Home| Watch | News | Tools | Store | Submit | Films | Press | About

FESTIVAL NEWS

Latest news on Colony Collapse Disorder - Every Third Bite

Read the latest theories on the root causes of colony collapse disorder that is affecting honey bee populations and agriculture production worldwide! Watch Every Third Bite and Good Food's Terminator Tomatoes.... Want to do something about it!? Read our Take Action Pack to find out how.

Published on September 30, 2008

September 30: Creative Commons Salon Featuring Meerkat Media Collective in New York, NY at 7 - 10:00 p.m.

Official Media That Matters Film Festival partner Creative Commons is highlighting the work of our very own Meerkat Media Arts Collective in their upcoming CC Salon NYC. Creative Commons Salons are global events focused on building a community of artists and developers around Creative Commons licenses, culture, and technology. Check out the Meerkat Media Collective's short films from our festivals Every Third Bite (winner of the eighth annual Good Food Award) and How Walmart Came to Haslett (winner of the sixth annual Changemaker Award). If you're in the New York area on September 30th, check out this event. Space is limited, so don't delay! For more information go to CreativeCommons.org

Published on September 30, 2008

September 22: Ben Herson of Nomadic Wax at Chicago’s World Music Festival at 11 a.m.

La Musgana, Ben Herson of Nomadic Wax, and Alex Cuba will be at Claudia Cassidy Theater as part of Chicago's World Music Festival. The event will be held Monday, Sept. 22, 11 a.m. 2008 at the Chicago Cultural Center on 78 E. Washington. This event is free and open to the public. Call 312-744-6630 for more information. Ben Herson of Nomadic Wax is the director of "African Underground: Hip Hop in Senegal," which was featured in the 8th annual Media That Matters Film Festival.

Published on September 28, 2008

Related News for Every Third Bite: New Study Reveals UK Bees May Only Have Ten Years Left

Watch eighth annual Media That Matters winner Every Third Bite and find out how the bee colony collapse is affecting our ecosystem. Read on how you can Take Action, then check out this new article from Take Part about how the effect of CCD is now a worldwide phenomenon...

Published on September 26, 2008

September 26: Eighth Annual Media That Matters Film Festival at Friday Night at the Meaningful Movies in Seattle, WA at

Wallingford Neighbors for Peace and Justice presents the eighth annual Media That Matters Film Festival as part of their "Friday Night At The Meaningful Movies" series. Filmmakers Melissa Young and Mark Dworkin from Argentina Turning Around will also be in attendance for a Q & A following the film! All films are shown at Keystone Congregational United Church of Christ 5019 Keystone Place N. Seattle (Wallingford), WA USA 98103 0.4 miles west of the I-5 NE 50th St. Exit - Metro Bus Routes 16, 26 & 44 (Admission to all films is FREE of charge and open to the public, ...donations are kindly accepted) ALL FILMS ARE AT 7-9:30PM, EVERY FRIDAY ..... social justice documentaries, and community discussion, ...every Friday Night! - FREE!

Published on September 26, 2008

September 22: Screening of Democracy in Dakar and Nomadic Wax African Hip Hop Showcase in Chicago, IL at 6:30 p.m. - 2:0

Director of eighth annual Media That Matters Film Festival's Hip Hop in Senegal will be screening his feature length documentary Democracy in Dakar, a film comprised of various short films exploring the transformative role of Hip Hop on politics in Senegal, West Africa during the February 2007 presidential election campaign. On September 22nd, the World Music Festival 2008 Chicago will be showcasing music and film and highlighting hip-hop from Africa to Iran, as well as exploring the Muslim punk rock movement and various other music inspired movements. The World Music Festival aims to use music to unite people in order to incite social and political change. Join the Chicago Council as it brings together international musicians, artists and experts to discuss just how music is evolving the lives of people around the world and inspiring them to work towards making change happen. The event is from 6:30pm to 9:00pm, followed by the Nomadic Wax African Hip Hop Showcase from 9:00pm till 2:00am featuring: DJ Boo (USA/Philippines) World Hip Hop Baay Bia (USA/Senegal) Senegalese Hip Hop M.anifest (USA/Ghana) African Hip Hop Soul Baay Musa (USA/Senegal) Senegalese Hip Hop Krukid (USA/Uganda) African Hip Hop Admission is $10.00 and restricted to those ages 21 and older. Learn more about the World Music Festival 2008 festival and other events held by the Chicago Council at TheChicagoCouncil.org

Published on September 22, 2008

September 18: Seventh Annual Media That Matters Film Festival, Neon Cinemas in Dayton, OH at 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.

On September 18, Dayton Access Television is screening the seventh annual Media That Matters Film Festival in its entirety at Neon Cinemas in downtown Dayton at 7:30 PM. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the Neon Movies box office, online at the DATV website, or at DATV's public access center on 280 Leo Street in Dayton. Proceeds from ticket sales will go to DATV, a community access television station whose mission is to empower citizens through electronic media. Attendees will also receive a Take Action Guide which gives information on how to take action and incorporate the messages of the films into daily life.

