A Lunar Affair in Traverse City Marries Wine, Food & Film

by mynorthmedia | Jan 26, 2010 | Counties, Events, Towns

The Traverse City Lunar Affair is bringing the international LUNAFEST Films, short films by, for and about women, to City Opera House in Traverse City on Thursday, January 28th. The Lunar Affair is a benefit for Active Women Now, a local charity supporting women’s issues and needs. In addition to an eclectic selection of short movies from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., filmgoers will enjoy fine food catered by Grandview Catering, Larry Mawby’s sparkling wine "Sex," raffle prizes and a silent auction during a reception that starts at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are available for $28 per person at the City Opera House ticket office, online at CityOperaHouse.org or at the door.

The Lunar Affair has been organized by Julie Goodwin, owner of Posh, a unique women’s boutique in downtown Traverse City, and Kaye Krapohl, noted local artist and director of the Winter Women’s Tour and Active Women Now.

"We love downtown Traverse City and wanted to create an event that helped liven up Front Street during a time when there wasn’t much happening for couples." says Julie Goodwin.  "The films from the international film festival LUNAFEST seemed like the perfect fit. The organization is dedicated to grassroots organizations that support women’s charities."

"These films are about celebrating diversity within our own community and the world. They are created by women, but the content transcends women-only issues, hence the name Lunar Affair," said Kaye Krapohl. The Luna Affair’s short films feature a wide range of filmmaking treatments, from whimsical animation to hard-hitting documentaries.

Watch the video trailer on the LUNAFEST Films.

The selection of short films includes:

  • "A Summer Rain," A young Israeli immigrant struggles with her transition to American life.
  • "Plastic,” A young woman redefines her self-image moments before a first date.
  • "Roz (and Joshua),” Separated from her son, Roz lives for the time when they will reunite permanently.
  • "Monday Before Thanksgiving," Through a chance encounter, a single woman learns that the life she lives is exactly what she wants.
  • "DIY: Emancipation 101," A playful animation about women and bicycling.
  • "The Kinda Sutra," How are babies made?
  • "A Vida Politica," A Brazilian hairstylist explains how beauty can be a form of activism.
  • "Anjali," When Anjali becomes witness to her father’s betrayal, she must decide if she will share her secret and risk devastating her family.
  • "Omelette," A mother battles with the challenges of inflation.
  • "The McCombie Way," Words of wisdom from a mystic in the middle of the Mojave Desert.

All of these films have had prestigious national and international showings and won several awards. Even the biographies of the directors make good stories, including TV sitcom Friends star, Courtney Cox, who has her directorial debut in the Lunar Affair collection with “Monday Before Thanksgiving.” The stories behind the films are available on the LUNAFEST.org

"We looked for a unique set of films that people won’t see in mainstream theaters," said Kaye. "The movies are all different, but have one thing in common: unique storytelling."

Second Chance Screening—

If you can’t make the Lunar Affair, these films will also be available as part of the 2010 Winter Women’s Tour at Crystal Mountain with a screening on Saturday, February 6th  at 7 p.m. The Winter Women’s Tour has more details on that event

LUNAFEST was established in 2000 by LUNA, the makers of the Whole Nutrition Bar for Women, to simultaneously promote women filmmakers, raise awareness for women’s issues, and support worthy women’s nonprofit organizations throughout the U.S. and Canada. 100 percent of all proceeds are donated to charity – 15 percent to the Breast Cancer Fund and the remaining 85 percent of proceeds go directly back to hosting community organizations. The Traverse City Lunar Affair will benefit Active Women Now, locally.

Over the years, as LUNAFEST has grown from a single annual event to more than 140 festivals each season, LUNA’s commitment to this worthwhile program has grown as well. We are continually inspired by the individual and collective efforts of women – and we are awed by the results. To date, LUNAFEST has raised more than $250,000 for worthwhile women’s organizations, while raising hope and awareness for the stories of women everywhere.

So indulge your love of fine films, wine and food at the Traverse City Lunar Affair and discover these film gems!

Quick Links to More Fun in the Traverse City region