LUNAFEST® to be held in virtual format

May 5, 2020 Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

Written by Dina Ibdah, Communications Intern

The Sixth Annual LUNAFEST® Film Festival has been adapted to a virtual format by Soroptimist International of London. The festival is a program of short films championing women through stories by and about women. “King’s has been so generous in the past, supporting us by hosting the festival in their theatre,” says Najet Hassan, Co-President of Soroptimist International of London.  This year, the in-house program has been canceled due to COVID-19, but Hassan is grateful for the opportunity to offer the program virtually.

Proceeds from LUNAFEST® Film Festival are donated to local Soroptimist club scholarships and projects, including the Live Your Dream Award. It is for women who are the sole financial providers in their homes, who often have difficulties finding the means to achieve higher education.  “This year, we have committed to providing scholarships for two women in London,” says Hassan. “Several of our scholarship recipients have been King’s graduates,” she adds.

Soroptimist strives to support women all over the world unlock their potential through local projects. “In London, we provide learning opportunities for mainly female immigrants and refugees in high school through our development program with the YMCA. At the request of the female students, we have recently included male immigrants in the program to promote understanding. The results were wonderful!” Hassan shares.

The Virtual LUNAFEST® Film Festival runs from Saturday, May 9 to Sunday, May 10, 2020 and includes a series of seven short films with a total running time of 97 minutes. The films present powerful and captivating stories, inspiring reflection about meaningful topics. In an effort to shed light on women’s diverse experiences, the festival includes both domestic and international films. The event is meant to be enjoyed by all; men are invited and encouraged to attend.

Attendees will have 24 hours to screen the films beginning on Saturday, May 9 at 9 a.m. through to Sunday, May 10 at 9 a.m. From the comfort of your own home, you have the option to watch at any time of day or select a screen time of the usual festival time of 7:00 p.m.

Tickets may be purchased for $10 each through Eventbrite or by contacting members of Soroptimist International London. Attendees will be provided with a streaming link and password the morning of the event date. All proceeds support the Soroptimist programs and scholarships.

 Visit LUNAFEST® for upcoming films in 2020.

For more information regarding King’s students who have been previous recipients of the Live Your Dream scholarships, please visit: