LUNAFEST on Campus

In 2001, the Clif Bar and Company, makers of LUNA: The Whole Nutrition Bar for Women, debuted LUNAFEST, an international touring film festival that showcases short narrative and documentary work by female filmmakers. Since its inception, this festival has made significant inroads into university settings, where it has students organize, market, and host the event. This essay examines the issues attendant with bringing LUNAFEST onto college campuses. On the one hand, LUNAFEST encourages and supports the exhibition of women filmmakers, a laudable endeavor. On the other hand, as a corporate-sponsored event, LUNAFEST poses significant problems that should concern any teacher worried about corporate influence in educational institutions. As LUNAFEST increases its campus presence, an analysis of the role it plays in students' education is critical.