Film events

“Dryland” Documentary of a small town in the American West struggling for survival, fueled by ingenuity, heart, and axle grease. Josh Knodel, teaming with best friend Matt Miller and “Jaws” – a retired, decorated wheat combine – strives to bolster a small farm town in jeopardy and achieve victory in the annual Lind Combine Demolition Derby. Showings are today at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. The filmmakers will be present during today’s screening to lead discussion about the need to preserve family farms, while bridging gaps between urban and rural Americans. Cast members will be present at each screening. Ritz Theatre, 107 E. Main, Ritzville. (509) 659-1950.

“Escape in the Pacific: 1943” Documentary chronicles the only successful group escape from a Japanese prisoner of war camp during World War II. The Gonzaga University Alumni Association and KSPS will present a special screening of the film including discussion with John D. Lukacs, whose book inspired the documentary. The escape of the “Davao Dozen” and the revelations that followed, Lukacs asserts, changed the course of the war. Reservations are requested as seating is limited. Thursday, 7 p.m., Gonzaga University, Cataldo Hall, 502 E. Boone Ave. Free. (509) 313-5999.