The Media That Matters Film Festival is the premiere showcase for
short films on the most important topics of the day. Local and global,
online and in communities around the world, Media That Matters engages
diverse audiences and inspires them to take action.
From gay rights to global warming, the jury-selected collection
represents the work of a diverse group of independent filmmakers, many
of whom are under 21. The films are equally diverse in style and
content, with documentaries, music videos, animations, experimental
work and everything else in between. What all the films have in common
is that they spark debate and action in 12 minutes or less.
Every June, Media That Matters presents a new collection of twelve
shorts. The festival launches in New York City with a World Premiere and Awards Ceremony, where every filmmaker is
honored and many receive cash awards sponsored by major foundations and
corporations. Previous presenters include Tim Robbins, Al Franken,
David Cross, Woody Harrelson, Barbara Kopple and Peter Yarrow. The
festival launch also includes the Media as a Tool for Social Change
Workshop, a unique convening of filmmakers, educators, activists,
nonprofits and youth.
The June launch events are just the beginning of a jam-packed year
of Media That Matters. The films stream online in their entirety,
broadcast nationally and are distributed on DVD
to educators and activists. Media That Matters reaches thousands
through community screenings around the country. From classrooms to
board rooms, movie theatres to home theatres, hundreds of events take
place throughout the year. Arts Engine staff produce and attend many
screenings, while many more are organized by individuals committed to
change. We provide everything you need to host your own event, and we invite you to contact us for support in bringing Media That Matters to your neck of the woods.