Tonight: Media That Matters

The reason to go to the movies in the summer is to spend two hours getting mummified by the overpowering air conditioning, which you probably can’t afford at home, or refuse to use “on principle.” If, however, you actually care what flashes before you on the screen, you’re in luck. There’s a responsible alternative to the parade of sequels, robots with superpowers and sassy animated creatures currently on offer.

Tonight is the world premiere of the 7th annual [Media That Matters Film Festival]. Every June, the festival selects 16 short films on subjects “from gay rights to global warming”. The films are actually available to watch at your leisure on the website, and on DVD (the website encourages you to set up your own screening), but it’s only at the [IFC Film Center ](http://www.ifccenter.com/index)event that you’ll get to hobnob with the filmmakers and organizers, and avail yourself of their “take action” tables and giveaways. I’m pretty sure it will be air-conditioned, too.

Photo courtesy of [enboheme] on flickr