Published on September 18, 2008

The Countdown winner of Link TV One Nation Many Voices Youth Award

Eighth annual Media That Matters Film Festival winner The Countdown recently won the Youth award at the One Nation, Many Voices Film Contest. Judges included Sara Abassi, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Danny Glover, Mariane Pearl, and Azhar Usman. Check their site for more information and find out how you can enter the contest for this year! Finalists will also be aired on Link TV. Read our Youth Activism: Take Action Pack to find out how you can be more active in your community and beyond.

Published on September 18, 2008

September 18: Screening of Perversion Of Justice at NW Film Center in Portland, OR at 8 -10:00 p.m.

An extended, 30 minute version of eighth annual Media That Matters Film Festival winner of the Changemaker Award, Perversion of Justice is being featured in the Portland Women's Film Festival's Best Of series! The Portland Women's Film Festival (a.k.a. POW Fest) is a film festival which focuses on the contribution of the art and film of women filmmakers from around the world. The POW festival was in May of 2008 and featured workshops, film screenings and filmmaker panels, all praising the works of films made by women. The purpose of the Best Of series is to celebrate the cinematic contribution of international and local women filmmakers. They will be screening a selection of outstanding local films showcased at last Spring's Powfest, including Perversion of Justice. The screening of the Best Of the POW Festival will be held at Whitsell Auditorium at the Portland Art Museum located at 1219 SW Park Avenue, Portland, OR. For more information, check out the NW Film Center . By Leila Jarman

Published on September 18, 2008

NEW Media That Matters Take Action Pack: Health Literacy

Every month, the Media That Matters Film Festival puts out an inclusive, all-in-one Take Action Pack of resources, tips and activities focused around an issue raised by one or more of the films from the Eighth Annual Festival. This month, we are focusing on the topic of Health Literacy, incorporating the film Diana, about two young women living with HIV, as an entry point into talking about health issues today. Check it out!

Published on September 16, 2008

September 12: Director of No Escape Prison Rape Presents New Film at Urbanworld Film Festival in New York, NY at 7:45 p.

Director of third annual Media That Matters short No Escape, Prison Rape presents his newest film, produced with Snoop Dogg called Youth Authority: California. Read more from Producer Jonathan Stack:

"A few years back I had the pleasure to produce a film with Snoop Dogg for Spike TV about the plight of young people caught up in California's prison system. At our first meeting Snoop asked, 'what would be special about our project'? I answered...while other films about California's Youth Authority (their Juvenile Justice system) made you feel like giving up, we intended to inspire people to get up and do something. And so we bring you Bigg Snoop Dogg's Youth Authority, directed by Gabriel London who did a beautiful job translating Snoop's vision to the screen. Please come this Friday night, September 12 and celebrate our New York premiere at the Urbanworld Film Festival. The time is 7:45 p.m. with a Q and A to follow. The theater is AMC Loews Theater, 312 w. 34th Street. Tickets can be reserved at Fandango or at the door. Best, Jonathan Stack

Published on September 12, 2008

September 9: Filmmakers From Argentina Turning Around Host Screening of New Film in Bellingham, WA at 6 - 10:30 p.m.

Filmmakers Melissa Young and Mark Dworkin from eighth annual Media That Matters Film Festival winner Argentina Turning Around are presenting their newest film: GOOD FOOD: Sustainable Food and Farming in the Pacific Northwest — a Seattle International Film Festival selection, featuring many familiar Whatcom County faces, which tells the story of a local food and agriculture renaissance in Washington. The award-winning filmmakers will join locals featured in the film for a panel discussion following the film. Join in the fun at the Beer Garden for a great BBQ filled with local, fresh ingredients and then stay for a screening of a movie about sustainable farming. Tuesday September 9, 2008, 6-10:30pm $6-10 donation (not including food & drink) The Boundary Bay Brewery & Bistro 1107 Railroad Avenue Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 647-5593 Buy Local...Eat Local!

Published on September 9, 2008

September 3: Public Screening at Bowling Green State University, The Gish Film Theater, OH; 9:00PM - 11:00PM

The University Film Organization at Bowling Green State University will be presenting a public screening of the twelve Eighth Annual Media That Matters Film Festival award-winning short films. These twelve films include: Hammoudi, A Loud Color, Argentina Turning Around, Perversion of Justice, Diana, The Countdown, African Underground: Hip Hop in Senegal, Something's Moving, A Nomad's Life, America for Dummies, E-Waste, and Every Third Bite. The screening will be held in the Gish Film Theater, which seats approximately 150 people.

Tickets are free.

