It may be awards season for Hollywood blockbusters, but this year films from some of the best new directors of the indie circuit will come straight to Oswego.
The Oswego Cultural Arts Commission will celebrate women in the arts with the return of LUNAFEST, a fundraising film festival of shorts, by and about women, Saturday, Feb. 8, at the Oswego Village Hall, 100 Parkers Mill, Oswego. Doors will open at 3 p.m. and screenings will begin at 4 p.m.. A 30-minute intermission will take place following the first four films. Total run time for the films is 96 minutes.
This year’s lineup includes the unique opportunity to see the latest works by directors who have been screened at Cannes, SXSW, and Palm Springs ShortFest, among other prestigious festivals.
This year’s films cover topics such as identity, aging, life changes, and breaking through gender barriers. Films featured at LUNAFEST are not rated, however, organizers suggest that this year’s lineup will be most suited to viewers ages 14 and older.
• Purl (2018). Directed by Kristen Lester and Gillian Libbert-Duncan. An earnest ball of yarn gets a job at a fast-paced, high-energy, bro-tastic start-up.
• Ballet After Dark (2019). Directed by B. Monet. A young woman finds strength after an attack by creating an organization to help survivors of sexual abuse and domestic violence through dance therapy.
• There You Are (2018). Directed by Lisa Donato. A trans woman must dress like a man to say goodbye to her dying grandmother.
• Xmas Cake – This American Shelf-life (2019). Directed by Petra Hanson and May Yam. This coming-of-middle-age story follows a pop singer’s journey from hot to not, and what ensues across cultures from New York to Tokyo.
• Game (2017). Directed by Jeannie Donohoe. A new kid in town shows up at the high school boys’ basketball tryouts and instantly makes an impression. Will talent and drive be enough to make the team?
• Lady Parts (2019). Directed by Erin Rye and Jessica Sherif. A struggling actor finally gets her big break, only to realize the glass ceiling can be a camera lens.
• How to Swim (2018). Directed by Noa Gusakov. In the last days of her pregnancy, a terrified mother-to-be kidnaps a maternal stranger for an afternoon of hijinks.
In addition to the films, this year’s event will include a celebration of the arts with live artist demonstrations. There will be a raffle, film discussion, and an opportunity to make and take film-inspired artistic creation. Complimentary coffee, hot chocolate, and light fare included. Soft drinks, bottled water, and wine available for purchase. (Must be 21 or older and show photo ID to consume alcohol.)
Tickets to this year’s LUNAFEST costs are $23.91 in advance. Purchase tickets by 11:59 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7, at lunafest.eventbrite.com. All fees included.
Tickets are $28 at the door, if seating remains available. Cash and credit accepted at the door.
Proceeds from LUNAFEST will benefit Mutual Ground in its mission to create a community free of domestic and sexual violence through its shelter and education programs, as well as Chicken & Egg Pictures, a national nonprofit organization that supports women nonfiction filmmakers whose artful and innovative storytelling catalyzes social change. Thus far, LUNAFEST, which is created and funded by LUNA, The Whole Nutrition Bar for Women, has raised more than $5.2 Million for nonprofit organizations across the U.S. and Canada.
For more information visit www.GoOswego.org.
—Village of Oswego