In a world where reality shows inundate Americans with staged fights and fake emotional breakdowns, Albert Maysles takes comfort in actuality.

His documentary, “”Grey Gardens,”” will capture center stage when The Loft Cinema kicks off its new “”Essential Cinema Series”” on Sunday.

Maysles’ myriad of subjects indicates the range of his interests in culture, said media arts professor Mary Beth Haralovich.

The series will feature their choice of classic films, which have been newly restored on 35mm prints, said Jeff Yanc, program director for the Loft.

“”We wanted to give people the actual experience of seeing them the way they are meant to be seen,”” he said.

“”Grey Gardens”” documents the strange lives of Edith Bouvier Beale and her daughter “”Little Edie.”” Distant cousins of former First Lady Jackie Onassis, Beale and her daughter mumble around a decaying house where they have become recluses in the shadow of the Kennedy clan.

“”Grey Gardens”” became somewhat of a cult classic in the 1970s, when “”Little Edie’s”” clothing, fashioned from bed sheets and curtains, became popular. A narrative version of the story is being filmed, starring Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange, and is scheduled for release in 2009.

Maysles films from a variety of perspectives and is credited with establishing the cinema vǸritǸ, or fly-on-the-wall approach.

Lisanne Skyler, a local filmmaker, screenwriter and UA assistant media arts professor, said Albert Maysles is the Martin Scorsese of documentary film.

“”What it takes to be able to blend all of those different situations is mind-boggling. He is really committed to the real,”” Skyler said.

Maysles will be at the screening to present the film and answer questions. The monthly film screenings will be free to the public.

“”Grey Gardens”” is showing at The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. on Sunday at 1 p.m. and Monday at 7 p.m.