Jason Sandford
Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
ActionFest is crashing its way into Asheville this week and, as usual, it looks to be a ton of fun if you’re a fan of the action film genre. Beyond that, Actionfest is giving Asheville an even bigger hug as it embraces the local aesthetic – a local Actionfest brew and Arcade parties, for example – and for the first year plans to show films at downtown venues.
For the first two years of ActionFest, all the action was centered at Carolina Cinemas. That’s a great venue, but it is located down one of my least favorite byways in Asheville – Hendersonville Road. That’s well out of my usual circuit. Which is fine. But I’m happy to see Actionfest schedule some movie screenings at the Diana Wortham Theatre and the Fine Arts Theatre.
These are all signs of a festival working hard to really embrace Asheville. In return, local folks need to come out and support Actionfest events. Don’t forget the big stunt show, in the parking lot of The Carolina Cinemas. The Rocketman is back this year.
Here’s some of what’s going on:
For starters, our official ActionFest jury includes no less than two Asheville locals: proprietor of independent movie renters Orbit DVD, Marc McCloud, and 105.9 The Mountain radio DJ, Sadie.
We’ll kick things off early with rollicking Pre-Fest activities:
Monday April 9: Head down to Broadways at 9 p.m. for an ActionFest edition of Kipper’s Totally Rad Trivia.
Tuesday April 10: The Wedge Brewing Company in the River Arts District will host an outdoor screening of the gritty Hobo With A Shotgun (starring Rutger Hauer) at dusk by the train tracks (where else?).
Like the official ActionFest Facebook page to keep up on the Action and news on upcoming giveaways from our local sponsors like free tattoos from Liquid Dragon, professional acting class from NYS3, a guitar, outdooring gear and more!
Crash the Opening Party Thursday night after Solomon Kane and the Closing Party Sunday night after Wu Xia at The Arcade. VIP Badgers get to enjoy exclusive catering by Asheville Indian cuisine favorites Chai Pani.
Get to the LaZoom Bus for a special ActionFest-themed booze cruise painting the town red Saturday night 10 p.m. – 3 a.m. Plus: it’s FREE! Seating limited, reservations strongly recommended (sign up at The Carolina).
Of course ActionFest wouldn’t be a bona fide Asheville event without its own blend of hops, yeast, and frosty ass-kicking. The brewmeisters at Asheville Brewery Co. have concocted a special ActionFest Pale Ale on sale only at The Carolina.
Image link for Actionfest photo.
Update! Hobo With a Shotgun now showing tonight 8pm at the ARCADE! not Wedge.