Screen scene: Local film news

GREEN CIRCLE SKIING: A still from the documentary "Saving Snow," which examines disappearing snow seasons, their economic impact and grassroots efforts to counteract climate change. New Belgium screens the film on April 12. Photo courtesy of Adaptation Now

The BLOCK off Biltmore, 39 S. Market St., hosts Spoiler Alert! on Wednesday, April 11, at 9 p.m. Comparable to Mystery Science Theater 3000, Rifftrax Live or The Doug Benson Interruption, the event involves the screening of a cult movie, during which host Ben Atkins and guest comedians Blaine Perry and Emily Gibbs will interject colorful commentary, poking fun at its acting, dialogue and plotting. The latest selection is The Pumaman (1980), an ultralow-budget Italian film about the titular alien-made man-god with supernatural powers who guards the people of Earth and transmits his powers to his descendants. Admission is $5 and includes popcorn. theblockoffbiltmore.com

• The Asheville Jewish Film Festival continues at the Fine Arts Theatre, 36 Biltmore Ave., with a new feature each Thursday night and an encore screening the following afternoon. The second selection is Disturbing the Peace, a 2016 documentary about former Israeli and Palestinian enemies who unite in the name of nonviolent resolution. The 2017 narrative short Tzeva Adom: Color Red, about a female Israeli Defense Forces soldier whose compassion toward two Palestinian boys raises tensions on both sides of the border, will also be shown. Screenings take place April 12, at 7 p.m., and April 13, at 1 p.m. Tickets are $10 and available online and at the Fine Arts box office. ajff.fineartstheatre.com

• On Thursday, April 12, at 2 p.m., the Macon County Public Library, 149 Siler Farm Road, Franklin, will screen Appalachian Trail: An American Legacy. The 2014 documentary chronicles the creation of the A.T. and features interviews with a variety of hikers and natural imagery covering all four seasons. Free. fontanalib.org

New Belgium Brewing Co., 21 Craven St., screens Saving Snow on Thursday, April 12, at 5:30 p.m. in its brewhouse, across the bridge from the Liquid Center tasting room. The documentary examines disappearing snow seasons, the economic hardships faced by towns and small businesses that depend on winter tourism and recreation and their efforts to reduce their communities’ impacts on the environment. A panel discussion will follow the film. Free. newbelgium.com

• The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville, 1 Edwin Place, continues its Environmental & Social Justice film series on Friday, April 13, at 7 p.m. with Stopping Traffic. The 2017 documentary explores the global issue of human trafficking and efforts being taken in the U.S. and abroad to end this modern form of slavery. Free. uuasheville.com

• The 90-Second Newbery Film Festival takes place Saturday, April 14, at 1 p.m. at Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St. Local youth filmmakers’ short adaptations of Newbery Award or Honor books will be screened along with standouts from across the country. Complimentary popcorn and drinks will be provided. Free. avl.mx/250

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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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