A Carrboro tradition returns this weekend with some exciting new additions. The 9th annual Carrboro Film Festival takes place on November 22nd and 23rd, and it’s back once again at the Century Center after last year’s split into two venues. However, this year will see some fun new features for cinephiles – and best of all, they’re free.

Scary movie buffs will love the all-new “Block of Horror,” a chilly Saturday night triple bill of two short films and a feature that are sure to send a shiver down your spine. Those interested in the technical aspects of filmmaking can partake in two free workshops with established filmmakers. The first, kicking off the festival from 10 – 11:30 am on Saturday, will show how to capture footage with drone technology. The second, running Saturday afternoon from 2 – 3:15 pm, will cover the process of making a movie with acclaimed filmmaker Jon Kasbe.

Film festival coordinator Nic Beery says Kasbe’s workshop is what’s exciting him the most about this year’s festival. “Jon’s films have been honored by President Obama and it’s easy to see why – they are stunning and moving,” he says. “He is also bringing some musical friends Saturday night, so bring your dancing shoes!”

The festival will show films separated into blocks, with Q&As with filmmakers following each block. And it’ll wrap up with an after-party at Open Eye Cafe, open to the public, beginning Sunday at 7:45. Tickets are on sale now, and run only $18 for both days of films.

“I think Orange County loves the film festival because it features films that are independent, edgy and incredible,” says Beery. “These are films you won’t see at the multiplex and that are so under-served. It is our honor to shine as bright a light on them as we can each November in Carrboro. In addition, many of the filmmakers show up and answer the audience’s questions, and that adds so much to the festival. It really is a magical weekend.”

Beery says it’s impossible to narrow down the best films of the weekend, but he’s provided a preview of films from five different genres:

Bombshell (Film Block #8 – Sunday, 5:30pm – 7:30pm)

BOMBSHELL

“A lesbian film that is universal. Brother and sister get involved with a couple bullies. Sister takes charge, and the surprise ending is a winner.”

Mipso in Japan (Film Block #3 – Saturday, 7:00pm – 8:30pm)

Mipso in Japan

“Jon Kasbe’s film about the bluegrass band Mipso. A reviewer recently called it a ‘masterpiece’ and I agree.”

Talking Carl Talks Too Much (Film Block # 2 – Saturday, 3:30pm – 5:15pm)

TalkingCarlTalksTooMuch

“Wow. A short comedy that is so different and irreverent. Jason Dec from LA made this, and it stars the actor who plays Jerry in Parks and Rec.”

Pieces of Talent (Film Block # 4 – Saturday, 9:00pm – 11:30pm)

PiecesOfTalent

“One of our horror films during the FREE Saturday night block. Joe Stauffer from Fuquay-Varina made this film, and it is doing very well on the festival circuit. I don’t usually like horror films, but this one hooked me. Two of the lead actors will be in attendance.”

Christiania – 40 Years of Occupation (Film Block # 1 – Saturday, 12:00pm – 1:45pm)

Christiania

“This film tells the story of a 40-year-old squatter community occupying an abandoned military base in the center of Copenhagen, Denmark. This film should resonate with many in our community, and we are proud to present it.”