The LUNAFEST Woman’s Day Festival will showcase films by women from all over the world.
The pre-screening reception begins at 6:30 p.m. on March 6 at the Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre. The films start at 7:15 p.m.
This is the first year there will be a pre-screening reception, said Lysa Salsbury, University of Idaho Women’s Center program coordinator. Local businesses Gnosh and Camas Prairie Winery will provide free appetizers and sell wine and beer. There will also be a raffle drawing for items donated by local businesses and organizations, as well as live music performed by Ben Solan. Tickets are $12 for the reception or $6 to watch the films and can be purchased at the Women’s Center, Book People of Moscow or at the door.
This is the Women’s Center’s 7th year putting on LUNAFEST.
Salsbury said the films vary in topics and style. Examples of topics include women’s health issues in developing nations, exploring and embracing solitude, the romantic challenges of being a transgender teenage girl, women in male-dominated sports, social expectations and restrictions for women in various cultures.
Clif Bar, the company that owns the trademark for LUNA bar, started the film festival 11 years ago to create a vehicle to showcase women’s artistic talents in film making, Salsbury said.
“Women in the art world are so underrepresented, and this is an opportunity where attention can be drawn to women’s film making and contributions to this world,” she said.
Salsbury said the Guerrilla Girls are an activist movement that started in 1985 and brought to light how few women artists are displayed in major galleries. She said 95 percent of artists and actors displayed are men.
“This is also a great opportunity to see independent films,” Salsbury said. “Hollywood blockbuster and mainstream movies are really what are only available.”
Shaina Craner, UI senior, has attended the LUNAFEST for the past three years and helped organize the event her freshman year.
“I’ve cried at least once in the past three years,” Craner said. “It’s a great place to talk about women’s issues in a safe environment.”
LUNA bar invites film students and other independent filmmakers from all over the world to submit their films and go through a juried film process by distinguished judges, Salsbury said. She said hundreds of films are submitted and judged, but only the best ten are chosen These are short films that can last anywhere between one and twenty minutes.
Any organization can apply to host the LUNAFEST cost-free. LUNA bar sends the films that will be showcased, the template to print the posters, and the promotional plan to follow, Salsbury said. She said proceeds will go to the Breast Cancer Fund, for research in environmental causes such as cosmetics and the possible links between breast cancer and consuming foods that have been genetically modified or treated with certain chemicals.
The host organization receives a minimum donation of $250 or 15 percent of proceeds, and the remaining proceeds go to The Breast Caner Fund for research.
“In the past it has never been a fundraiser because the costs outweigh the revenue from ticket sales,” she said
“They are all very moving and innovated and won’t be seen again because once the film tour is over, there is no way of seeing them again,” Salsbury said. “Bring a group of your girlfriends, enjoy inspiring films and great food.”