White Horse to host new film series

A new film series has come to the Swannanoa Valley. On Thursday, Sept. 10, the White Horse Black Mountain launches Movies that Matter.

Scheduled for 7 p.m. the second Thursday of each month, the series will screen thoughtful films that you’re unlikely to catch at the multiplex, powerful movies that engage you with nuanced looks at complex and emotional issues faced by the modern world. Following each movie will be a discussion led by someone closely connected to the film.

Movies That Matter premieres with “Beyond Right & Wrong: Stories of Justice and Forgiveness,” directed by Roger Spottiswoode and Lekha Singh, a film that depicts both victims and perpetrators of the Rwandan genocide, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and “The Troubles” in Northern Ireland.

This transformative 2012 documentary explores what happens as victims of those devastating conflicts attempt to rebuild their lives, balancing their need for justice with the desire to forgive. On the eve of Sept. 11, one of this country’s great national tragedies, this profound film and the conversation following it offer an opportunity to explore the power of forgiveness and the steps involved in healing historical and personal trauma.

The moderator for the first discussion will be Movies that Matter originator Katie Kasben, a natural storyteller who says that she “strives to be a bridge between current culture and ancient wisdom.” Kasben has been a teacher, actress and event planner and was instrumental in bringing the 48 Hour Film Project to Asheville.

Tickets are $6/ $5 per movie with series subscription. Advance tickets available online at whitehorseblackmountain.com.

In an unrelated event, the Radical Reels Film Tour complements the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour on Sept. 14 at the Regal Grand Stadium at Biltmore Park Town Square. The films, which start at 7 p.m., focus on dynamic, high-adrenaline films featuring sports such as skiing, climbing, kayaking, BASE jumping, snowboarding and mountain biking.

Tickets, available at the theater, are $15 prior to Sept. 7 and $17 afterward. Prizes will be given away. Mountaintrue, which focuses on clean waters, green energy, resilient forests and healthy communities, will receive the proceeds from the event.