Hospital sponsors 3rd annual LUNA film fest

Posted 3/25/14

A scene from "Tiny Miny Magic."[/caption] Chestnut Hill Hospital will host the 3rd annual LUNA Fest – a national film festival dedicated to promoting awareness and raising funds for women's issues. …

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Hospital sponsors 3rd annual LUNA film fest

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A scene from "Tiny Miny Magic." A scene from "Tiny Miny Magic."[/caption]

Chestnut Hill Hospital will host the 3rd annual LUNA Fest – a national film festival dedicated to promoting awareness and raising funds for women's issues.

On Thursday, April 3, at 6:30 p.m., nine, award-winning, short films featuring the work of a diverse array of talented women filmmakers will be shown at the Ambler Theater. This year’s local beneficiary is Laurel House, a comprehensive domestic violence agency serving individuals, families and communities throughout Montgomery County.

LUNA Fest highlights women as leaders in society, illustrated through films ranging from animation to fictional drama, and covers topics such as women’s health, motherhood, body image, aging, cultural diversity and breaking barriers.

“In addition to supporting women in film, LUNA Fest is about supporting women in our community,” said Dr. Patricia Bailey, a breast surgeon at Chestnut Hill Hospital. “One hundred percent of the proceeds from the event go back to enhancing health and wellness of women and our families. Eighty-five percent of every dollar raised stays local and will go directly to Laurel House.”

The additional 15 percent of the proceeds will benefit The Breast Cancer Fund, a national nonprofit whose mission it is to identify and advocate for the elimination of the environmental and other preventable causes of the disease.

“LUNA Fest is another powerful and different way that we impact our community,” said John Cacciamani, CEO of Chestnut Hill Hospital. “The films’ intelligent, funny and thought-provoking themes ignite discussion that raises awareness of women’s issues. Through the hospitals outreach we’re raising funds and consciousness for issues that ultimately impact our entire community.”

This season’s selected films that will make audiences laugh, tug at their heartstrings and motivate them to make a difference in the community. Diverse in style and content, LUNA Fest is united by a common thread of exceptional storytelling – by, for and about women. Of the more than 900 films submitted for review, the following were selected:

“Granny’s Got Game” – Seven fiercely competitive women in their 70s bond and play winning basketball, proving you are never too old to do what you love.

Director: Angela Alford, Raleigh, North Carolina

Screenings: Athena Film Festival, Beaufort International Film Festival, Knoxville Film Festival, MY HERO International Film Festival, Tucker Film Festival

“Flying Anne” – A young girl with Tourette’s syndrome takes “flight” to navigate life with her tics.

Director: Catherine van Campen, Netherlands

Screenings: Hamptons Film Festival, Hot Docs, ReelAbilities, RIDM, Visions du Réel

“Sidewalk” – A woman walks through life, confronts her changing body and learns to love herself.

Director: Celia Bullwinkel, New York City, New York

Screenings: Annecy, ASIFA-East Animation Festival, Flying Broom International Women’s Film Festival, Naperville Independent Film Festival, Woodstock Film Festival

“Maria of Many” – Meet María – Mexican immigrant, domestic worker, committed mom and activist.

Director: Alexandra Liveris, Palo Alto, California

Screenings: LUNAFEST is the first festival to screen this film.

“First Match” – A determined female wrestler prepares for her first coed high school match.

Director: Olivia Newman, Brooklyn, New York

Screenings: Aspen Shortsfest, Bend Film Festival, DC Shorts Festival, NY Film Festival, San Francisco International Festival of Short Film

“Sound Shadows” – Enter a world where sound gives shape to space.

Director: Julie Engaas, Oslo, Norway

Screenings: Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival, European Documentary Film Festival, Flickerfest International Short Film Festival, Norwegian Short Film Festival, Tabakelera Film Festival

“Running Dry” – A woman impacted by economic hardships journeys into contemporary Athens.

Director: Dimitra Nikolopoulou, Athens, Greece

Screenings: Athens International Film Festival

“Date With Fate” – When it comes to blind dating, some things are meant to be—whether you like it or not.

Director: Venetia Taylor, Sydney, Australia

Screenings: Carmarthen Bay Film Festival, Skepto International Film Festival, Taos Shortz Film Festival, Brisbane International Film Festival, Cologne Comedy Short Film Festival

“Tiny Miny Magic” – When Sam and her mailman exchange presents via her mailbox, an unexpected love connection blossoms.

Director: Danielle Lurie, New York City, New York

Screenings: Cleveland International Film Festival, Sarasota International Film Festival, Boulder International Film Festival, Provincetown International Film Festival, DC Shorts International Film Festival.

LUNA Fest is Thursday, April 3; from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (Hors d’oeuvres/cash bar); 7:35 – 9:15 p.m. (Film review). Ambler Theater, 108 E. Butler Ave, Ambler,19002. Cost: $25 (100 percent of proceeds benefit nonprofit organizations). Registration is required. Register for tickets online at www.renewtheaters.org/blog/films/lunafest/. Call 215-248-6107 with questions.

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