LunaFest is an opportunity for all women to connect through film. LunaFest accepts film submissions October 1st through April 1st and seeks films created by, for, and about women. They are extremely helpful to charities and to local filmmakers who want their name out there. LunaFest not only benefits local filmmakers but also benefits charities. They are a great contributing factor to feminism and supports all women and the communities beyond that.

LunaFest is a “fundraiser-in-a-box” because 100% of all net proceeds are donated to charity such as local charities and the Breast Cancer Fund. 15% of every dollar goes to the Breast Cancer Fund and 85% of every dollar goes to the host’s local charity of choice. $3.6 million have been raised since it began in 2000. It was actually established by the makers of the Whole Nutrition Bar for Women. LunaFest costs $10 for a ticket to watch a 90 minute show of short films and it is a traveling film festival.

All of these films have to be less than 20 minutes long and they are about women’s health, motherhood, body image, aging, cultural diversity and breaking barriers. These films are made by anyone who enters the Lunafest contest or the makers and producers. It is a good way for female local filmmakers to be advertised and to also earn an additional $2,500 if the film is chosen by LunaFest’s Board of Advisors. Each time LunaFest does these showings, they show about eight or nine short films which are not formally rated, but is suggested for high school age or older.

LunaFest is a great way for women to connect and show their strengths. Women are still constantly being degraded and shown as weak, but LunaFest shows how women can be strong and independent. The majority of LunaFest programs are organized by nonprofit women’s organizations. LunaFest is most popular in colleges and has not formally been to a high school. Yet, six high school students participated in LunaFest this year. LunaFest is showing locally on November 12th, 5:00PM at the South Puget Community College.

You’ve probably heard the insult, “you throw like a girl” in your lifetime. It’s one of those insults that you don’t think is rude, but upon reflection, is incredibly sexist. Women constantly get paraded with stereotype. LunaFest is a great way for women to connect through the art of film.