Films For Women, By Women at Lunafest on Friday

A glimpse into the life of an aging nude figure model, and the artists who paint her. A dramatic “how-to” guide for being alone. The story of a young girl in Tehran who loses her headscarf in an accident on the street. A documentary about the “missed connections” section of Craigslist, and the people who use it.

These are a few of the films on tap for the annual Oswego Lunafest, happening Friday night at Pearce’s in the on Route 34. It’s the fourth year that the traveling film festival—organized by the Luna Company, makers of nutrition bars for women, since 2001—has set up shop in Oswego, and about 150 people are expected to show.

Lunafest is designed to showcase short films written and directed by women, according to Patty Lariviere, Oswego’s building and zoning department manager and co-organizer of the festival. The films come from all over the world, and can range from two minutes to 17 or so. And their content, Lariviere said, is usually a bit edgier than what you’ll find in the multiplex.

This year’s fest includes nine short films, which will all be shown on the same night, with an intermission. According to Lariviere, the majority of attendees on Friday will be women, although men are certainly welcome. The vendors on hand for the fest will be women as well, all owners of small businesses around town.

And proceeds from the festival will go to help a pair of women’s charities. $250 will go to the Breast Cancer Fund, Lunafest’s chosen charity, and the rest will be sent to Mutual Ground, the women’s shelter and domestic violence center in Aurora.

Lariviere said Lunafest is a good fit for Oswego, and has been a success, because it’s unique. It’s an evening of thought-provoking entertainment, one that is not easily found in this area, she said.

“It speaks a lot to the culture people are looking for in Oswego,” she said. “People are looking for the kind of culture they can’t find on Comcast, or at their local theater."

Lunafest in Oswego begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance, and $25 at the door. You can get tickets at , the office, and through Mutual Ground.