From student-produced films to a documentary tackling the tough subject of rape in the U.S. military, the inaugural Benicia Film Festival next month will offer a variety of thought-provoking and entertaining presentations, organizers said.

The three-day event is the product of the Film Festival Committee of the Benicia Arts and Culture Commission, and showcases a wide selection of short films from throughout the United States as well as locally by Benicia High School students, said Helaine Bowles, outreach/volunteer coordinator of Benicia Public Library.

It also will give viewers a chance to speak with many of the filmmakers.

The festival begins April 4 in Benicia’s Veterans Memorial Building with “The Invisible War,” Kirby Dick’s investigative documentary that examines rape in the military.

The documentary, a Sundance Film Festival winner, was nominated for an Academy Award.

In addition to the film, those attending will hear guest speaker Dr. Catherine Novotny, a staff psychologist with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, who specializes in treating military sexual trauma.

A dessert reception will take place, though those attending must be at least 18 unless accompanied by an adult.

The festival continues April 5 at the veterans hall with a four-segment program, beginning with “My Town,” a short film about Benicia. Afterward, the audience may participate in a question-and-answer session with filmmaker David Manley and Benicia poet Joel Fallon.

A second locally focused film depicts the Benicia singing group VOENA and its performance in South Africa, accompanied by a live VOENA performance.

The subject matter changes to stylized Japanese dance in “The Heron and the Geisha,” by Noriko Sakamoto.

The second segment of the day’s schedule opens with a teen comedy by Adrienne Friedberg, “The Mermaid Complex,” about online dating.

The festival tone returns to the serious with “Just Because I Am,” a documentary by Gabrielle Pescador that looks at how gay and lesbian youth face prejudice and discrimination.

Benicia High School students’ own short subjects will be shown next, and the audience will get a chance to speak with the young filmmakers and their instructor, Matt O’Reilly.

A third segment Saturday will feature a variety of contemporary LunaFest films — black and white, color, animated and live action — by women filmmakers on topics focusing on women and girls.

The fourth segment opens with “Disgrace to Grace,” about dealing with AIDS and hepatitis C. Filmmakers Kenny Hall and Gloria Norman will answer audience questions, and musician Jerome Harris will perform.

“On the Rise,” an animated short comedy, is next on the schedule, with a question-and-answer session with filmmaker John Tupper scheduled afterward.

Saturday’s program finishes with “Supercuts,” short films presented by Duncan Robson, who also will participate in a Q&A session.

The film festival’s final day, April 6, takes place at Benicia Public Library, and starts with “Harvest,” a documentary about five family wineries in Sonoma County. The film’s creator, John Beck, will answer questions once the film concludes, and a wine reception with music will takes place afterward.

The theme of wine continues with “The Monks of Vina,” Beck’s documentary about a Trappist monastery that produces wine outside of Chico. Beck again will answer questions from the audience after the film.

The Film Festival Committee organized the Benicia Film Festival to combine an eclectic collection of short films from throughout the United States with live music and the opportunity for the audience to speak with filmmakers, Bowles said.

The festival was created to expand the arts and culture offerings of the city, she said. It also is designed to let residents and organizations participate in an event that celebrates independent film and filmmakers, as well as the work of other local artists.

Financial supporters also are being sought, Bowles said.

Contributors who give $1,000 are called “Executive Producers,” and will receive a full-page advertisement in the festival program and be featured in all promotions, as well as two complimentary tickets for VIP seating and a souvenir album.

“Directors,” those who give $500, get a half-page ad, are featured in all promotions and get VIP seating. Those giving $100, “Star”-level donors, get quarter-page ads and honorable mention in promotional materials. “Gaffers,” who give $50, are listed as supporters in the program.

Those wanting to support the festival may send checks payable to the City of Benicia Arts and Culture Commission, 150 East L St., Benicia CA 94510. Those with questions may contact Bowles at hbowles@ci.benicia.ca.us or by calling 707-746-4358.

Doors open for the film festival at 6:30 p.m. April 4 at the Benicia Veterans Memorial Building, 1150 First St.

The event continues at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 5, at the veterans hall, and films will be shown April 6 starting at 1 p.m. at Benicia Public Library, 150 East L St.

Admission is $20 for the April 4 screenings, $30 for all of the April 5 presentations or $10 per segment, and $40 for a three-day weekend pass.

Tickets are available at Benicia Main Street, 90 First St., Benicia Public Library 150 East L St., and Bookshop Benicia, 636 First St.

Tickets can also be bought online at Brown Paper Tickets.