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FESTIVAL NEWS
Conservation Fund DVD Features Every Third Bite
Imagine Your Own Environmental Film Festival - Right in Your Home. That’s the big idea behind a new Conservation Fund project featuring Media That Matters’ “Every Third Bite.” This playful and colorful excursion honors bees, beekeepers and the ancient dance between the two. From the rooftops of New York City to abandoned lots in Chicago, meet bee activists in urban and rural places who are keeping wild bees and meanwhile producing the best tasting honey in the world. You’ll learn to celebrate the fact that every third bite you consume is pollinated by a bee and that this shrinking population of busy workers is irreplaceable. This film is produced by an unusual group, The Meerkat Media Arts Collective out of Brooklyn, New York, comprised of filmmakers and artists who believe in the spirit of collaboration and cooperation.
Also included in the set is: “The Greening of Southie” from the co-producers that brought us King Corn, Ian Cheney and Curt Ellis now share a dynamic portrait of the future of green building in America. From wheatboard cabinetry to recycled steel, bamboo flooring to dual flush toilets, the Macallen Building in south Boston is an exercise in changing neighborhood perceptions about going green and the risks and rewards of such an investment. Using phenomenal photography and time-lapse, this highly detailed and intimate look at the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification process is funny, poignant and finally truly inspiring; “Vitya The Recycling Man.” Have you ever wondered how people in other countries participate in the recycling process? In rural India, take a look at a simple and friendly approach. Meet Vitya who lives off the grid and uses a bicycle to make collections. You’ll also find out why folks are truly pleased to see him as he gathers the neighborhood’s recyclables! “Chasing Wild Horses” Follow famous fashion photographer Roberto Dutesco as he makes an unprecedented trip to Sable Island, a nature preserve and narrow crescent-shaped sandbar off the coast of Nova Scotia, Canada. The island is home to over 300 free-roaming feral horses which are protected by law from human interference. Dutesco wanders this untouched habitat and photographs its remarkable and wildly beautiful inhabitants with a sensitive and compassionate eye.
You are invited to join the EarthCinemaCircle - the only DVD club dedicated to increasing social & environmental awareness through entertaining films. Here is how it works:
Receive the best environmental films from the thousands screened each year
4 films per DVD, every other month…yours to keep!
Endorsed by The Conservation Fund
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Published on March 31, 2009
Rene Dongo Wins AOL TV’s Best Youth 18 and Under Video
Who says you need your own camera to be an award-winning filmmaker? Certainly not Rene Dongo, winner of AOL TV’s Best Youth 18 and Under Video. The freshman at Emerson College in Boston used a borrowed camera to shoot the award-winning “The Countdown.” The short film eloquently illuminates Sofia Snow’s spoken word composition, a hypnotic barrage of words and images about post-9/11 America. Dongo, a Massachusetts Native, started making films as a fifteen-year-old. His freshman year of college, “The Countdown” was heralded as one of 12 projects at the 8th Annual Media That Matters Film Festival.
Published on March 23, 2009
March 21: Human Rights Watch International Film Festival Presents The Countdown in London, England
Director Rene Dongo and spoken-word artist Sofia Snow will appear at Youth Producing Change, presented by Adobe Youth Voices, a program showcasing youth-made films at the Human Rights Watch International Film Festival in London. The Countdown, which screened at the eighth annual Media That Film Festival, was directed by Rene Dongo, winner of the Emerging Artist award, and stars the poetry and personality of Sofia Snow. A discussion with the young filmmakers and a reception is to follow the program.
Youth Producing Change will take place on Saturday, March 21 at 7:00 p.m. at the Ritzy Picturehouse, Brixton Oval, Coldharbour Lane, London, SW2 1JG. The discussion with the young filmmakers will take place on Sunday, March 22 at 2:00 p.m. For Benefit Gala tickets, donations or more information, please contact Simona Santojanni at 020 7713 2773 or email (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Published on March 21, 2009
March 20: Filmmaker Ben Herson to Moderate Global Underground Panel at SXSW Festival in Austin, TX
SXSW Music and Media Conference presents the Global Underground Panel on Friday, March 20, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the Austin Convention Center. Moderating this panel will be filmmaker Ben Herson, director of the documentary African Underground: Hip-Hop in Senegal from the eighth annual Media That Matters Film Festival. This panel will explore the phenomenon of the rapid growth and accessibility of digital technology, giving a chance for artists worldwide to get their message out and their music heard. These musicians are not signing about girls and money, but about political strife, economic crises, and real life issues they face every day. The panel will feature the women of the Muslin hip-hop/spoken word duo Poetic Pilgrimage – Sukina Abdul Noor and Muneera Rashida. Fiona Bloom of the Bloom Effect, Mark LeVine, author of Heavy Metal Islam, and filmmaker Magee McIlvaine will offer their insight as well.
The SXSW Music and Media Conference is taking place from March 18-22, 2009 in Austin, TX showcasing hundreds of musical acts from around the globe on over eighty stages in downtown Austin.
Published on March 20, 2009
March 19 at 7 P.M.: Back Forty Farm to Host Reception and Screening of “Good Food” in Mt. Vernon, Wa
The comeback of the small family farmer in the Pacific Northwest will be center stage during a showing of “Good Food,” a Whidbey Island-made documentary that features producers, farmers’ markets, distributors and public officials who are developing a more sustainable food system.
The movie will be shown at 7 p.m., March 19, at the Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. 1st St., Mount Vernon, Wash.
