MediaRights is holding its fourth annual film festival. The 16 short films selected for the festival -- covering hot topics such as corporate accountability, civil liberties, youth media and more -- can be viewed online at www.mediathatmattersfest.org/mtm04.

Check out the award winning film Struggling to Survive, a documentary made entirely by teenagers.

Other films include "Bush for Peace", "Laugh at the Fat Kid" and "The Meatrix." To learn about these films and more -- or to watch them online -- visit www.mediathatmattersfest.org/mtm04.

Be sure to check the festival's traveling calendar for a live screening near you.

Interested in making your own cause-related film? Check out www.YMDi.org, MediaMatters' youth media distribution site.

Enjoy the festival!

Media That Matters is holding another contest right now. Here are some specifics from them if anyone is interested:

Call For Entries - Eighth Annual Media That Matters Film Festival

Submit your short film to Media That Matters and make an impact!

Arts Engine’s Media That Matters Film Festival is the premiere showcase for short films with big messages.

Following a New York City Premiere, Awards Ceremony (past presenters have included Tim Robbins, Chuck D and David Cross), and Outreach Workshop in June 2008, your film will take part in an international, multi-platform distribution campaign - DVD, broadcast, streaming and hundreds of community screenings.

Hundreds of thousands of people will see the Media That Matters collection, including educators, activists and nonprofits across the nation and around the world! Cash prizes will also be awarded to most films.

WE ARE LOOKING FOR:
• Short films — The shorter the better! No longer than 12 minutes max (if your piece is too long, consider submitting a shorter version or a stand alone excerpt).

• Interesting, insightful & creative films — ALL GENRES — Documentary, Narrative, Experimental, Comedy, Animation, PSA, Digital Story, Music Videos etc.

• Social issues — In particular, we are looking for films on Media Literacy, Justice, Elections and Democracy, Food Politics, LGBT, Youth Activism, Race, Gender, Human Rights and the Environment.

• Open to all ages - Youth-produced projects encouraged!

BEFORE SUBMITTING:
• All music and other rights must be cleared for NON EXCLUSIVE home video, educational, online, broadcast and theatrical distribution. Please read CFSM’s Copyright & Fair Use guidelines for more information on this.

• Submissions must be on DVD (preferred), VHS, CD-R (QuickTime MOV or MPG files). PAL or mini-DV entries will NOT be considered.

• Limit: 2 submissions per filmmaker, 5 submissions per community / youth media centers.

• Submission fee: $25 for general submissions; $10 for students over 18 (with valid student ID); Free for youth 18 & under (with valid ID)

• Deadline: ALL materials must be postmarked by Friday, January 11, 2008.

For more information: http://www.mediathatmattersfest.org/submit/