ActionFest returns to Asheville on April 12-15 to once again showcase the most exciting action films from around the globe and feature live stunt performances.

The festival will also continue to pay tribute to Hollywood’s stunt men and women, fight choreographers, and 2nd unit directors.

Haywire star Gina Carano will be the recipient of the inaugural Chick Norris Award at the 2012 festival. The Chick Norris Award honors the Best Female Action Star of the year, in a play off the attitude, spirit, athleticism and grit of Hollywood legend Chuck Norris, who was awarded ActionFest’s inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010. This year, that honor goes to the legendary stuntman Mickey Gilbert.

ActionFest is the only international film festival devoted exclusively to action cinema and its unsung heroes, the men and women who put the action into action films. The 2012 film line up, information about celebrity attendees, and badge sales are upcoming at www.actionfest.com.