Media That Matters Aotearoa

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media That Matters Aotearoa:

A socially conscious film event to inspire young people to engage in the world they live in

WELLINGTON (Feb, 2007) – MEDIA THAT MATTERS AOTEAROA is by young people, for young people. Organised by Just Focus, a youth project aimed at bringing about change for a just world, MTM Aotearoa showcases a collection of short films, many produced by young people, on issues ranging from identity to global warming. The films, usually only a few minutes long, are diverse in style and content, and include documentaries, music videos and animation.

“MTM gives young people a chance to engage in a different way with the media”, comments youth filmmaker, activist and event organiser, Hannah Newport, (18). “It is an opportunity to watch the kind of films that we would make ourselves, about the things we think are important.”

Event co-organiser Corinna Howland (17) sees the event as “a forum to discuss, debate and share knowledge through what is perhaps the most potent medium of our generation - film."

The MTM Aotearoa film event is connected to the US-based international year-long film festival. It has been adapted to be relevant in Aotearoa and includes NZ films. As well as the films there will be speakers, information stands with ideas for action, prizes and opportunities for discussion. “This is not just a passive film watching opportunity, this is an event! Fun and interactive, Media that Matters Aotearoa looks at the big issues that affect our world” says Just Focus Coordinator, Eva Lawrence.

As well as being an innovative information source this event seeks to challenge and inspire young people them to create their own films about the issues they care about. Jennie O’Donovan from the Just Focus team says “this is a great way for young people to communicate their ideas about the world and can be as simple as documenting a moment on a mobile phone.” She encouraged young people to get creative, “…next year we want more films from Aotearoa.”

Just Focus, supported by the Global Education Centre, will hold the very first screening of MTM AOTEAROA for young people in Wellington, on Thursday 15 March, at the National Film Archive. A MEDIA THAT MATTERS AOTEAROA event is also planned for Christchurch in May.

EVENT DETAILS

Time and Date 6-8:30pm, Thursday 15 March 2007
Location Film Archive, 84 Taranaki St, Wellington (Corner of Taranaki and Ghuznee st)
Cost Free (to anyone under 25.) Koha is welcome at the door.
Places are limited!

Register your interest e: mediathatmatters[at]justfocus.org.nz ph: 496 9510 txt/ph: 0272893390

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ABOUT GLOBAL EDUCATION CENTRE
The Global Education Centre (GEC) is a programme of the Development Resource Centre (DRC) – a not-for-profit, non-governmental organisation governed by a charitable trust. The DRC’s vision statement is change for a just world and its mission is informing and educating to empower people to take action to create a just world.

ABOUT JUST FOCUS
Just Focus is a project for young people, by young people, to engage with issues that affect them in Aotearoa New Zealand, the Pacific, and globally. www.justfocus.org.nz

ABOUT MEDIA THAT MATTERS
Media That Matters is an American Film Festival which showcases short films on the important topics of the day. Local and global, online and in communities around the world, Media That Matters engages diverse audiences and inspires them to take action. www.mediathatmattersfest.org

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THE FILMS

How Wal-Mart Came to Haslett: Wal-Mart cooks the books and drives a mega-store into the heart of Haslett, Michigan.
Slip of the Tongue: A strong statement against the small mindedness of racial stereotyping,
World on Fire: What would you buy if you had $5000? You would be surprised how far it can go.
Neglected Sky: This animation shows us that a little effort can go a long way in reversing global warming.
A Girl named Kai: One girls appeal to her traditional parents for acceptance in spite of her untraditional take on life and love.
(Hate) Machine: When media messages are constructed, sometimes truth hits the cutting room floor.
The Luckiest Nut in the World: A singing peanut and his gang of nutty friends look at ‘free trade’.
Asparagus!: Journey to Oceania County to discover why one little vegetable is so important to the locals.

ENDS

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