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FESTIVAL NEWS

August 26: A Girl Like Me and Slip of the Tongue screen at River to River Festival, New York, NY: 7:00

Join us on Tuesday, August 26th at the final film night of the summer series River to River Festival, featuring films by youth filmmakers Kiri Davis and Karen Lum. Come and check out filmmaker Karen Lum at a Q&A preceding the screening of her film Slip of the Tongue, along with Kiri Davis' A Girl Like Me. Then stay for the screening of the feature Imitation of Life, as part of the final day of the film screening series for the River to River Festival. Founded in 2002, The River To River Festival is a partnership between the Alliance for Downtown NY arts, World Financial Center, Battery Park City Authority, Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, Port Authority of NY & NJ, and South Street Seaport. The River To River Festival takes place each summer from June through September, in a variety of public venues that canvas all of Downtown New York - from Chambers Street down to the southern tip of Manhattan and across the island from river to river. We aim to produce a world-class performing arts festival with a broad sweep of programming and free admission in order to enhance the vitality of cultural life in Lower Manhattan, to support its economic and social health, and to generate new audiences for the arts of our city. By removing barriers to the experience of live arts by free admission and by presentation at popular, mostly outdoor, public venues, we aspire to attract diverse audiences. The partners founded the Festival following September 11, 2001 with the intention of using the arts as a tool for the revitalization of Lower Manhattan. Our effort, now in its 7th season, has not only assisted in renewal, but has transformed Downtown into a major cultural destination during the four months of summer. Movie Nights on the Elevated Acre ADMISSION: Free 55 Water Street New York, NY

Published on August 26, 2008

August 22: The Children of Birmingham screens at Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Birmingham, AL: 6:00PM

The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute will be screening the Fourth Annual Media That Matters Film Festival short The Children of Birmingham at 6:30pm on Friday August 22nd as part of their Heritage Alive Community of Readers Program. This program aims to bridge the gap between literacy and parental involvement by instructing families about better reading habits, promoting local parents' belief in their own capabilities as educational mentors, and using books to enhance the time that families spend together. The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute strives to achieve this objective by distributing free books, snacks, journals and related bibliographies to local families at the event. The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute's Heritage Alive Community of Readers Program certainly represents a worthy cause and we at the Media That Matters Film Festival are happy to help further its impact.

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute 520 Sixteenth Street North Birmingham, Alabama 35203

By, Christina Capatides

Published on August 22, 2008

Vote for Superstar Director’s Blog to Win a 2008 Black Weblog Award

Curious about what directors from previous Media That Matters Film Festivals are up to? Check out Naiquan Greene, the director of last year's award winning short Superstar and his blog at www.thecurbside.blogspot.com! www.thecurbside.blogspot.com highlights and discusses matters pertaining to film, art, lifestyle, fashion, African American culture, education and more. Now take action! Naiquan has entered his blog in a competition and needs your support to help him win! If you like what you see after reading his blog, visit: www.blackweblogawards.com, read through the categories and choose which award best fits Naiquan's blog (i.e. Blog to Watch, Best New Blog, etc). You can then nominate his blog for the appropriate award. Log on to the 2008 Black Weblog Awards now to get involved, but hurry, the deadline is fast approaching! By Leila Jarman

Published on August 12, 2008

August: Fundraisers for ailing African Underground artist Modou Konat in New York, Boston, and New Hampshire

Modou Konat, one of the West African artists featured in Ben Herson and Magee McIlvane's award-winning Eighth Annual Media That Matters Film Festival documentary African Underground: Hip Hop in Senegal, suffers from a combination of three severe heart conditions (Rheumatic Heart Disease, Mitral Regurgitation and Pulmonary Hypertension). While all of these conditions are treatable with surgery, it is impossible for the urban poet from Senegal to cover these medical costs on his own. As a result, Nomadic Wax has arranged several fundraisers for his cause. In addition, an inspirational group of physicians, called the Surgeons of Hope have offered to perform Modou's surgery for a significantly reduced price. Due to their generosity, Modou's surgery, which would otherwise cost $60,000 in the United States, will only cost $5,4000. Nomadic Wax has already raised $1,500 of this sum and they are hoping to raise an additional $4,000 at their three upcoming fundraisers in New York, Boston and New Hampshire.

You can sign up for these fabulous fundraisers on the Nomadic Wax website. The fundraising event in Boston will be held on August 11th. The fundraising events in New Hampshire will take place on Sunday, August 24th and Monday, August 25th. The date of the New York City event is yet to be announced. Please check the Modou fundraiser page on Nomadic Wax's website for any updates.

