With the team at the Women's Network I'm cranking up toward a busy weekend as we get set to launch our third annual Winter Wonderfest programme with Hot Diggity on Sunday.
As an organisation that's in the business of making positive change for women, our festival is firmly focused on doing just that. However, before I get asked, as I inevitably do, the programme is not exclusive of men. Just bear in mind that our activities are about celebrating women in our community, as well as creating safe spaces for women to explore their own lives, aspirations and shared successes. We have some wonderful local ladies presenting activities during the Winter Wonderfest, as well as some extra special visitors who are travelling to Whanganui to join the festival fun. Some of our events are ticketed, so please get in early and get yours as it helps us hugely with our organisation if you purchase in advance, and it also guarantees that you won't miss out. Here's a wee snapshot of some of our activities with tickets:
■ Thursday, August 17, 7.30pm. Go Against the Flow [documentary screening]. Venue: Confluence, Level 3, 15 Watt St. Top women in tech entrepreneurs share their success stories and offer advice to the next generation on taking the plunge, running a business from scratch and coping with failure. Directed by Raeshib Aggerwhil and Charu Sharma, USA 2016. The film will be followed by a discussion with local women entrepreneurs, with refreshments. Tickets $12 or $8 concession, with presales available via www.confluence.kiwi
■ Thursday, August 24, 7.30pm. The Goddess Project [documentary screening]. Venue: Confluence, Level 3, 15 Watt St. Two aspiring film-makers packed their lives into a school bus and hit the road for what became the most transformative adventure of their lives. Through powerful conversations with more than 100 women from different walks of life, The Goddess Project gives an intimate look into the collective experience that women face today. Directed by Holli Rae and Sara Landas, USA 2017. Refreshments provided. Tickets $12 or $8 concession, with presales available via www.confluence.kiwi
■ Friday, August 25, 7pm. Things We Don't Talk About: Women's Stories From The Red Tent. Venue: Wanganui Toyota, 221 Guyton St. A ground-breaking 72 minute documentary by award-winning film-maker Isadora Gabrielle Leidenfrost, PhD. A Red Tent is a red textile space where women gather to rest, renew and often share deep powerful stories about their lives. Tickets $15, available from Wanganui Toyota.