WALDOBORO — The Waldo will host a tour stop of the Water Women Film Festival, a groundbreaking collection of documentary films presented by Waterstruck Wellness of Newcastle, on Friday, May 9, at 7 p.m. This film program, produced by Two Maine Mermaids and curated by Julia Dunlavey, celebrates the profound connection between women and water.

This inspiring 95-minute program features seven short films directed by women filmmakers, showcasing stories of resilience, community, and transformation from Maine's winter waters to the shores of South Korea.

"Each film in this collection offers a unique perspective on what it means to be a woman in, on, and near the water," says curator Julia Dunlavey. "These stories resonate particularly strongly here in Maine, where our connection to water shapes so much of our community and culture."

The festival highlights both local and international stories, beginning with "Take Me to the Ocean," an intimate look at Portland, Maine's cold-water dipping community, directed by Elena Mozzhelina. The program continues with "The Diver," a powerful exploration of healing directed by MECA Salt Institute alumna Mailee Osten-Tan, and spans the globe to include stories of pioneering female surfers in Sri Lanka, ice swimmers in Vancouver, kayakers in Chile, and traditional haenyeo divers in South Korea.

"The Water Women Film Festival demonstrates the universal language of water and its power to transform lives, while highlighting the important contributions of female filmmakers to documentary storytelling," said a news release. "Many thanks to our Presenting Sponsor Waterstruck Wellness. We are grateful for some amazing contributions to our raffle from supporting partners Cedar Grove Sauna and Maine Sauna Hats."

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at www.thewaldotheatre.org. Tickets are: $10 adults in advance, $12 adults at the door, $5 students for all tickets.