A virtual film festival in York Region this weekend is shining a light on the power of women, a message shared by the hosts: the Aurora/Newmarket chapter of the Canadian Federation of University Women and Soroptomists of York Region.
This is the second time the women's organizations have partnered for a Lunafest event. The festival was launched in 2000 to showcase women in film and has since been hosted both in-person and virtually by Soroptomists clubs across Canada and the U.S.
“Our organizations are focused on empowering women so they can gain further education, better provide for their families, and thrive in the workforce. Lunafest is an important community event that helps support our collective efforts," said Lisa Walker, past president of Soroptimists York Region. "Our awards and programs simply would not exist if it weren’t for people attending Lunafest and our other events.”
This year the event is being held virtually from March 11 at 7 p.m. to March 13 at 7 p.m. The films can be viewed anytime during that window.
There are eight short films featured in the line up for a total run time of 80 minutes featuring an immigrant dog walker, a cartoonist, a mother-daughter house cleaning team and a 13- year-old girl who designed a mobile app to help kids stay connected to their incarcerated parents, to name a few.
One of the films is by Canadian filmmaker Andrea Dorfman of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Her short film How to be at Home is an animated poem about coping with COVID-19 isolation.
“These films will make you smile, make you think, and will initiate conversations about the many issues facing women today. They will generate ideas on how we each can make a difference in the lives of women,” said Shiela Ingle, community outreach chair of CFUW Aurora/Newmarket. “This is a perfect way to celebrate the spirit of International Women’s Day."
Lunafest falls on the weekend after International Women's Day, which was March 8. Tickets can be pre-ordered online and cost $20 for adults or $10 for students.
