Combining good deeds with good movies, the nonprofit Two River Film Festival gets under way today with a four-day festival featuring an award winner from the Cannes Film Festival, challenging documentaries and short films, plus gala receptions and civic-minded symposia.

One of the highlights of this year's festival is opening night's New Jersey premiere of "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly," based on the saga of a French magazine editor's struggle to overcome a debilitating stroke. It won Julian Schnabel a best director award at this year's Cannes festival.

Schnabel also is represented at the festival with his "Berlin," a film record of Lou Reed performing a live concert of his "Berlin" album.

"The theme of the festival this year is perspectives, and we think the festival reflects that, starting with our poster art (by artist Amalia Caputo), and in all our films," said festival founder Rosellen Otrakji, Rumson.

In keeping with that theme, Otrakji cited films such as "El Benny," about the complicated life of an Afro-Cuban musician who flourished in the pre-Castro years; "Into Great Silence," a documentary from a German filmmaker about an isolated French monastery; "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly," Schnabel's film about courage; and "Persepolis," a feature focusing on the coming-of-age of a young Iranian girl during the Islamic Revolution.

"Plus, we'll have experts talking about the films and giving us their perspectives on them," Otrakji said. "There will be no scripted talks; no lobbyists will be allowed in the room, only scholars and the film we see on the big screen."

Once again, the festival is partnered with Monmouth University in West Long Branch. Screenings and events will take place on campus at the Jules L. Plangere Jr. Center for Communication and Instructional Technology and at Pollak Theater off Cedar Avenue.

Clearview Cinemas in Red Bank will host four premieres, and on Nov. 19, the festival will present the Holocaust/Genocide Educational Signature event, to be held at the Two River Theater on Bridge Avenue in Red Bank.

Proceeds go to area charities and nonprofit organizations, including Big Brother and Big Sister of Monmouth County, the Hunger Site, Prevention First and 180NJ.

Following is a list of events and screenings to take place at the TRFF. Tickets are $10 and $7 for seniors at Clearview Cinemas' screenings. Tickets for the Monmouth University screenings are $10, $15, $20 and $30; $100 for movie and receptions; $200 for a festival pass for one and $350 for a festival pass for two. Call (732) 923-4751 or visit www.tworiverfilmfestival.com for more information.