The Women of The West Film Festival is returning to the State Theatre in Modesto on Saturday, Sept. 16 for its third year, and mothers, daughters, wives and women of every stripe are invited to attend. The State Theatre is at 1307 J St., Modesto.

This evening of food, film and friendship is dedicated to telling women’s stories and empowering them through the dynamic medium of film. The evening opens with a buffet featuring foods from around the world and a no-host bar at 5:30 p.m., followed by a short-film program, and the introduction of this year’s keynote speaker – the Mighty “Ruthie” Bolton – prior to the screening of the inspirational documentary Mighty Ruthie.

Bolton is a Women’s National Basketball Association legend, an Olympic gold medalist, author, actress and domestic violence survivor.

For online ticket sales, go to www.thestate.org.

To purchase tickets by phone, call The State box office at 209-527-4697 from noon to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. If still available, tickets may also be purchased the night of the event up to the start of the presentation.