Welcome to the 2023 season of LUNAFEST! We’re proud to amplify the inspiring short films by this year’s selection of women and gender nonconforming directors. Our featured filmmakers are from all walks of life and range from poets to conservationists and activists to educators. LUNAFEST believes that sharing diverse stories can spark conversation, connection, and change. In a span of 90 minutes, these films tackle universal themes of friendship, bravery, and community–while also breaking down barriers and celebrating the importance of finding joy. Get ready to #PlayAPart and see the world through a new lens.
While the program has enjoyed an exceptional run, the LUNAFEST season will be on pause in 2024. During this time, the LUNA brand will look to the future and reflect on how it might best support advocating for women going forward.
We are excited to be able to offer the 2023 LUNAFEST again in person at the Alamo Drafthouse Winchester and virtually if you are not in Winchester, VA. Our in person event will take place on May 15 at 7 pm at the Alamo Drafthouse. We will have free Luna Bars for you to enjoy will watching the films. Purchase your tickets today to have the best seats in the theater!
Our virtual event will start on May 19 at 6 PM. People attending virtually will have a 48-hour window to see the films. Don’t miss this season’s seven amazing short films, which all champion women and
gender-nonconforming individuals and highlight their aspirations, accomplishments, resilience, and strength. You can purchase your tickets at anytime. You will receive an email link with logon instructions for the event as well as a reminder email. Purchase your tickets and find out more here.
The 2023 LUNAFEST includes seven short films.
The recommended age for guests is 13+
The Films:
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)