Avalon, AFI Alternatives Have Substance and Style

So you're looking for something without computer-generated effects? Something more challenging, or thoughtful, or provocative? Something in which people actually converse in another language? Something with subtitles? Or just a great old classic? Washington does have its own aesthetic asylums, such as the Avalon Theatre and the American Film Institute. Here's a selection of highlights to expect from them this summer.

AVALON THEATRE (5612 Connecticut Ave. NW; 202-966-6000)

· "Another Road Home," opening Friday (see capsule review on Page 35), likely will play through May. The documentary is about Israeli filmmaker Danae Elon's quest to find Mahmoud "Musa" Obeidallah, the Palestinian man who helped raise her from the time she was a baby until she joined the Israeli army. Elon's journey takes her from her home in New York to an Arab American neighborhood in New Jersey and finally to the West Bank and Jerusalem.

Elon will appear at the 8 p.m. Saturday show to introduce the movie and talk to the audience afterward. The event will be hosted by CBS correspondent Howard Arenstein. There will be a reception afterward at Mimi's American Bistro (2120 P St. NW). Elon will also attend the 2:30 Sunday showing and Tuesday's 7:15 show for two more post-screening discussions. Admission to this and all Avalon screenings is $9.50.

· At noon Sunday, the Avalon will offer a free screening of "Deep Blue" (see capsule description on Page 31) for Avalon's Annual Community Open House. For more Avalon events over the summer and other information, visit http://www.theavalon.org/ .

AMERICAN FILM INSTITUTE SILVER THEATRE (8633 Colesville Rd., Silver Spring; 301-495-6720)

Events this summer include:

· "Golden Years: The Later Films of Luis Buñuel," through May 30.

· The films of Sam Peckinpah, Friday through June 12.

· The films of Henry Fonda, Friday through June 6.

· Films based on John le Carre novels, Sunday through June 8.

· "Nollywood and Beyond," films from Africa, May 21 through June 1.