Calendar – Past Event

Arts Engine celebrates twelve years of Media That Matters™ — the premier showcase for short films with big messages.

"We no longer have to rely on major corporations for things to be seen — we have Media that Matters™ to distribute new material and new voices and new points of view."
— Tim Robbins, Actor

Submit your film for the chance to work with us in creating social change through film. If selected, your film will take become a part of Media That Matters™—an international, multi-platform campaign streaming and playing to thousands of people at screenings across the globe. Media That Matters™ creates discussion guides and screening materials to promote conversation and encourage educators, activists and organizers alike to Take Action around these films.

CRITERIA:

• Short films — the shorter the better—no longer than 12 minutes max, but 8 and under would be great!
• Social issues — All issues will be considered.
• The film should encourage the audience to be engaged and take action around the issue.
• All genres — Documentary, animation, public service announcement, narrative, music video, drama, comedy. Creativity is encouraged — but your film must focus on a social issue.
• Open to all ages

BEFORE SUBMITTING:

• The film you are submitting must be cleared for NON EXCLUSIVE home video, educational, online, broadcast and theatrical distribution. If you have signed a contract with any other entity for this film that includes EXCLUSIVE rights to this film, please review prior to submitting to our festival. Media That Matters™ seeks the widest possible audiences for your film. To do this effectively, we use a non-exclusive contract, so unlike many media entities, we do not ask for exclusive rights. This flexibility helps our outreach team go further with your film, creating even more opportunity for distribution and exposure of your work.
• All footage — including music and other referenced video pieces — must have all rights cleared and secured. Please refer to the Center for Social Media’s set of Best Practices for more information on how to use licensed materials. Creative Commons is also a great resource for license-free or flexi-licensed music and media alternatives.

HOW TO SUBMIT:
Step 1: Choose submission method:

• Submit via URL
  This year we encourage online submissions. We prefer a link to watch online. Please remember to send us a password if necessary to view private videos. You can follow guidelines on Vimeo or Youtube for this.
• Submit via DVD
  Submissions must be sent to us on DVD and programmed to play as a DVD Region 0 (region free) or Region 1 (US, Canada, US Territories) Please note that the following formats will not be considered this year: PAL, VHS, mini DV or CD-R (QuickTime MOV or MPG files).

Step 2: Fill out details in the film submission form for each film.

Step 3: Process payment (see submission fees below):

Early Deadline postmarked by: Feb 23, 2012

• Individual Filmmaker: $15 / each film submission; Max: 3 submissions
• Student Filmmaker (18+): $5 w/ Student ID; Max: 3 submissions
• Youth Filmmaker (18 & under): FREE w/ proof of age; Max: 3 submissions
• Non-profit / Youth Media Organization: FREE; Max: 5 submissions

Regular Deadline postmarked by: April 20, 2012

• Individual Filmmaker: $25 / each film submission; Max: 3 submissions
• Student Filmmaker (18+): $10 w/ Student ID; Max: 3 submissions
• Youth Filmmaker (18 & under): FREE w/ proof of age; Max: 3 submissions
• Non-profit / Youth Media Organization: FREE; Max: 5 submissions

Late Deadline postmarked by: May 1, 2012

• Individual Filmmaker: $35 / each film submission; Max: 3 submissions
• Student Filmmaker (18+): $15 w/ Student ID; Max: 3 submissions
• Youth Filmmaker (18 & under): FREE w/ proof of age; Max: 3 submissions
• Non-profit / Youth Media Organization: FREE; Max: 5 submissions

Step 4: Your submission will be complete once you receive a confirmation email including a reference number for each film and any further instructions.

Questions?
Contact festival@artsengine.net
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