NEW Moon Fest premieres a dozen shorts this evening on Nantucket
A celebration of women filmmakers and storytellers
Mother Nature’s spotlight shines on The Grey Lady this afternoon as rays of sunshine exude warmth and vitamin D in all directions. Truly, Mother Nature feels fabulous and looks marvelous today.
She also has big things in store tonight.
NEW Moon Fest - Nantucket Empowering Women presents an entire film festival in one evening. A celebration of women filmmakers creating cinema both in front of and behind the camera, this event promises to start conversation and spark ideas. Conversation and ideas, oh my.
To quote The Pointer Sisters, I’m so excited and I just can’t hide it. Why? Because film festivals always bring me joy. Plus, short films speak to audiences looking for new voices and unique perspectives. And stories by women, well, “Woman on the Verge” is my alter ego, so there you have it. (If you don’t recognize the Pedro Almodóvar reference right there, please let me help.)
The moonrise takes place here at 10:45 pm. By this time, 12 new stars will enter my consciousness as I reflect on each short film screening under the stars tonight at Siasconset Casino Association. Indeed, the ‘Sconset Casino doubles as such a light and breezy tennis club, I practically expect to Zendaya to pop in, fresh off the heels of “Challengers.”
Seriously, I love film. I love cinema. As a feminist, I also adore pictures that reflect women’s lived experiences, honest thoughts, and actual feelings. For example, if you haven’t seen “Girls State” yet, make sure to add this to your Letterboxd watchlist. And see it before the election. ;)
As a newer Nantucketer, I should also note precisely how much I appreciate any and all moviegoing opportunities. Just last Wednesday, I had the good fortune to see Maren Poitras’s excellent documentary “Finding the Money” about the work of American economist Stephanie Kelton. If you’ve ever wondered about Modern Monetary Theory (MMT) or the National Debt Clock in New York City, Kelton will break it all down for you, thanks to Poitras’s film.
I’m similarly thrilled I’ll be able to see the Indigo Girls doc next week without boarding a ferry to the mainland! Directed by Alexandria Bombach, the whole team behind this film is fantastically female. The project is now a New York Times Critic’s Pick, too. And the Indigo Girls story more or less mirrors the soundtrack of my life after all.
But it’s not just a couple documentaries, either. Even a casual scan of what’s giving great box office to kick off the three day weekend reveals the power women hold. I’m looking at you, “Back to Black,” “Babes,” and “Furiosa.” Clearly, these and other great stories about women resonate with millions of people around the world.
As I finish primping for NEW Moon Fest, I extend my sincerest thanks to everyone who has put tonight’s show all together. That a portion of the proceeds raised from NEW Moon Fest will benefit women/individuals served at A Safe Place provides hope to the entire community. Therefore, I am extremely grateful to the fest’s many local sponsors, too.
In closing, the night belongs to 12 upcoming filmmakers. See you soon on the red carpet at NEW Moon Fest!