Not only will attendees walk away from these fundraisers with the knowledge that they have helped save a life, but they will also receive several gifts that show Nomadic Wax's gratitude for any monetary contributions made to Modou's cause. For example, if you donate $200: 1) your contribution is tax deductible, 2) you receive a highly sought after haircut by New York stylist Vivi Lapidus, 3) you get a Nomadic Wax t-shirt or CD of your choice, and 4) you can enjoy cheese, wine and good company at the event. If you donate $100, you can receive all of the above gifts, expect for the Nomadix Wax t-shirt/ CD of your choice. There are similar packages available for monetary donations of $75 and $50. If you would like to contact Nomadic Wax, you can send any Modou related mail to savemodou@nomadicwax.com. Lastly, click here to see a short documentary film that Nomadic Wax made about Modou.

By, Christina Capatides

Published on August 11, 2008

July 18 - Aug 22: Media That Matters Films Screen at Queens Museum’s Passport Fridays International Outdoor Film, Dance

The Media That Matters Film Festival and Queens Museum of Art are joining forces to bring you a night of art, film, awareness and fun! Come out to Flushing Meadows Corona Park for the QMA's Passport Fridays Free International Outdoor Film, Dance and Music Series. The events will highlight art, music, dance and social and political issues from countries like West Africa, Brazil, Morocco, China, Ecuador, India, and Mexico. The Queens Museum of Art is dedicated to presenting the visual arts and educational programming for people in the New York metropolitan area, and particularly for the uniquely diverse ethnic, cultural and international community of Queens. The Museum fulfills its mission by designing and providing art exhibitions and educational experiences that promote the appreciation and enjoyment of art. The museum presents artistic and educational programs and exhibitions that directly relate to the contemporary urban life of its constituents while maintaining the highest standards of professional, intellectual, and ethical responsibility. As part of the partnership with the Queens Museum of Art, films from the Media That Matters Film Festival will be screened along side feature length outdoor screenings as part of the weekly outdoor festivities. Follow the program lineup and come out for this great summer outdoor event. Dance and Music programs begin at 6:30 pm followed by the Film program at 8 pm each Friday. Here is a schedule of the events and when you can catch Media That Matters films: July 18th: W. Africa Eli Efe and DJ Laylo mix Brazilian beats to the sounds of New York Hip Hop and the Carioca Capoeira & Samba Group perform live Brazilian martial arts. Also, there is a screening of the film Antonia(2006), about young Brazilian girls striving to escape poverty, inequality and violence and live their dreams to be an all female rap group. Eighth annual Media That Matters film African Underground: Hip Hop in Senegal kick off the screening at 8pm. July 25th: Morocco Rachid Halihal Ensemble will perform music from North Africa as well as a set from DJ Alias spinning the best Arabic and Moroccan Hip Hop. Dance of the Word will also be performing, as well as a screening of I Love Hip Hop in Morocco (2007), a documentary about young Moroccans pursuing their dreams of staging a Hip Hop Festival. Third annual Media That Matters film Holla Back Dubai kick off the screening at 8pm. August 1st: China The Renaissance Chinese Opera Society will be performing a colorful, traditional Chinese opera followed by The King of Masks(1999), a film about one man's struggle to preserve his Chinese culture, knowledge and traditions. Seventh annual Media That Matters film By-Standing: The Beginning of an American Lifetime kick off the screening at 8pm. August 8th: Ecuador Dancers from the AMDAT will perform an homage to Jasper Johns and the group Inkhay will perform music of the Andes mountains of Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador. How Much Further (2006)will screen, a film from Spain. Third annual Media That Matters film Esmeraldas: Petroleum and Poverty kick off the screening at 8pm. August 15: India Paul Singh will be performing a piece with his dancers about the dangers of consumerism and DJ Rekha of Basement Bhangra will be spinning tunes South Asia. Gotham Award-nominated The Namesake (2006) will screen, a film about a family who tried to preserve their heritage and culture after coming to the United States. Seventh annual Media That Matters film Ashray kick off the screening at 8pm. August 22: Mexico Dancing in Queens Awardees Laura Peterson Choreography and Anthony Whitehurst perform, as well as musical performers Mariachi Oro de Mexico. There will also be a screening of Under The Same Moon (2007), about a mother and a child who are torn apart over the struggle of immigrating to the United States for the chance of more opportunity. Fourth annual Media That Matters film The Sixth Section kick off the screening at 8pm. For additional information, call the Queens Museum at 718.592.9700 By Leila Jarman

