Lunafest Festival features films by women about women

CARLSBAD — Soroptimist International will host this year’s Lunafest Film Festival, which features nine short films produced by women and about women.Film categories range from animation to drama and topics include unexpected takes on body image, motherhood, aging and breaking barriers.

Two films that will be shown are “Lady Razorbacks,” by Laura Green of San Francisco, and “A Reluctant Bride,” by Shideh Faramand of Australia.

“Lady Razorbacks” follows an East Palo Alto women’s rugby team of Pacific Islander women. The diverse group of churchgoers, teens and moms who are Samoans, Fijians, and Tongans discover a common ground, self-expression and sanctuary on the field.

“A Reluctant Bride” shares the story of a 28-year-old Persian woman who is bombarded by romantic setups after friends and family find out she is still unmarried at her younger sister’s engagement party.

The Lunafest Film Festival was established by Luna Whole Nutrition Bar for Women. The film festival travels across the U.S. and has been held in North County for 11 years. Proceeds from the event benefit the Breast Cancer Fund and a charity selected by the sponsor organization.

This year the event will help Soroptimist International of Oceanside, Vista and Carlsbad support community service programs.

“It’s the first time we’re doing this,” Jackie Piro, of Soroptimist International of Vista, said. “It’s unique for three Soroptimists to be teaming together.”

The focus of Soroptimist International is to improve the lives of women and girls locally and throughout the world.

“It gives us an opportunity to share what we do and why you should join,” Piro said. “We’re doing wonderful stuff.”

One focus of Soroptimist International of Vista is to bring attention to the problem of human trafficking and forced prostitution and support local efforts to stop it.

“It’s happening right here in our neighborhood,” Piro said. “There is a safe house here in Vista for women trying to turn their lives around.”

Soroptimist International of Vista raises funds to help support anti-trafficking efforts and other community services.

The organization and film festival are champions for women.

The Lunafest Film Festival will be held May 20 at the Carlsbad City Library located at 1775 Dove Lane. Seating is limited to 250.

A fundraising reception will be held at 1:30 p.m. Films will screen at 2:30 p.m.

The reception will include light refreshments, information tables and a raffle drawing.

Lunafest Film Festival tickets are $20 and can be purchased online at soroptimistvista.org/events.