Virtual film fest features documentaries by and about women
March 22, 2021
(From press release) Soroptimist International of Davis is a local host for LUNAFEST, an all-documentary lineup of seven short films by female filmmakers, which begins streaming on April 23.
The gender disparity in film is real. Women are still underrepresented in this medium where, in the last 13 years, 4.8% of directors are female. However, change is happening. Research from the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative reports that 10.6% of the directors of 2019’s top movies were women — the highest in more than a decade.
For 20 years, The LUNA Bar brand has inspired women, championed change, and demanded that equality is a right. These values fueled LUNA to create LUNAFEST, the first all-female traveling film festival, now in its 20th season, and screening virtually in 2021. This year’s films are:
- “Overexposed: Filming an Arctic Odyssey” by Holly Morris: A behind-the-scenes look at the film team that captured the daring story of the Women’s Euro-Arabian North Pole Expedition.
- “Knocking Down the Fences” by Meg Shutzer: A.J. Andrews, the first woman to win a Rawlings Gold Glove Award, struggles to make it as one of the best professional softball players in the world.
- “A Line Birds Cannot See” by Amy Bench: Separated from her mother at the border, a 12-year-old sets out on a harrowing journey to the United States to find her.
- “The Scientists Versus Dartmouth” by Sharon Shattuck: A young neuroscientist and her colleagues make a life-changing decision to speak up for women in science everywhere.
- “Until She is Free” By Maria Finitzo: Mixed-media artist Sophia Wallace imagines a culturally literate world, where all people are equal and able to live with rich possibility and purpose.
- “Connection” by Tracy Nguyen-Chung & Ciara Lacy: A lifelong angler, Autumn Harry had never fished beyond the waters of her reservation – until she picked up a fly rod.
- “Betye Saar: Taking Care of Business” by Christine Turner: There’s no stopping this legendary artist, even at age 93.
What: Soroptimist International of Davis presents LUNAFEST: Films by and about women When: Friday, April 23. Available to stream for 48 hours, starting at 7 p.m. Where: Your home Cost: $25 general, $40 household, $15 student Tickets: https://sidavis.org |
The 2021 films will be available for 48 hours, starting at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 23. Tickets are $25 general, $40 for a household and $15 for students. To purchase tickets, visit https://sidavis.org. The total running time for the seven short films is 86 minutes. Following the films, there’s a short video from Soroptimist International of Davis, outlining how its programs improve the lives of women and girls in Yolo County.
All proceeds from LUNAFEST benefit Soroptimist International of Davis as well as Chicken & Egg Pictures, a nonprofit organization that supports female nonfiction filmmakers. In the last two decades, LUNAFEST has raised more than $6 million for nonprofit organizations, featured 170 female filmmakers, and hosted more than 2,500 screenings across North America.
Soroptimist is a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. Founded in Oakland in 1921, it’s celebrating its 100th anniversary. Its core values are gender equality, empowerment, education, diversity and fellowship. Learn more about the Davis club at https://sidavis.org.
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