Published on August 8, 2008

August 6-28: Screenings of select MTM8 films during the Scribe Video Center’s annual Street Movies event

The Scribe Video Center will be hosting screenings of numerous Eighth Annual Media That Matters Film Festival shorts from August 6th to August 28th as part of their annual Street Movies event. The Scribe Video Center's objective is to provide the knowledge, tools, and support necessary for both emerging and experienced media artists to pursue all aspects of successful film, video and audio production. For twelve summers, Scribe has held free outdoor screenings of independent films in vibrant public space throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. This year, Scribe's Street Movies series is featuring an exciting line-up of documentary, animated and experimental films that explore issues of environmental justice, immigration, the effects of violence on communities, militarism, policing, prisons and green modes of transportation. This year's line-up of independent films and videos is especially notable because it features a number of short films from the Eighth Annual Media That Matters Film Festival. The schedule of Media That Matters screenings is as follows: Wednesday, August 6 Hosted by the Walt Whitman Arts Center Walt Whitman Arts Center, Camden African Underground: Hip Hop in Senegal by Magee McIlvaine, Ben Herson & Chris Moore Thursday, August 7 Hosted by Montesorri Genesis II School 3529 Haverford Avenue, Mantua E-Waste Animated by Ian Lynam, Produced by Morgan Currie & Lindsay Utz, GOOD Magazine Saturday, August 9 Hosted by Bra Buddha Ransi Temple Mifflin Square Park 6th and Ritner Streets, South Philadelphia A Loud Color by Brent Joseph Thursday, August 14 Hosted by Why Not Prosper and Social Re-entry 717 E. Chelten Avenue, Germantown Perversion of Justice by Rev. Melissa Mummert Friday, August 15 Hosted by Newbold Neighbors Association DiSilvestro Park 15th and Morris Streets, South Philadelphia Hammoudi by Anwar Saab Wednesday, August 20 Hosted by Friends Neighborhood Guild and Friends Housing Cooperative 8th Street & Fairmount Avenue, East Poplar/ Northern Liberties A Loud Color by Brent Joseph Thursday, August 21 Hosted by Leon H. Sullivan Charitable Trust Leon H. Sullivan Human Services Bldg. 1415 N. Broad Street, North Philadelphia Hammoudi by Anwar Saab A Loud Color by Brent Joseph Friday, August 22 Hosted by Jubilee School and Neighborhood Bike Works Clark Park 43rd & Baltimore Avenue, West Philadelphia E-Waste Animated by Ian Lynam, Produced by Morgan Currie & Lindsay Utz, GOOD Magazine Water Warriors by Liz Miller (a short film from the Sixth Annual Media That Matters Film Festival) Saturday, August 23 Hosted by First African Baptist Church 16th & Christian Streets, South Philadephia African Underground: Hip Hop in Senegal by Magee McIlvaine, Ben Herson & Chris Moore Thursday, August 28 Hosted by WPEB 88.1 FM Community Radio Station Malcolm X Park, West Philadelphia African Underground: Hip Hop in Senegal by Magee McIlvaine, Ben Herson & Chris Moore Screenings start at 8:30 PM and include discussions about the films. Filmmakers are often in attendance. By, Christina Capatides

Published on August 6, 2008

Every Third Bite vs. CCD and Pesticides

Denny Mundell's August 5th article on his Fertigation Company Blog suggests that, much like Colony Collapse Disorder, pesticides threaten every third bite of food that we eat. Unlike Canada and Europe (countries that require chemicals be found "safe" before entering the world of commerce), Mundell explains that the United States refuses to remove a chemical from the market unless regulators specifically discover that it is "unsafe." Europe is banning the use of pesticides this year and has recommended that the US follow suit or risk losing its commerce with 27 countries and 500 million people. Consequently, if pesticides begin damaging the United States' international markets, then their champions may soon find that the chemicals are no longer as profitable as they once were. While the prohibition of pesticides might lead to higher prices and harder work for people in the US, it will also undoubtedly curb the nation's health problems. Similar to the disappearance of global honeybee populations detailed in the Eighth Annual Media That Matters Film Festival documentary short Every Third Bite, pesticides threaten every third bite of food that we eat and, as such, may spark a severe ecological crisis in the years to come. Let's push those pests aside and take action before that day comes.

