Chestnut Hill Hospital will sponsor LUNAFEST, a film festival dedicated to promoting awareness about women's issues on Thursday, April 2 at 6:45 p.m. at the Ambler Theater.

The festival will be comprised of short films that feature the work of a diverse array of talented women filmmakers with intelligent, funny and thought-provoking themes. All proceeds benefit Laurel House, a comprehensive domestic violence agency serving individuals, families and communities throughout Montgomery County and the Breast Cancer Fund.

The traveling film festival, started in 2000, connects women, their stories and their causes through film. The films range from animation to fictional drama, and cover topics such as women’s health, motherhood, body image, aging, cultural diversity and breaking barriers.

“In addition to supporting women in film, LUNAFEST, is about supporting women in our community,” said Patricia Bailey, M.D., breast surgeon, Chestnut Hill Hospital. “One hundred percent of the proceeds from the event go back to enhancing health and wellness of women and our families. Eight-five percent of every dollar raised stays local and will go directly to the Laurel House to support its mission.”

The additional 15 percent part 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.

“LUNAFEST is a powerful and different way that Laurel House and Chestnut Hill Hospital are making an impact on our community,” Dr. Bailey said. “Through the Hospital’s outreach, we’re raising funds and awareness for issues that ultimately impact our entire community.”

This season’s selected films that will compel discussion, make audiences laugh, tug at their heartstrings and motivate them to make a difference in the community. Diverse in style and content, LUNAFEST is united by a common thread of exceptional storytelling - by, for and about women. Of the nearly 1,000 films submitted for LUNAFEST, the following were selected:

Lady Parts – In an industry dominated by men, Lady Parts Automotive brings a woman’s touch. Director: Emily Fraser & Katherine Gorringe, Palo Alto, California Screening: Women’s International Film & Arts Festival.

Chicas Day – Today is a girls’ day out, everything is allowed – but don’t forget that this is just a game. Director: Susan Béjar, Madrid, Spain. Screenings: VII Festival de cine realizado por mujeres, CortoEspaña, Davis Feminist Film Festival, Independent Days Film 14 Filmfest, Short Shorts Film Festival.

Tits – A story about feminine exploration. Director: Louisa Bertman, Cambridge, Massachusetts. Screenings: BreastFest, Portland Oregon Women’s Film Festival, San Francisco International Women’s Film Festival, Through Women’s Eyes.

Tryouts – Being a teenager isn’t easy, especially for Nayla, a Muslim American girl who wants to join her new high school’s cheerleading squad. Director: Susana Casares, Los Angeles, California. Screenings: Bermuda International Film Festival, Edinburgh International Film Festival, New York International Film Festival, Palms Springs International ShortFest, Seattle International Film Festival.

Miss Todd – In 1910 New York, Miss Todd works to understand the principles of flight, but she has more than gravity holding her down. Director: Kristina Yee, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom. Screenings: Anima Mundi International Animation Festival of Brazil, Annecy International Animation Festival, Dublin Animation Film Festival, Edinburgh International Film Festival, Student Academy Awards Winner in Foreign Film Category.

Flor de Toloache – A group of women daringly challenge gender social norms as an all-female mariachi band. Director: Jenny Schweitzer, New York, New York. Screenings: Aspen ShortsFest, Guanajuato International Film Festival, HotDocs, Seattle International Film Festival.

A Good Match – Ann and Alex have split up, but does that mean it’s over with Alex’s mom, too? Ann wants to give the relationship another try. Director: Lyn Elliot, Kansas City, Missouri. Screenings: Arizona International Film Festival, Citizen Jane Film Festival, Kansas International Film Festival, Portland Oregon Women’s Film Festival, Post Alley Film Festival.

Viva – A documentary portrait of Cornwall’s grandmother of punk, or, how to be a rebel at 82. Director: Amanda Bluglass, Devon, United Kingdom. Screening: Port Eliot – Fashion, Style and Culture Festival.

For more information about LUNAFEST, films and the stories behind them, please visit lunafest.org. 

LUNAFEST is Thursday, April 2; 6:45 – 9:30 p.m.; 6:45 – 7:30 p.m. (Cash Wine Bar and Wellness Fair); 7:35 – 9:15 p.m. (Film review). Ambler Theater, 108 E. Butler Avenue, Ambler, PA 19002. Cost: $25 (100% of proceeds benefit nonprofit organizations). Purchase tickets at www.amblertheater.org/films/lunafest