LEWISTON — LUNAFEST, an annual fundraising film festival dedicated to promoting awareness about women’s issues, highlighting women filmmakers and bringing women together in their communities, will be presented at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 16, at The Public Theatre, 31 Maple St., Lewiston. 

For the second year, LA Women Rising, a collaborative of four agencies that work together to end violence against women, is the sponsor of the event, which will conclude with a discussion of the films led by Emily Kane, professor of sociology and gender studies at Bates College.

The festival highlights women as leaders in society, illustrated through nine short films by women filmmakers. The films range from animation to fictional drama, and cover topics such as women’s health, war, motherhood, cultural diversity and breaking barriers.

Proceeds from LUNAFEST will benefit the participating agencies of LA Women Rising, with a donation returned to LUNAFEST for Chicken & Egg Pictures — a nonprofit that provides support to women filmmakers.

LA Women Rising is a collaborative effort between The Center for Wisdom’s Women, Safe Voices, Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Services and the YWCA of Central Maine.

Tickets are $20 in advance; purchase at https://www.lunafest.org/screenings/lewiston-me- 051618 or at any of the sponsoring local agencies. Remaining tickets will be available at the door for $25.