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Special to the Mountain Democrat

From taking icy plunges in Lake Michigan to conquering self-doubt and high peaks, LUNAFEST — short films by, for and about women — offers inspiration and great stories. The annual film festival comes to Cameron Park, hosted by Soroptimist International of Cameron Park and El Dorado Hills.

This year LUNAFEST is offered both as virtual and in-person events. Virtually the films will be available for a full 48 hours, 11 a.m. Thursday, March 30, to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 1. Films for the in-person event start at 7 p.m. March 30 at the Cameron Park Community Center, 2502 Country Club Drive. Doors open at 6 p.m. Complimentary desserts are provided and small plates and beverages will be available for sale. The club fundraiser will have a spring theme which will be reflected in the raffle and auction items, just in time for Easter. For tickets and more information visit lunafest.org/cameronpark.

LUNAFEST features a program of short films that empower and inspire. LUNAFEST believes that sharing diverse perspectives can spark conversation, connection and change. In a span of 90 minutes, these films tackle universal themes of friendship, bravery and community — while also breaking down barriers and celebrating the importance of finding joy.

The films

“Reclaim Your Water: Natasha Smith” (5 minutes)

— As a member of the Ebony

Beach Club, Natasha Smith surfs, skates and makes her own waves. Filmmaker: Faith E. Briggs (Portland, Ore.)

“Miss Chelove: From Java to the Streets of D.C.” (15 minutes) — As she paints a mural, artist Cita Sadeli (aka Miss Chelove) opens up about her life, her cultural heritage and how she fell in love with graffiti in the 1980s.

Filmmaker: Sara T. Gama (Reston, Va.)

“Pete” (7 minutes) — The true story of Pete Barma explores gender identity, Little League Baseball, the people who inspire change by being themselves and the superheroes who champion that change. Filmmakers: Bret Parker and Pete Barma (San Francisco)

“This is Beth” (17 minutes)

— As celebrated rock climber Beth Rodden grapples with her body image, she rediscovers the love of her sport ... and herself.

Filmmaker: Jen Randall (Squamish, B.C.)

“More Than I Want to Remember” (14:30 minutes)

— After her southeastern Congo village is bombed, 14-year-old Mugeni sets out on a remarkable solo journey across the globe, determined to reunite with her lost loved ones and lift up the Banyamulenge people. Filmmaker: Amy Bench (Austin, Texas)

“Syed Family Xmas Eve Game Night” (11 minutes)

— All cards are on the table when Noor, a queer Pakistani Muslim woman, brings her Puerto Rican girlfriend, Luz, home for the first time on the family’s annual game night.

Filmmakers: Fawzia Mirza and Kausar Mohammed (Glendale)

“Swimming Through” (15:30 minutes) — Amid a brutal Chicago winter and the global pandemic, Deirdre,

Helen and Jennefer’s friendship grows as they commit to a daily sunrise plunge together in Lake Michigan. Filmmaker: Samantha Sanders (Chicago, Ill.)

The mission

LUNA Bar has been committed to inspiring women and championing equality for more than 20 years. It was these values which fueled LUNA to create LUNAFEST, now in its 22nd season. Since 2001, it has raised more than $7 million for nonprofit organizations, featured 175 women filmmakers and hosted 2,900-plus screenings across the U.S. and Canada.

Proceeds from LUNAFEST hosted by Soroptimist International of Cameron Park & El Dorado Hills will benefit the club’s mission to provide financial aid for education of women who are solely responsible for themselves and their families, as well provide a donation to Chicken & Egg Pictures, a nonprofit organization that supports women nonfiction filmmakers. About the club

Chartered in 1981, Soroptimist International of Cameron Park & El Dorado Hills is a volunteer service organization. Members include active and retired business and professional women, dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls in local communities and throughout the world. Internationally, the club has nearly 100,000