By, Christina Capatides

Published on August 6, 2008

August 4: African Underground receives a rave review on Rhapsody

Rhapsody.com is currently featuring a rave review of Eighth Annual Media That Matters Film Festival short, African Underground: Hip Hop in Senegal, the longer film from which it was taken, African Underground: Democracy in Dakar, and the related Hip Hop music compilation, African Underground: Depths of Dakar. In particular, Rhapsody praises Nomadic Wax for giving global lesser-known emcees a platform for their music to be heard. The article features an interview with Nomadic Wax founder and Media That Matters filmmaker, Ben Herson, in which he describes his process during the production of the aforementioned pieces. In the article, Herson also explains the ways in which West African emcees affect their political climate; discusses his plans for a future project called African Underground: Democracy in Paris; and gives the Media That Matters Film Festival a shout out for film distribution. Keep up the good work Nomadic Wax!

By, Christina Capatides

Published on August 4, 2008

August 4: Niaz Mosharraf’s other documentary, Over Here becomes available as free streaming video and education

Niaz Mosharraf, youth filmmaker of the Eighth Annual Media That Matters Film Festival short America for Dummies, was one of seven youths selected by Reel Works Teen Filmmaking co-founders John and Stephanie Williams to be part of a team of New York City teenagers which was assembled to create a half-hour documentary about New York during World War II. Reel Works was commissioned by Thirteen to shoot this documentary in the aftermath of a survey of American teenagers which yielded sobering results. A recent New York Times op-ed column explicated the survey's unsettling findings. At least one quarter of the surveyed teenagers could not identify Adolf Hitler and twenty percent of the surveyed teenagers did not know who the United States fought against in World War II. Startling statistics like these, in conjunction with a community and educational outreach effort for Ken Burns' The War, inspired Thirteen to commission the Reel Works project.

Niaz and his six filmmaking peers, tokened “Team Thirteen,” worked under the supervision of Reel Works mentor Maria Gambale. Maria and the team of teenagers interviewed over a dozen New Yorkers who had been teenagers at the time of the war. Team Thirteen then wove these diverse and candid recollections together with eclectic stock footage and a poignant score by composer Barney McCall to create an inspiring final product. The final film, entitled Over Here, offers both a unique perspective on the events of the early 1940s and a stirring illustration of the connection between the wartime generation and today’s youth. Today’s youth does, after all, have the wartime generation to thank for the world that they are inheriting. As such, it is only fitting that films like Over Here be made to show the wartime generation that today’s youth understands and appreciates its sacrifices.

Over Here is now available as streaming video on Thirteen's New York War Stories website and as a free download from iTunesU.

By, Christina Capatides

Published on August 4, 2008

August 4: America for Dummies now featured on SnagFilms.com and LivingInAmerica website

Eighth Annual Media That Matters Film Festival documentary short America for Dummies is now featured on SnagFilms.com, a position which has inspired other video sharing sites to feature the eighth annual Media That Matters' short film as well. SnagFilms.com recently enabled a multitude of media sharing organizations to easily embed documentaries on their sites by releasing a platform for the free global distribution of obscure documentaries. In particular, the Living In America website seized this opportunity to pick up a documentary and feature it on their site. As a true testament to the impact and poignancy of Media That Matters Film Festival shorts, Living In America chose to prominently feature and highly recommend Niaz Mosharraf's award-winning short, America for Dummies, out of all the first rate documentaries offered by SnagFilms' new platform.

By Christina Capatides

Published on August 4, 2008

August 2: Hip Hop in Senegal at National Hip Hop Political Convention, Las Vegas, NV: Time TBD

The Eighth Annual Media That Matters Film Festival documentary short African Underground: Hip Hop in Senegal is screening at the National Hip Hop Political Convention in Las Vegas on Saturday August 2nd. The convention draws a large global audience and features numerous educational aspects, in addition to performances and media presentations. Discussion topics include: vote disenfranchisement, hip hop's place in academia, media justice, global warming, the criminalization of youth, violence, liberation theology, Black-Brown solidarity, economic justice, and sexism in hip hop. The convention also offers a number of training workshops for such things as filmmaking, krumping, and voter registration. Every year, the program provides an excellent mix of political discussion forums, lectures, and arts into which attendees can delve. This year, Magee McIlvaine and Ben Herson's award-winning short, African Underground: Hip Hop in Senegal, will be screened in conjunction with films like Masizakhe: Let Us Build Together in order to grant the event a more global relevance. The National Hip Hop Political Convention's selection of African Underground for their event proves that the MTM8 short is rapidly acquiring the reputation of one of the best underground films on hip hop.

The 2008 convention runs from August 1-3. The full program can be viewed here.

By, Christina Capatides

Published on August 2, 2008

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