Editor

Cucalorus Film Festival released its official schedule of films and events this week from their headquarters at Jengo's Playhouse in downtown Wilmington. The festival screens over 150 films from 23 different countries. Last minute additions include the Norwegian comedy Turn Me On Dammit!, which won best screenplay award at the Tribeca Film Festival. Cucalorus director Dan Brawley commented, "Cucalorus always uncovers a few gems from the festival circuit - films that won't really be released widely, but will light it up during awards season."

Happy, Happy (Sykt Lykkelig), Norway's official entry for Best Foreign Language Film for the 2011 Academy Awards, joined the list of several other notable narrative features. The striking French film Our Day Will Come is the first feature film by Romain Gavras, the director of M.I.A.'s controversial "Born Free" music video. Simon Arthur's Silver Tongues, winner of the Audience award at the Slamdance Film Festival, lures you into a series of dangerous mind games crafted by two devious lovers.

Vikram Gandhi's Kumare won the Audience Award for Best Documentary at SXSW. The playful yet genuine film about spirituality ventures into some uncomfortable territory. Defining Beauty: Ms. Wheelchair America looks at the cut-throat competition behind the scenes at this unique annual pageant. Several special guests will be on hand for its North Carolina premiere at Cucalorus.

Recognized for embracing unexpected moments, Cucalorus reaches beyond your average festival screening with an extensive list of special events. The festival opens on Thursday, November 10th with Dance-a-lorus, an exploration of film and dance at the historic Thalian Hall. In conjunction with the 25th anniversary of David Lynch's classic American indie, the festival will host a staged reading of the play Blue Velvet: The Musical. Other special events like Norwood Cheek's 10x10 and Visual Soundwalls solidify music's position as guest of honor at Cucalorus 17.

To purchase passes, up-to-the minute news, travel resources, and for a full schedule of films and events, visit http://www.cucalorus.org/. Passes are on sale through the festival's website and in person at the Jengo's Playhouse box office. Pass quantities are limited.

Cucalorus Film Festival
Jengo's Playhouse
815 Princess Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
http://www.cucalorus.org/