Before the screening, a reception will be held for filmmakers Melissa Young and Mark Dworkin from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Skagit Valley Co-op, 202 S. First St., Mount Vernon.
During the reception, information will be shared about Equitable Farming and Triple Bottom Line Agriculture.
RSVP for the reception at www.skagitfoodcoop.com.
The movie screening will be followed by a panel discussion that includes representatives from Blue Heron Farm, Skagitonians to Preserve Farmland, and Washington Sustainable Food & Farming Network.
The movie, reception and panel discussion are part of the Sixth Annual Skagit Human Rights Festival. For more information, call 360-336-8955 or toll free 877-754-6284
Back Forty is a gathering place for people who have found their patch of ground to grow what they like, raise the animals they like and stretch out a bit without the neighbors peering in through the side window. Call it a small farm, hobby farm, ranchette, living the rural lifestyle or going ruralpolitan, it’s all about people getting in touch with the land.
Published on March 19, 2009
March 17: Issaquah Launches Movie Nights Focused on Sustainability, Screening “Good Food”
The City of Issaquah’s Resource Conservation Office (RCO) is hosting the first in its series of free movie nights March 17.
RCO’s first movie showing will feature “Good Food,” which is directed by Seattle filmmakers Mark Dworkin and Melissa Young.
First shown to packed audiences at the recent Seattle International Film Festival, “Good Food” introduces viewers to the local farmers, ranchers, distributors and restaurants who are building a sustainable food system in the Pacific Northwest.
“By purchasing food from nearby farmers and resources, people are supporting their local economy – and at the same time reducing the demand for food that travels thousands of miles to get here,” said Ava Frisinger, the City of Issaquah’s mayor. “We hope RCO’s first movie night will start some great discussion on what’s happening here locally, both in the Pacific Northwest and specifically in Issaquah.”
After the film, a panel discussion will be held with local food experts Dave Sao from the Issaquah Farmers Market, Trudy Bialic from PCC Natural Markets (who is also in the film) and Laura Niemi, Garden Programs Manager for Seattle Tilth. Snacks will also be provided by PCC Natural Markets. Spend St. Patrick’s Day learning how to incorporate more “green” choices into your diet!
Event details:
6:30 – 8:30 p.m. March 17
King County Library Service Center
960 Newport Way NW (This is not the downtown library!)
For more information, go to www.ci.issaquah.wa.us/rco or call the RCO at 425-837-3400.
Published on March 17, 2009
March 13-21: Feature Length Version of Garbage Dreams accepted to SXSW Festival 2009, Screening in Austin, TX
The 2009 SXSW Film Festival held in Austin, Texas from March 13-21, just announced its acceptance of the feature length version of Garbage Dreams from the seventh annual Media That Matter Film Festival. Garbage Dreams is a documentary following three teenage boys born into the trash trade in Cairo, Egypt, directed by Mai Iskander. Check the SXSW website at a later date for more details regarding the screening date and time of Garbage Dreams. The SXSW FILM CONFERENCE AND FESTIVAL explores all aspects of the art and business of independent filmmaking. The Conference hosts a five-day adventure in the latest filmmaking trends and new technology, featuring distinguished speakers and mentors. The internationally-acclaimed, nine-day Festival boasts some of the most wideranging programming of any US event of its kind, from provocative documentaries to subversive Hollywood comedies, with a special focus on emerging talents. Get your tickets now!Published on March 13, 2009
March 9: Filmmaker Ambika Samarthya and Media That Matters to Screen and Discuss Gender Films in New York
Mercy Corps’ Action Center to End World Hunger and Arts Engine’s Media That Matters Film Festival will screen a program of award winning short films on gender on March 9 at 6 p.m. The films include: In Transit,
World On Fire, Ashray, Seeds of Hope: South Africa. The event launches the Action Center’s International Women’s Day online campaign, which urges people to write their Congressional representatives and tell them to pass the International Violence Against Women Act by 2010. A candid feedback session with Samarthya will be included in the screening. Leah Sapin of Media That Matters will discuss Arts Engine & MTM.
The event is being held at:
Mercy Corps’ Action Center
6 River Terrace
Battery Park City
New York, NY 10282
(212) 537-0511
Published on March 9, 2009
March 6 - 8: Screening of Good Food films at Harvest of Hope Festival, St. Augustine, FL
Media That Matters Good Food collection films The Luckiest Nut in the World, Asparagus! A Stalkumentary and Recycle are to show at this year’s Harvest of Hope Festival featuring live music and film acts joining to raise awareness and funds for migrant farm workers.
Here is some more info:
This three day, multiple stage alternative music festival all to benefit and raise awareness for Harvest of Hope, a non-profit organization that provides financial, educational, and service oriented aid to migrant farm workers all over the country. The event emphasizes the focus on being family friendly as well as environmentally friendly. showcase not only a large group of musicians who are donating their time and performances to the cause but will also showcase a variety of art shows and films from progressive artists from around the country, non-profits, local businesses and progressive organizations.
A word from film organizer Eric Ayotte:
We issued a film challenge for people to make films surrounding the theme of food, farming, or agriculture. The festival is a benefit for Migrant Farm Workers. You can find out more about the fest here: www.harvestofhopefest.com/
With headliners such as Girl Talk, Bad Brains, Deerhunter, Paint it Black, National, KRS One, GZA/Genius, Diplo and Kool Keith (Dr. Octagon vs. Dr. Doom) featuring Kutmasta Kurt it should be good time!!
Published on March 6, 2009
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