Arts Engine

Arts Engine, Inc. supports, produces, and distributes independent media of consequence and promotes the use of independent media by advocates, educators, and the general public. Advocates, educators and the public have limited access to media that illustrates a variety of points of view. In order to support the presence of diverse perspectives in our society, Arts Engine is dedicated to forging vital links between media makers and the public, and to realizing independent media’s potential for broad social impact. Filmmakers are connected to educators, nonprofits, and activists through the promotional efforts of Arts Engine project, MediaRights (www.mediarights.org). Arts Engine also supports independent media through an annual Media That Matters Film Festival and by providing production services through Big Mouth Films. Works in progress are shown in monthly DocuClub screenings in New York. The Media That Matters Film Festival is a showcase for short films on the most important topics of the day. The jury-selected collection represents the work of a diverse independent filmmakers, many of whom are under 21. The films are equally diverse in style and content, with documentaries, music videos, animations, and experimental work but share a capacity to spark debate and action in 12 minutes or less. Films are available via an online database searchable by issue. In conjunction with the festival, Arts Engine offers the Media as a Tool for Social Change Workshop, a unique convening of filmmakers, educators, activists, nonprofits and youth. Over the following year, the films stream online in their entirety, broadcast nationally and are distributed on DVD to educators and activists. Through membership in MediaRights (www.mediarights.org), members receive a monthly email newsletter, including articles and timely events.