The 2008 Media That Matters Film Festival will premiere at the IFC Center on Wednesday, May 28th. Then on Thursday, May 29th we'll host an awards ceremony at HBO headquarters in Manhattan, where all 12 films will be presented with awards and cash prizes. After the premiere, the festival will be available on a DVD, ready for screenings around the world, all year long!  

The Media That Matters Film Festival represents the social-issue focused work of a diverse group of independent filmmakers, many of whom are under the age of 21. The films are equally diverse in style and content, with documentaries, music videos, animations, experimental work and everything else in between. This year our filmmakers have produced films focusing on such issues as the essential role of youth in a democracy, a Native American community's exploration of a dark and hidden history, the burden of war on a young boy’s life, the changing face of rural Tibet and the effect of diminishing honey-bees on the environment.

You can visit our site to view films of past festivals, find ways to take action, and participate in dialogues on the social issues that interest you most.

Arts Engine supports, produces and distributes independent media of consequence and promotes the use of independent media by advocates, educators and the general public. By fostering the production and use of independent film, video and new media, Arts Engine connects media makers and active audiences in order to spur critical consideration of pressing social issues.

An image captures a feeling,
A story shares a message,
A movie becomes a movement.