Lunafest Film Festival Visits Redlands

LUNAFEST: It’s not the name of a cosmic event, it’s a film collection by women filmmakers highlighting issues concerning women and showcasing the works of women filmmakers across the United States. Recently, two Redlands groups, Zonta and the American Association of University Women (AAUW), came together to present LUNAFEST to the community to raise funds for local scholarships for women and girls. Established in 2000 by LUNA, the makers of the Whole Nutrition Bar for Women, LUNAFEST connects women, their stories and their causes through film. This traveling film festival spotlights the work of a diverse array of women filmmakers with intelligent, funny and thought-provoking themes. The dual purpose of LUNFEST is to honor and highlight outstanding film-making by a variety of women and to provide a vehicle for helping non-profits raise funds for their designated causes. Kay Dobbertin, AAUW president, has been active in the organization for 30 years. This is the second year LUNAFEST has been presented by AAUW and their goal is to host one every year and increase the number of attendees. This year over 250 participants came and Dobbertin said, “It’s such a quality production. The films they choose are fabulous and it brings women and men together.” The festival was held at the ESRI auditorium in Redlands and included a reception for participants. The response from attendees was positive with many repeat viewers. The films that were shown included topics such as immigration, a young girl with Gilles de la Tourette’s syndrome, a female wrestler on an all-boys team and some grandmothers who get together to play basketball with each other. Dobbertin says, “The Festival promotes awareness about women’s issues and brings women together in their communities. It is a wonderful way to see a variety of short films by women and to give back to the community at the same time.” [END] LUNAFEST.It’s not the name of a solar event, it’s a film collection by women filmmakers highlighting issues concerning women and showcasing the works of women filmmakers across the United States. Two groups in Redlands; Zonta and the American Association of University Women came together to present LUNAFEST to the community on Friday April 4, 2014 to raise funds for local scholarships for women and girls. Established in 2000 by LUNA, the makers of the Whole Nutrition Bar for Women, LUNAFEST connects women, their stories and their causes through film. This traveling film festival spotlights the work of a diverse array of talented women filmmakers with intelligent, funny and thought-provoking themes. The dual purpose of LUNFEST: to honor and highlight outstanding filmmaking by a variety of women and to provide a vehicle for helping nonprofits raise funds for their designated causes, 15% of the proceeds will also go towards the Breast Cancer Fund. Kay Dobbertin has been active with American Association of University Women (AAUW) for 30 years, AAUW and is the current president. AAUW picked Lunafest as a fundraiser because one of the members of AAUW enjoyed it so much after attending one and suggested they host one. This is the second year LUNAFEST has been presented by AAUW and their goal is to host one every year with increased attendance at each one. This year around 250 participants came and Bobbertin said, “it’s such a quality production, the films they choose are fabulous and it brings women and men together.” AAUW is the nation’s leading voice promoting equity and education for women and girls. Since their founding in 1881, AAUW members have examined and taken positions on the fundamental issues of the day-educational, social, economic, and political. In addition to providing scholarships to local women and supporting adult literacy, the Redlands Branch of AAUW sponsors two annual STEM conferences for 900 eighth grade girls. Zonta is an international service organization of professional women and men founded in 1919 whose mission is to advance the status of women locally and worldwide. The Zonta Club of Redlands is involved in a variety of community activities including providing scholarships for women to advance their education, and supporting literacy programs and other service organizations. The festival was shown at the ESRI auditorium in Redlands and included a reception for participants. The response was positive, with people returning from last year’s event to attend this year’s event. The films that were shown included topics such as; immigration, a young girl with Gilles de la Tourette’s syndrome, a female wrestler on an all-boys team and some grandmothers who get together to play basketball with each other. Dobbertin says, “The Festival promotes awareness about women’s issues, and brings women together in their communities. It is a wonderful way to see a variety of short films by women and to give back to the community at the same time. It was a wonderful and enjoyable evening and we are grateful to ESRI for donating the use of their auditorium.” For more information on Lunafest, go to http://www.lunafest.org/our-story [END] 2nd Annual LUNAFEST Film Festival Date: Friday, April 04, 2014 Time: 5:30 p.m. Event Location: ESRI Auditorium Address: 380 New York Street Redlands CA 92373 Description: The LUNAFEST Fundraising Film Festival is in its 14th year nationally.