WITH top new independent films from Canada and the United States, the eighth “Possible Worlds Film Festival” arrives at the ARC Cinema this week.

Screening in Canberra for the first time will be Sarah Polley’s documentary “Stories We Tell; Northern Light,” which charts the daily lives of families in recession-ravaged Michigan; “Lunarcy!”, a portrait of eccentrics and visionaries obsessed with the Moon; and Zach Clark’s Christmas film, “White Reindeer” (which is preceded by the short film, “Asian Gangs”).

The Canberra premiere on Wednesday, August 21 features “Lunarcy!”, which is described as “a wry portrait of geeks, oddballs & visionaries who are obsessed with the Moon”.

“We’re thrilled to bring new, highly acclaimed films from the US and Canada to Canberra,” says festival director Mathieu Ravier. “Possible Worlds is known as a friendly, inclusive event.”

To this end, the 7pm screenings of “Stories We Tell” and ‘Lunarcy!” will each be preceded by free drinks at 6pm.

The festival will run for three nights at ARC Cinema with the support of the High Commission of Canada in Australia and Cosmos. For the full program visit www.possibleworlds.net.au

“Possible Worlds Film Festival” at ARC Cinema, McCoy Circuit, Acton, National Film and Sound Archive, August 21 to 23, bookings to 6248 2000 or tickets at the door.