, under the guidance of Charlotte Taylor, learn how to create a short stop-motion animation with the everyday devices, as well as clay or paper cutouts. No experience is necessary. Tuition is $30, payable via cash or check on the day of class. Pre-register onlineavl.mx/3qo

The Friends of the WNC Nature Center present Wild on Film, a new series created for the Nature Center, on Thursday, May 25, at 6 p.m. at Highland Brewing Co. In addition to the premiere of the new promotional films Seasons at the Nature Center and Animal Voices, admission to the fundraiser includes heavy appetizers from Homegrown and a popcorn bar from Poppy Handcrafted Popcorn, live music by Ben Wilson, live painting by Ryan O’Sullivan, a silent auction, a photo booth and a meet-and-greet with several “VIP” educational animals. Tickets are $20 for adults and $16 for youths ages 3-16 and available online or by calling 828-259-8092. wildwnc.org/event/wild-on-film

World Peas Animations and Mechanical Eye Microcinema present a morning of movies made by a total of 46 local kids on Saturday, May 27, from 10 a.m.-noon at Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co. The program includes live action and stop-motion animated films. $2. ashevillebrewing.com

The Collider’s monthly movie night, featuring films related to climate change and the environment, continues on Tuesday, May 30, at 7 p.m. with a screening of Wings of Life. Narrated by Meryl Streep, the DisneyNature documentary also helps kick off the local celebration of June as National Pollinator Month.

Beekeepers and representatives of Bee City USA Asheville will be on hand for a brief discussion before the movie. Afterward, attendees will have the opportunity to purchase a variety of milkweed plants — necessary for pollinators’ survival — in pots and gallon-sized containers from Madison County’s Wildbud Natives. Popcorn and a selection of beers from movie night sponsor Oskar Blues Brewery will be provided. Free. thecollider.org

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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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