Awards season may be just around the corner for the major Hollywood blockbusters, but for the best indie short films from award-winning women directors, tickets are on sale for LUNAFEST Oswego Saturday, Feb. 8.
The Oswego Cultural Arts Commission celebrates women in the arts with the return of LUNAFEST, a fundraising film festival of shorts by and about women Saturday, Feb. 8, in Oswego. This year’s lineup includes the unique opportunity to see the latest works by directors who have been screened at Cannes, SXSW, Raindance, and Tribeca Film Fest, 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 up.
• Purl (2018). Directors 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). Director 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). Director Lisa Donato. A trans woman must dress like a man to say goodbye to her dying grandmother.
• Xmas Cake – This American Shelf-life (2019). Directors 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). Director 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). Directors 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). Director 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, raffles, film discussion, and an opportunity to make and take a film-inspired artistic creation. Complimentary coffee, hot chocolate, and light fare are included. Soft drinks, bottled water, and wine will be available for purchase.
Tickets to this year’s LUNAFEST are $21 in advance, plus a $2.91 online ticketing fee. Purchase tickets by 11:59 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7, at lunafest.eventbrite.com. Tickets will be $28 at the door.
— LUNAFEST Oswego