Women's Film Festival LUNAFEST Comes to Rio Vista

LUNAFEST®, the fundraising film festival dedicated to amplifying stories by women and gender nonconforming filmmakers, and bringing people together in their communities, will be hosted by Soroptimist International of Rio Vista (SIRV) on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 2 pm at D.H. White Elementary School, 500 Elm Way in Rio Vista.

LUNAFEST believes that sharing diverse perspectives can spark conversation, connection, and change. In a span of 90 minutes, these seven films tackle universal themes of friendship, bravery, and community—while also breaking down barriers and celebrating the importance of finding joy. The films feature strong women, powerful images, and impactful language, and therefore LUNA recommends age 13+ for viewing.

All proceeds from this LUNAFEST event will benefit SIRV scholarship programs and Chicken & Egg Pictures, a nonprofit organization that supports women nonfiction filmmakers whose artful and innovative storytelling catalyzes social change. Since 2001, LUNAFEST, which is created and funded by LUNA®, has raised more than $7 million for nonprofit organizations, featured 175 women filmmakers, and hosted over 2,900 screenings across the US. and Canada.

Among the short films to be screened at this year’s LUNAFEST are “Reclaim Your Water,” from a Portland, Oregon filmmaker about her newfound love of surfing, skating and making waves. Another film, “Swimming Through,” features the friendship of three women as they do a daily sunrise plunge in frigid Lake Michigan.

Attendees will be able to watch the films and partake in a fancy Nacho Bar. No-host cocktails and movie concessions will be available for purchase. Among other planned activities are the popular Designer Handbag Raffle and presentation of the club’s Live Your Dream Award and the Violet Richardson Award.

SIRV is a group of business, professional and retired women working to provide women and girls access to education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. The club has a rich history of providing the community with scholarships, awards and donations for local programs, having given back over $75,000 over the past five years.

Among their yearly programs are sponsorship of the S Club at Rio Vista High School, fundraisers such as Bingo Night and the Freezer & Meat Raffle, and presentation of high school student scholarships, the Women’s Empowerment Award and the awards being given out at LUNAFEST.

Tickets for LUNAFEST are $45 per person and can be purchased online at https://siriovista.org or in person at Waldie & Associates Real Estate, Donnelly Floral & Event Design Shop, or Dr. Vera Sunada’s office. For more information, contact Monica Awender at 707-580-1302 or Stacia Olson at 916-716-4997.