Big names coming to Cinema Festival in Asheville?

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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With Silver Linings Playbook nailed down as the opening night film, the Asheville Cinema Festival is looking to bring additional star power to town.

Wyman Tannehill, executive director of the Festival and the Cinema Society, is reaching out to the film’s star, Jennifer Lawrence, for a return to Asheville, where she shot The Hunger Games.  Lawrence is currently in the Atlanta area, filming the second Hunger Games installment, Catching Fire.

Lawrence’s presence would be a major coup for the Festival, but the big names may not end with the Oscar nominee.

“We are working to create an extremely unique event with a very well-known actor,” Tannehill says.  “There are some logistics to work out.  However, if everything works out then I guarantee everyone in WNC will want to come see it.”

On Sunday, November 4, the Festival closes with a “Best of the Fest” day at the Regal Biltmore Grande.   Not only will the top titles receive a second showing, but Tannehill reports that there may be a special advanced screening of a major studio film.  Considering the Festival’s relationship with the Weinstein Company, several tantalizing possibilities step to the front of the line.  Could it be Killing Them Softly, starring Brad Pitt?  Or, even more impressive, Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained?  Stay tuned.