“The Media That Matters Film Festival…is unlike most in its insistence on community screenings through the world. The stories are humane, emotionally rich and often humorous despite the heavy subject matter.” – The Indypendent

Media That Matters

Media That Matters is the premier showcase for short films with big messages. Following a New York City Premiere, Awards Ceremony and industry networking events in June 2009, your film will take part in the Media That Matters international, multi-platform campaign with DVD distribution, broadcasts, streaming and hundreds of screenings across the globe!

Each year Working Films awards $1000 to a filmmaker who has created a short with potential to inspire activism. This award is funded with generous support from the Ettinger Foundation. This year Melissa Mummert was awarded the Changemaker Award at 2008’s Media That Matters Film Festival for her short film, Perversion of Justice.

Hundreds of thousands of people including educators, activists and nonprofits will watch and use the films selected for the Media That Matters Film Festival. Submit your short film to make a real impact.

Here are the details:

Short Films: Keep it short! Under 12 minutes is good, but under 8 is even better.

All Genres: Documentary, animation, PSA, narrative, music videos – be creative!

Social Issues: Any and all. This year we are looking for films on Media Literacy, Human Rights, Elections & Democracy, Sustainability, Sexual Identity-but all social issues are accepted. Youth produced projects are encouraged.

Cash Prize: $1,000 per film.

Submission Fee: $25 for general submissions; $10 for students over 18 (with valid student ID); free for youth 18 and under (with valid ID).

Deadline: All submission materials must be postmarked by January 9th, 2009.

For more details, go to mediathatmattersfest.org/submit.

Responses (2)

  1. Hi, I was just wondering, would someone have to be present at the showings on behalf of the film. Next summer I will be hiking from Mexico to Canada for another feature documentary, so would I need to send someone on my behalf? Thanks,

    Caleb Childers
    Malachi Films

  2. workingfilms says:

    Hi Caleb,

    Thanks for finding our blog! I’m not 100% sure if you would need to be present for your screening. If you go to the Media That Matters Film Festival Website I’m sure they have contact information and could tell you the requirements better than I can. Their website is: http://www.mediathatmattersfest.org

    Good luck!

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