By Christina Capatides

Published on September 3, 2008

A Loud Color Featured on IFC.com Rooftop Short Film Showcase

Official Media That Matters Film Festival's partner, Rooftop Films has paired up with IFC.com to feature A Loud Color, the winner of the eighth annual festival's Legacy Award, on their Rooftop Film: Shorts on IFC.com. Check out an exclusive Q&A with the Director Brent Joseph and find out the latest news on the film. In the interview, Brent discusses the upcoming Media That Matters Film Festival DVD, the special features of which will include an update and a PSA with more information about where Louis is now, and how you can do more to help his work. Check back on our site within the next month to purchase the DVD! Want to get involved? You can make a donation to the Washington Ave. Community Center. To find out more information on how you can help, please visit the film's official website, www.ALoudColor.com

Published on September 2, 2008

African Underground: Hip Hop in Senegal Director Ben Herson on WNUR Chicago Radio

Live in Chicago? If so, check out Chicago Cultural Center's Claudia Cassidy Theater for a series of live broadcasts covering a variety of issues as well as showcasing live performances and interviews during the World Music Festival. Ben Herson, Director of African Underground: Hip Hop in Senegal (this year's Media That Matters Festival's Roots & Rhymes Award winner) will be talking about his film along with other live performances and speakers. Tune into WNUR, 89.3 FM or stop by the Chicago Cultural Center on Monday, September 22, from 11am-2pm. Admission in free! For more information, go to CityOfChicago.org

Published on September 2, 2008

Announcing the BRAND NEW Media That Matters Take Action Pack! This month: Sustainable Living

The Media That Matters Film Festival features twelve short social issue films under twelve minutes over twelve months. As a result, each month we at Media That Matters will release a Take Action Pack featuring our films and instructing interested viewers on how they can best take action regarding the social issue presented in the films on which we are currently focusing our efforts. With the summer in full swing and honeybees on our minds, we at Arts Engine have decided to highlight the eighth annual Media That Matters short film Every Third Bite this month. So, whether you're packing for your summer vacation, packing on those extra ice cream pounds, or packing in some much needed time in the sun; we encourage you to pack in a little action as well. To help you do this, we have created an Every Third Bite themed Take Action Pack that is available on our festival website.

This month's pack approaches the issue of Colony Collapse Disorder from several angles. First, it draws attention to the importance and background of the issue by pointing out that we are losing pollinators at an alarming rate and that both humans and ecosystems cannot survive without them. Second, it discusses the information that can be obtained from the film itself and directs viewers to other environmentally themed films that may be of interest from our Media That Matters collections and from our large MediaRights database of documentary film. Third, this guide provides links to related articles that can help you stay up to date with the measures that experts in the worlds of science and agriculture are taking to curb the threat CCD poses to our existence. One such article discusses the survey findings that the USDA, Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Apiary Inspectors of America released in May, documenting the disappearance of unprecedented numbers of honeybees over the winter of 2007-2008. Likewise, our Take Action Pack provides links to the websites of relevant organizations like the National Resource Defense Council and Honeybeequiet.com that support immediate social action and keep interested individuals updated on any congressional hearings or developments on the rapid decline of honeybee populations.

Lastly, perhaps the most important component of our pack is the section on How To Take Action. If you are an educator, this guide can instruct you on ways Every Third Bite can be used to facilitate classroom discussions on environmental and scientific studies. You can also teach students about ways to attract pollinators to their neighborhoods using resources highlighted on this page and obtain information about further educational materials that we recommend. Our Discussion Guide which will be available online by the end of the summer, takes the educational potential for this film a step further by suggesting specific discussion questions, topics, and interactive classroom activities. The online Take Action Pack also provides activity suggestions for environmentally conscious families. If you are a member of one of these, you can visit our site to obtain information on educating your family, creating a pollinator-friendly environment in your own backyard or window box, "green" methods to cure the common cold, and starting your own "safe" hives. In addition, our guide offers information for communities and individuals who are interested in getting involved with this issue. If you fit this description, visit our site to locate local screenings of Every Third Bite, learn how to host your own screening to educate others on the issue, get your hands a little dirty with sustainable living techniques, learn how to cook with solar power, convert your car to a hydrogen vehicle, etc.

Throughout the upcoming year, we will be highlighting one film from the Eighth Annual Media That Matters Film Festival per month with similar Take Action Packs that underline the film's larger themes, resources related to the specific social issue and tips on how to best take action. If you found this month's pack useful and would like to receive our monthly alerts when new materials become available online, sign up for the MediaRights newsletter here. Our next Take Action Pack will focus on youth activism with the eighth annual Media That Matters films America for Dummies and The Countdown. In the meantime, join Media That Matters in focusing your efforts on saving the honeybees. BEE informed, BEE environmentally responsible, and BEElieve that each of us can do our part to make the world a better place.

By, Christina Capatides

Published on September 1, 2008

DONATE

BROWSE FILMS BY ISSUE

SEARCH THE SITE