Short Films, Big Issues at Media That Matters
by Peter Knegt (June 4, 2009)
A screen shot from the Media That Matters online film festival page.
The ninth annual Media That Matters Film Festival, one of the world’s first and largest online film festivals, launches today with a collection of 12 short films “aimed at inspiring online audiences to think, laugh, and take action on today’s top issues.” This year’s festival showcases twelve jury-selected shorts tackling a broad range of issues with humor, humanity, and honesty. The films include jury prize winner Next Wave, director Jennifer Redfearn and Tim Metzer’s “alarming documentary about the world’s first climate change refugees from the Carteret Islands,” and Locusts, a “rousing docu- musical on the effects of ill-planned urban planning featuring hotly-tipped Detroit hip hop artists Invincible and Finale.” “This year’s program exemplifies how great filmmaking can humanize critical issues,” said Michael Raisler, creative director of Cinereach, in a statement. “Media That Matters continues to provide an exciting and unique opportunity for audiences to encounter vital perspectives too often ignored.” All of the shorts, which range from traditional documentaries to animated films, are 12 minutes or less. Each is accompanied by “Take Action” tools which “empower viewers to become activists at the click of a button.” For example, after viewing “Next Wave,” viewers can volunteer, sign petitions, and learn more about climate change through Take Action links to organizations such as Islands First, 350.org, and the Avaaz Foundation. Last year, more than a million people participated in the festival online and through over 100 local screenings held around the world. “The Media That Matter Film Festival aims to not only entertain, but to also motivate audiences to learn more and get involved,” said Katy Chevigny, co- founder and executive director of Arts Engine, in a statement. “All of the films explore difficult and challenging topics in ways that will surprise, delight, and inspire.”
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AFI Fest '09
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Hey folks, there’s a stray ” in the link to the Media that Matters Site. Great coverage, got me excited to jump over and see this work!