LUNAFEST returns to North Canton in January 2016

Incredibly diverse in style and content, LUNAFEST offers a unique selection of short films that are united by a common thread of exceptional storytelling by, for, and about women.

This year, LUNAFEST: North Canton will include 6 short films, special guest speaker Liz Roberts, an art exhibit & silent auction, and a boxed lunch. Limited tickets are available for $30 online at http://gotrstarkcty.org/LunaFest.html.

LUNAFEST will take place at Kent State University at Stark in the Main Hall Auditorium on January 23rd from 10:30 am to 2:00 pm.

Funds raised through LUNAFEST will help Girls on the Run of Stark County provide the Girls on the Run and Heart & Sole programs to more than 800 girls projected for the 2016 spring season—more than 40% of these girls are expected to require partial to full scholarships.

A portion of the event’s proceeds will also benefit The Breast Cancer Fund.

LUNAFEST was created by LUNA, The Whole Nutrition Bar for Women, and is designed to promote women filmmakers while also bringing together business leaders, community influencers and supporters to help raise awareness on women’s issues while supporting a local nonprofits.

This year’s films include:

Balsa Wood (FILMMAKER: Dominique Lecchi)

A light-hearted slice of life about two mixed race siblings visiting their extended Filipino family for lunch.

Beach Flags (FILMMAKER: Sarah Saidan)

A young Iranian lifeguard, determined to participate in an international competition in Australia, experiences an unexpected obstacle when a new team member arrives.

Boxeadora (FILMMAKER: Meg Smaker)

Cuba has over 19,000 male boxers, but no female fighters. The result of a ban put into place after the revolution. Boxeadora follows Namibia, a Cuban woman who has been training in secret as a boxer. Now 38, she only has two years left of Olympic boxing eligibility. Journey with Namibia as she tries to follow her dreams of Olympic glory.

Finding June (FILMMAKER: Anna Schumacher)

Inspired in part by the stories of some incredible deaf women in Missouri, this narrative short fiction film follows a young woman named June. She has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, is beginning a process of a surgery, and attending a support group.

First World Problems (FILMMAKER: Hanna Maylett)

A tired housewife loses her car in a shopping mall - sometimes problems can open a door to a whole new world.

Raising Ryland (FILMMAKER: Sarah Feeley)

RAISING RYLAND is an intimate look at parenting with no strings attached. The film is a unique journey inside the transgender experience as lived by a six year old boy and his two loving parents. This first-hand account showcases the power of love amid unexpected change.

For more details and to purchase tickets, please visit:

http://gotrstarkcty.org/LunaFest.html