LUNAFEST® is Returning for its 5th Year

LUNAFEST® is back for its  5^th year! The festival will be held on October 24^th 2020. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. COVID-19 has put restrictions on everyone and just about everything in our lives these days. In an effort to be mindful and respectful of the limitations that COVID-19 has placed on each of us, Soroptimist International of Rio Vista has gotten creative in finding ways to raise funds that we use to present scholarships to the young women and girls within the Rio Vista community. Soroptimist will be breaking ground as one of a few clubs across the nation showing the LUNAFEST films in a virtual format. The October 24^th festival will be on Vimeo online platform. The films can be viewed on a smart phone, iPad, smart TV or any laptop. The viewing will be done on a Vimeo link that will be sent to ticketholders the morning of the event. The Vimeo application will need to be present or downloaded to the device. Tickets are $40 for 2 people in the viewing audience. Additional tickets may be purchased if showing the films to more than 2 people. Ticket holders will have 24 hours to view the films. A small gathering of family and/or friends will allow for social distancing and to enjoy the festival together. Each ticket holder will receive a special Movie Box for 2, filled with popcorn, movie candy, program, LunaBar and alcoholic beverage or soda. These boxes will be available for pick-up at a yet to be determined local location. The 2020 LUNAFEST® will be showing 7 short inspirational films about women by women film makers.

LUNAFEST® has worked for two decades to equalize the filmmaking industry where women have been painfully underrepresented in film. In 2001, LunaBar sponsored the first all-woman traveling film festival. The first event was a small but hopeful screening in California. Since then, LUNAFEST® and Chicken & Egg Pictures have opened the opportunities for more than 150 women filmmakers, putting them in the spotlight. And as Kit Crawford, founder & co-CEO insists, “telling stories that have to be told.”

This year’s films are as diverse as they come. Seven short films showcase the work of an array of talented women filmmakers with intelligent, funny and thought-provoking themes.

” Pure”, a lighthearted animated film by Kristen Lester, about a ball of yarn that gets a job at a fast-paced, high energy bro-tastic startup. Kristen Lester is known for her work at Pixar Animation Studios on the films “Finding Dory” and the new upcoming film “Onward.”

“Ballet After Dark” is directed by B. Monet a film maker known for her award-winning diverse film “Q.U.E.E.N”. The film delves into the life of a young woman who finds strength after an attack by creating an organization to help survivors of sexual abuse and domestic violence through dance therapy.

“Lady Parts” tells the story of a struggling actress that finally gets her big break, only to realize the glass ceiling can also be a camera lens.

All seven film descriptions and directors bios are listed by visiting  http://siriovista.org and clicking  the LUNAFEST® link.

This event is for 16 years of age and older due to occasional  mature subject matter.

Soroptimist International of Rio Vista proudly partners with LUNA, the first nutrition bar for women. LUNA has always believed in the power of women. From the beginning, LUNA knew women had a role to play in shaping the future of the film industry so in 2000, LUNAFEST® was born. In the last 16 years of LUNAFEST® festivals, $4.1 million has been raised by LUNA and 100% has gone to charity supporting women!

To purchase tickets to this exciting event, go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lunafest-sponsored-by-soroptimist-international-rio-vista-tickets-86953406981. If you have questions call Stacia Olson at (916) 716-4997. Please check out this movie trailer to see what is in store for you when you purchase your ticket to this very engaging and unique event. https://youtu.be/tipSF6Qo_QU

Soroptimist International is a global women’s organization whose members work to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading through education, social and economic empowerment. Programs focus on providing access to education, which is one of the most effective ways to end social problems disproportionately affecting women and girls. The proceeds from this event help fund local Soroptimist projects and scholarships.

Don’t miss these amazing films, recognizing women and celebrating our community, while having a great time.

Learn more about LUNAFEST® at www.lunafest.org.http://siriovista.orgwww.facebook.com/Soroptimist-International-of-Rio-Vista

If you are interested in learning more about the Soroptimist organization, please contact membership co-chair, Lupe Finch At 425-785-6725. Visit us at http://siriovista.org, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Soroptimist-International-of-Rio-Vista and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/si_riovista/.