Lunafest LUNAFEST is an international film festival that’s hosted more than 175 times throughout North America each year. This year’s event marked the 16th season of the festival, and the fifth annual screening hosted by the Edwards School of Business and the Betty-Ann Heggie Womentorship Program.
Each season, six to nine films made by, for, and about women are selected by the LUNAFEST committee to comprise the festival. Films cover a wide variety of topics, experiences, styles, and genres. "One of the greatest parts of the festival is seeing such an array of stories and experiences," said LUNAFEST Program Coordinator Molly Doucette. "This past year, we saw films ranging from a documentary about a 17-year-old girl living in a refugee camp, to a scripted piece about a writer debating with her therapist whether to join a writer's group. Each story focuses on the lives of women in a way we can all relate to, communicated beautifully in a way that transcends culture."
"LUNAFEST provides an opportunity for women to come together and see their stories on the big screen."
Betty-Ann Heggie, founder of the Betty-Ann Heggie Womentorship Foundation, brought the festival to be a part of the Womentorship Program in 2013. “LUNAFEST provides an opportunity for women to come together and see their stories on the big screen,” she said. “This seldom happens at the movie theatre as more than 90 per cent of major film directors are men and they naturally gravitate to having male heroes in male stories.” She adds that the environment of LUNAFEST is great for networking – a central pillar to the Womentorship program. “LUNAFEST is an important part of our program as research shows that women are most successful in advancing their careers when they combine networking, professional development, and mentorship.” The Saskatoon event included a screening of the festival followed by a panel moderated by Heggie. The group discussed the films and invited participation from the audience. “LUNAFEST gave us an opportunity to bond over the life experiences and raw emotions that make us human,” said festival attendee Jordan Bonkowski. “The films facilitated thoughtful reflection and sharing with the panel of ambitious female leaders from throughout the community.”
Proceeds from LUNAFEST went towards the Breast Cancer Foundation, as well as tuition for a protégé from the not-for-profit sector to participate in the Betty-Ann Heggie Womentorship Program.
March 7, 2018
the broadway theatre saskatoon, sk lunafest takes place in march each year in celebration of international women's day. For tickets, visit
lunafest2018.eventbrite.ca