Journalists learn never to say "only," because somebody in remote Idaho inevitably comes forward to challenge such claims. But I'll risk it: The Modern Film Fest must be the only event in America with a zombie walk, belly dancing and three days of quirky, unfamiliar independent movies.

It returns to the Gem Theatre in Kannapolis Friday with a lineup of North Carolina-made pictures, movies with well-known performers, one entry with a foot in both camps ("Witness Insecurity") and projects too strange to classify. ( modernfilmfest.com has the blow-by-blow.)

Artistic director Michael Knox takes pride in unearthing good work, so he's especially excited about "A Beginner's Guide to Endings." Harvey Keitel stars as a gambler who enrolled his children in experimental drug programs to pay debts; the grown kids realize their life spans were drastically shortened. Scott Caan and J.K. Simmons co-star.

"It sounds morose, but it's actually lighthearted," says Knox. "It's about how you give value to whatever time is left. I was surprised the distributor let a small festival get it, but it hasn't found a theatrical audience."

He also touts a diverse lineup of local releases. "Cold Storage," directed by Charlotte's Tony Elwood, stars Nick Searcy (who's in "Moneyball"). It's nominally a horror film but focuses on a gentle, mentally disabled man who turns violent to protect a girl.

Charlotte's Joanne Hock directed "Redneck Roots," a comedy about a woman who returns to the oddities and old ties of her hometown. Landis-based physician Eric Troyer co-wrote and produced "Witness Insecurity," about a young mobster (Edward Furlong) who seemingly betrays his father (Ed Asner).

The documentary "Firewall of Sound," about the way digital distribution changed the music business, will be followed by a Q-and-A with director Devin DiMattia and Dolph Ramseur, who manages the Avett Brothers and runs the Concord-based record label Ramseur Records.

And "The Trial," adapted from a novel by Charlotte attorney Robert Whitlow, stars Matthew Modine as a lawyer defending a man unjustly accused of murder.

Knox says local businesses helped more this year. For instance, Sleep Inn of Concord offered free rooms to out-of-state actors, directors and technicians.

Those include makeup artist Greyson Wolf (who worked on "True Blood") and sci-fi pin-up model Vera Von Munster, who'll be linked to the Idiot Circle Zombie Walk, held Friday at 7 p.m. in Veterans Park.

"We had 150 to 200 people in the walk last year," says Knox. "A city official told me, 'This is a bunch of young people. That's the demographic we never have at our events.' So we're bringing something valuable to the community."