Community News

Cat Fly Indie Film Fest is taking over Asheville, returning for its 3rd annual spring festival March 29-31. The three day event will include over 25 short films, 1 feature film spotlight as well as educational components and mixed media collaborations by local and regional filmmakers and performers of the southeast. Opening Night kicks off with a red carpet reception at the Asheville Masonic Temple and a screening of traditional narrative and documentary short films. The event is black tie optional and the reception includes craft beer provided by Wicked Weed Brewing, as well as wine, champagne and gourmet bites all included with your ticket. Immediately following is a 2nd block of programming called Cat Fly After Dark: a Collaboration of Film and Music at the Mothlight which will showcase live performances and serve as the premiere of “Disco Paw,” a 5 part music video series.  “Cat Fly does a great job of bringing together several different creative mediums (music, visual arts, etc.) to create an all-encompassing experience…. which push the boundaries on what a traditional film festival might include.” says graphic designer Emma Ensley. Saturday’s programming incorporates an acting workshop at the Asheville School of Film by Gunner Willis …

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Local nonprofit organizations, universities, and businesses have teamed up to celebrate Earth Month again this year through a collective effort — WNC for the Planet.  The collective partnership will host a month of environmental service, education opportunities and community events across Western North Carolina.  As part of the effort, WNC for the Planet launched an online community calendar at WNCfortheplanet.org where the public can learn about various events and volunteer days inspired by Earth Day 2019. “Last year WNC for the Planet collective was well received by the community with over 1300 hours and 50 service projects in our region,” says Anna Zanetti, North Carolina Director of Friends of the Smokies. WNC for the Planet features service opportunities and educational programs for people of all ages, and from all walks of life.  Events will be offered across Western North Carolina well beyond the City of Asheville, including trail work days in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, French Broad River cleanups, trail building in the Highlands of Roan and native habitat restoration. “Collaborate rather than compete was our goal for the first year of WNC for the Planet.  Given that more than 20 nonprofits took part in the collective last year, …

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