LUNAFEST at Chapman University
Talented female directors will be in the spotlight on Saturday, March 14, when LUNAFEST takes place at the Marion Knott Studios at Chapman University in Orange, hosted by ZONTA Club of Newport Harbor.
LUNAFEST, the creation of the energy bar company Clif Bar, consists of seven short films on diverse topics by and about women. Both domestic and international directors are among this year’s line-up, with films that promise to elicit both laughter and tears.
The fundraiser begins at 1 p.m. with a VIP reception that includes refreshments, silent auction, wine pull and opportunity drawing. The screening begins at 2:15 p.m., with an in-person director’s interview midway. ABC7 reporter Jessica De Nova will emcee the event, including the director Q&A.
De Nova, who was raised in Santa Ana, has returned to Orange County as part of the ABC7 team after covering high-profile news stories in Oregon, Arizona, Nevada and Florida. De Nova is particularly happy to be this year’s emcee because she is personally familiar with the ZONTA organization and its mission to empower women worldwide through service and advocacy. As a high school senior, De Nova received a scholarship from the local ZONTA chapter to further her college education, becoming the first in her family to graduate from college. Being the emcee brings her ZONTA involvement full circle.
LUNAFEST is the primary fundraiser of the year for ZONTA Club of Newport Harbor, with proceeds going to fund scholarships for female film students at Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film & Media Arts and to provide funding for Girls on the Run Orange County, a nonprofit that helps girls recognize their inner strength, develop skills and establish a lifetime appreciation for fitness. While there are 1,200 ZONTA clubs in 67 countries, with 30,000 members overall, ZONTA Club of Newport Harbor is the only club in Orange County and includes members from throughout the county.
The public is invited to attend; information and tickets are available at lunafestnewportharbor.com/purchase-tickets. Cost is $40 through Feb. 21 and $45 after Feb. 21 until the event. If available, tickets at the door are $50. Student cost is $20.
Marion Knott Studios at Chapman University is at N. Cypress St., in Orange.
