BY KAREN BOSSICK
A young woman finds strength by creating an organization to help survivors of sexual assault through dance therapy after she herself is attacked in the film “Ballet After Dark.” A coming-of-middle-age story follows a pop singer’s journey from hot to not in “Xmas Cake—This American Shelf-Life.”
A new kid in town shows up at a high school boys’ basketball tryouts intent making the town, even though she has two X chromosomes in “Game.” And a terrified mother-to-be kidnaps a maternal stranger for an afternoon of hijinks in the movie “How to Swim.”
There’s even a short animation titled “Purl” about an earnest ball of yarn.
These will be among the short films show in 2020’s Lunafest, a fundraising film festival dedicated to promoting awareness about women’s issues. The festival, rated “E for Equal,” features films by and about women.
And this year Lunafest is virtual so the films can be watched from anywhere over a 24-hour period.
Girls on the Run will host Lunafest to raise funds for its programs for third- through eighth-grade girls in the Wood River and Magic Valleys on Thursday, Nov. 19. Films can be viewed from 9 a.m. that day until 9 a.m. Friday, Nov. 20.
The online auction accompanying the film fest will include a collection of items, including a Sun Valley season ski pass and a North Valley Trails pass from BCRD, JAM Designs accessories, a night’s lodging at Ketchum Limelight Hotel and a Sawtooth Valley getaway. It will be open from Nov. 16-22. Those who wish to donate goods or services can email bridget.posson@girlsontherun.org.
Girls on the Run offers confidence-building games and exercises to teach girls to make intentional decisions out of care and compassion for self and others. The season culminates in a community-building fun run.
This year’s Lunafest features seven short films with a total running program of 96 minutes. The films range from animation to fictional drama and cover such topics as women’s health, motherhood, body image, aging, cultural diversity and breaking barriers.
Tickets are $25 for general admission and $15 for youth or seniors, available at https://www.gotrsouthernidaho.org/lunafestThose holding watch parties at home are encouraged to have all guests buy their own ticket to support the organization.
Call 208-788-7863 for more information.