Spotlight is a fresh new event hosted by AVLFilm and Venus Rising Media, celebrating Asheville’s growing film community. Our event features original short films from local creators surrounding the theme of Appalachian Community, followed by an engaging Q&A where filmmakers share insights into their creative process, inspirations, and the challenges of independent filmmaking. After the screening, we invite filmmakers and film enthusiasts to join us for a networking mixer. Whether you're a filmmaker, cinephile, or simply curious, we promise an inspiring evening of storytelling, creativity, and authentic connection. Come for the films, stay for the community, and leave inspired by the power of cinema.
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Spotlight is a monthly film series hosted by AVL Film, dedicated to celebrating the art of filmmaking in Asheville. Each month, we curate a selection of short or feature-length films from emerging filmmakers that span a variety of genres, challenge norms, and push the boundaries of creative storytelling.
Hosted at Story Parlor, Spotlight is more than a screening—it’s an invitation to discover the minds behind the magic. After each film, the filmmaker takes the stage for an engaging Q&A, providing a behind-the-scenes look at their creative process, the inspiration driving their work, and the triumphs and trials of independent filmmaking.
Spotlight offers a unique space for creativity, storytelling, and connection. It’s not just a film night; it’s a dynamic platform that brings audiences and filmmakers together, sparking meaningful dialogue and fostering Asheville’s vibrant film community.
Whether you're a filmmaker, a cinephile, or simply curious, Spotlight promises an evening filled with cinematic discovery and authentic conversations. Join us each month to celebrate the transformative power of storytelling, connect with local creators, and leave inspired by the magic of film. Come for the films, stay for the stories, and be part of the conversation. -
Scott Kirschenbaum’s "Wailing Earth Episode 3: Noodle Hole in the Holler"
Charly Louise’s "The Midwife's Shroud"
Colby Sexton’s "Nature is Medicine"Aaron Stone’s “Marshall, NC Oct 7th, 2025”