Media That Matters

About the Project

Media That Matters is an annual film festival and a collection of short social issue films accompanied by public programs designed to inform the public about important issues and instigate social engagement. Its goal is to use film to raise public awareness about a variety of issues and to enable other organizations to use media to accomplish their missions. Now in its 11th year, the collection contains over 160 films on topics like the environment, gender, immigration, health care, human rights, tolerance and more.

Each year the program begins with a global call for entries. Filmmakers submit their short films and a panel of experts from the film and social-action worlds select the best 12. Winners include well-known filmmakers along with young people and amateur media makers. The films are selected based on their ability to address important social issues in a compelling and engaging manner. Arts Engine produces and distributes a compilation DVD and discussion guide containing each of the winning films. Media That Matters also holds workshops for filmmakers, social activists and educators that are designed to encourage the effective use of media for social change.

All year Arts Engine staff presents the films and leads public discussions about the issues raised in the films. Additionally, the films are provided free-of-charge to other groups (teachers, social activists, non-profits, youth groups, etc.) along with discussion guides so that others can present the films and lead discussions about the issues covered in a DIY manner. All films are also available online through mediathatmattersfest.org and YouTube, where viewers are also provided links to organizations and programs where they can get involved and "take action" around the issues of the films.

The Fledgling Fund Impact

The Fledgling Fund is pleased to support the Media That Matters program because it celebrates the power of story telling to affect social change. We are excited by the platform this program provides to the field.