A new film festival is coming. That’s enough to catch the attention of many arts-loving readers. There’s more, though, to Olympia’s newest celebration of cinema. And it is near and dear to this indie-film fan and writer.
Soroptimist International of Olympia brings us LUNAFEST, a presentation of some of the world’s best short films created by women. This upcoming fundraiser is a production of LUNA, the creator of the popular nutrition bar for women. Karen Hall, Fundraising Chair for our local branch of Soroptimist International, is excited to connect with a company who shares their motive.
Soroptimist International is a global women’s group serving to transform and encourage the lives and dreams of other women and girls. They were founded in 1921 in Oakland, California. Around 80,000 volunteers from 130 countries now engage in endeavors of social and economic empowerment. Members include many strong professionals and leaders, successful volunteers and philanthropists. Soroptimist International of Olympia (SIO) has been actively upholding the cause, investing hope and support in local women, since 1941.
I am one of those women. In 2012, I had just returned to college at the age of 40. I was daunted by tackling a degree at that age and as a single parent. Honestly, I felt a bit out to sea with my new chapter of life, far from the shores of success. Through The Evergreen State College, now my beloved alma mater, I learned about the SIO “Women’s Opportunity Award” (now called “Live Your Dream”), applied for it and was chosen as a recipient. The financial award was of course a needed, appreciated boost, yet the moral support I found from these women was the gleaming beacon I needed even more.
I will never forget the combined sense of poise, confidence and experience radiating in the room full of women who greeted me for that award. They emanated acceptance and surety that their faith and funds were being well placed. This happened again last year when they chose me for a continuation of the award. The Soroptimists, the other recipient and I – all women with our own stories, challenges, successes, failures and budgets – were as equals that evening. Our commonality bound us together while differences were present but insignificant.
This is exactly why LUNAFEST pairs with SIO’s mission so well. Hall calls it “a perfect attachment to what we do as an organization.” The films are the winners of 950 entries from women of varied backgrounds and experiences. What they have in common is that they’re from deeply inspired, artistic minds of female filmmakers. LUNA decided to address gender disparity in filmmaking 15 years ago by creating the festival. Suzy Starke German, LUNAFEST Program Manager, writes, “…LUNA has been championing women for over 15 years with programs that inspire and support equality and a voice for women. It’s in our DNA, what drives us, and is at the very core of what we do.”
The festival’s endorsement of women’s equal abilities, enhanced by its fundraising for The Breast Cancer Fund, immediately drew SIO’s attention. The annual event is also a fundraiser for women’s non-profit organizations who host it. When SIO discovered LUNAFEST, as Hall puts it, “It was like putting our coat on.” They’ve been raising money for their “Live Your Dream” awardees and other beneficiaries through efforts such as their Spring Fundraiser and Bottle Auction for nearly 75 years. As I’ve personally witnessed, these women put great effort into what they do. Events typically take heaps of time and energy to plan and execute. For LUNAFEST, finding sponsorship and securing a good venue was the bulk of the work. Now Smith eagerly awaits both her first viewing from LUNA and hosting SIO’s first LUNAFEST event.
The showing will be at South Puget Sound Community College in Building 26, Room 105 on January 30, 2016. A reception begins at 6:30 p.m. with the show beginning at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $15 for general admission, $10 for students and VIP, and are reportedly selling quite quickly through Brown Paper Tickets.
As the LUNAFEST website promises, we can look forward to 6 short films compiled into 85 minutes of “reflection, hope and humor” through fantastic storytelling and film craft. Don Francisco’s Coffee is generously sponsoring the site fee and donating coffee to the event.
It will be interesting to see who shows up to enjoy this experience. While it is indeed by and for the benefit of women, it’s certainly not solely for a female audience. It is for anyone, for all of us to celebrate excellent filmmaking and to expand our understanding and support of women’s worth. Hall surmises that everyone might be enlightened. “No matter what film they attach themselves to,” she says, “they will find something that touches their heart.”
