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.
■ Wednesday, August 30, 1pm and 7.30pm. Rants In the Dark. Join in a fabulously informative session with Emily Writes, sleep-deprived Mum of two boys, author of Rants in the Dark, parenting blogger, and The Spinoff parenting page editor. The earlier show at 1pm is pitched at parents who have pre-school kids in tow and who might enjoy the chance to experience a show at the Royal Wanganui Opera House [$20 adult, $15 concession, children free!]. The evening show at 7.30pm is an adults only affair at Lucky Bar + Kitchen in Wilson St, with the opportunity to enjoy a drink and some food with the performance, and hear more about Emily's global following after her saucy movie review of Tarzan went viral [$25 adult, $20 concession]. Tickets to both shows are available from the box office at the Royal Wanganui Opera House, open weekdays from 10am-4pm, or online via: www.royaloperahouse.co.nz
■ Thursday, August 31, 7pm. Songbirds and Storytellers. 64 Taupo Quay. World famous in Whanganui folk choose a story to share or a song to sing...or something. Entertainment is guaranteed in this never-been-done-before finale event. Featuring: Terry Sarten, Nicola Patrick, Lance Rowe, Steph Lewis, Rachael Garland, Jay Rerekura, Sarah Williams, Kathy Cunningham, Josh Chandulal-MacKay, Marianne Archibald, Christina Emery, Tyler McDonald. Tickets $15 from Space Studio and Gallery.
If you'd like a full Winter Wonderfest programme, feel free to email me: womnet.wang@callplus.net.nz