'Media That Matters' Film Fest

KobreGuide welcomes a new channel: The Media That Matters Film Festival. Now in its eight year, the festival showcases short films on the most important topics of the day:

Media That Matters engages diverse audiences and inspires them to take action. From gay rights to global warming, the jury-selected collection represents the work of a diverse group of independent filmmakers, many of whom are under 21. The films are equally diverse in style and content, with documentaries, music videos, animations, experimental work and everything else in between. What all the films have in common is that they spark debate and action in 12 minutes or less.

Every June, Media That Matters presents a new collection of twelve shorts. The festival launches in New York City with a World Premiere at the IFC Center and an Awards Ceremony at HBO where every filmmaker is honored and many receive cash awards sponsored by major foundations and corporations. Previous presenters include Tim Robbins, Al Franken, David Cross, Woody Harrelson, Barbara Kopple and Peter Yarrow.

Our first entry is Perversion of Justice, a closeup look at harsh mandatory Federal sentencing guidelines, and their impact on a young first-time drug offender and mother of three, who's facing life in prison.

Look for more worthy entries from Media That Matters in the weeks ahead on KobreGuide.com .