Screen scene: Local film news

RIP VAN ANDROID: Diane Keaton and Woody Allen in a still from 1973's Sleeper. Film historian Frank Thompson will lead an in-depth discussion on Allen's comedies at Asheville School of Film. Photo courtesy of MGM Home Entertainment

North Asheville Library’s May film series spotlights the musicals of Elvis Presley every Saturday throughout the month. Selections include Clambake (May 7), Viva Las Vegas (May 14), Harum Scarum (May 21) and Kissin’ Cousins (May 28). Each film starts at 2 p.m. in the library’s meeting room. Free and open to the public. avl.mx/1d0

Asheville School of Film is offering a series of film history and appreciation seminars. Film historian Frank Thompson will lead an in-depth discussion on Woody Allen’s comedies on Friday, May 6, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The seminar costs $30, and Thompson will highlight a different filmmaker on the first Friday of each month. Plans are also in place to screen featured directors’ works at the Grail Moviehouse.

On Saturday, May 7, from 2 to 6 p.m., local filmmaker and entrepreneur Stephen Nadeau will discuss how to make a living in the film industry, focusing on his experiences and recommendations. The Life After Film School seminar fee is $50 and will provide attendees with practical ideas on how to use their education and experience.

Registration is also open for the weekend workshops Introduction to Digital Editing (Saturday, May 14, and Sunday, May 15, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; $175) and Documentary Filmmaking (Saturday, May 21, and Sunday, May 22, from noon to 6 p.m.; $275). ashevilleschooloffilm.com

Mechanical Eye Microcinema is accepting submissions for its next open screening. Filmmakers are invited to share their work (no longer than 10 minutes) with a live audience. All genres and styles, old, new and work-in-progress are welcome on DVD, QuickTime or MPEG file, 16mm and Super 8. Submit work early by email to mechanicaleyemicrocinema@gmail.com or bring your work to the screening at the Grail Moviehouse on Thursday, May 19, at 7 p.m. First come, first served as time allows. A short audience feedback session will follow each film. mechanicaleyecinema.org

• Black Mountain-based filmmaker Chris Gallaway and his wife Larissa “Sunshine” Gore Gallaway co-created the documentary The Long Start to the Journey about Chris’ thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail. During the trek, he “weathered challenges ranging from a blizzard and frostnip in the Great Smoky Mountains to a plague of mosquitos in the monsoon summer heat,” according to a press release. The documentary will be screened at Asheville Community Theatre on Saturday, May 7, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $7, and the event benefits the Carolina Mountain Club and Lifelines outdoor ministry. avl.mx/2i2

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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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