What to know about Lunafest, a virtual film festival that benefits Centre Safe
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 virtually by Centre Safe March 24-26. Proceeds raised will directly benefit clients served by Centre Safe and help provide critical services in Centre County, including counseling, advocacy, legal support, safe custody exchanges, supervised visitation, outreach and education connected to all forms of interpersonal violence.
Lunafest believes that sharing diverse perspectives can spark conversation, connection and change. In a span of 90-plus minutes, these films address universal themes of friendship, bravery and community — while also breaking down barriers and celebrating the importance of finding joy.
All proceeds from this Lunafest event will benefit Centre Safe 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 more than 2,900 screenings across the US. and Canada.
Centre Safe (www.centresafe.org) is a nonprofit organization with a mission to empower survivors and end violence. From its 24/7 hotline and confidential counseling to legal support and safe custody exchanges, Centre Safe provides a variety of important services throughout Centre County. Its mission is to empower survivors and end violence. One way you can help in that mission is to take part in Lunafest as a sponsor, Watch Party host, ticket holder, or donor.
Become a Sponsor
Blue Moon: $500 — You get: your company’s name and logo on all advertising and Centre Safe’s website and social media; your company’s name and logo on the screen before viewing and recognition in the thank you video; certificate of recognition; four complimentary tickets to Lunafest
Full Moon: $250 — You get: your company’s name and logo on the screen before viewing and recognition in the thank you video; your company’s name and logo on Centre Safe’s website and social media; certificate of recognition; three complimentary tickets to Lunafest.
Halfmoon: $150 You get: Certificate of recognition and recognition in the thank you video; your company’s name and logo on Centre Safe’s website and social media; two complimentary tickets to Lunafest.
Visit weblink.donorperfect.com/LUNAFEST_SPONSOR to choose your sponsorship level.
How to host a Lunafest Watch Party
It is easy — just follow these steps:
Invite your group: Call your friends over, invite colleagues, loved ones, and more to settle in for 90 minutes of powerful films.
After you purchase your Watch Party reservation you will be sent a link to the Lunafest films, which will be active from 7 p.m. Friday, March 24 through 7 p.m. Sunday, March 26. Instructions for viewing on your device will be included. You will also receive information from Lunafest for tech support (it is not complicated, promise).
Ask your guests for donations to Centre Safe at your party. Any amount is appreciated. The Watch Party that raises the most money will receive prizes! Checks can be made payable to Centre Safe (write Lunafest in memo line). Donations can also be made through our website.
Make the party as simple or snazzy as you like! Add a signature cocktail or have hot chocolate in your favorite mugs — make it your own.
You can also host a virtual party with a Zoom or FaceTime discussion afterwards. The movies are always thought provoking.
Call Centre Safe at 814-238-7066 with any questions, or you can e-mail me at jpencek@centresafe.org.
More information:
When: 7 p.m. March 24-7 p.m. March 26
Where: Virtual
Tickets: General Admission – $15; Student price – $10; Household – $25; Watch Party – $100
Purchase tickets: tinyurl.com/4sm8ty2n
Get ready to #PlayAPart and see the world through a new lens. Details on the featured films are below:
“Reclaim Your Water: Natasha Smith” (5:00) As a member of the Ebony Beach Club, Natasha Smith surfs, skates, and makes her own waves. Filmmaker: Faith E. Briggs (Portland, OR)
“Miss Chelove: From Java to the Streets of D.C.” (15:00) As she paints a mural, artist Cita Sadeli (aka Miss Chelove) opens up about her life, her cultural heritage, and how she fell in love with graffiti in the 1980s. Filmmaker: Sara T. Gama (Reston, VA)
“Pete” (7:00) The true story of Pete Barma explores gender identity, Little League Baseball, the people who inspire change by being themselves, and the superheroes who champion that change. Filmmakers: Bret Parker and Pete Barma (San Francisco, CA)
“This is Beth” (17:00) As celebrated rock climber Beth Rodden grapples with her body image, she rediscovers the love of her sport... and herself. Filmmaker: Jen Randall (Squamish, British Columbia)
“More Than I Want to Remember” (14:30) After her southeastern Congo village is bombed, 14-year-old Mugeni sets out on a remarkable solo journey across the globe, determined to reunite with her lost loved ones and lift up the Banyamulenge people. Filmmaker: Amy Bench (Austin, TX)
“Syed Family Xmas Eve Game Night” (11:00) All cards are on the table when Noor, a queer Pakistani Muslim woman, brings her Puerto Rican girlfriend, Luz, home for the first time on the family’s annual game night. Filmmakers: Fawzia Mirza and Kausar Mohammed (Glendale, CA)
“Swimming Through” (15:30) Amid a brutal Chicago winter and the global pandemic, Deirdre, Helen, and Jennefer’s friendship grows as they commit to a daily sunrise plunge together in Lake Michigan. Filmmaker: Samantha Sanders (Chicago, IL)
Learn more about Centre Safe at www.centresafe.org and/or Lunafest at www.centresafe.org/lunafest.