Filmmakers, organizations, and Arts Engine staff got to know one another over brunch at the Pourhouse.

Seven days ago we were gearing up for a week of seventh annual Media That Matters Film Festival launch activities. This year, filmmakers came from literally across the world to see their short films on the big screen, and to celebrate the launch of a year when their media will matter.

We kicked off the celebration with the Filmmakers Brunch on Wednesday, May 29th, courtesy of the Pourhouse in the East Village. Our friends over at Lazy Limabean co-hosted the event and brought seasoned filmmakers, editors, producers, animators and people from the industry to chat and network with Media That Matters Fest winners. Filmmakers got an opportunity to mingle, talk about their projects and get to know Arts Engine staff and volunteers. For us, it is always gratifying to see what faces and talent are behind these powerful films.

Karen Lin animatedly discusses her film, By Standing: The Beginning of an American Lifetime

Over pancakes, coffee and bacon I learned about what inspired Karen Lin to make a film featuring the powerful performer Kelly Zen-Yie Tsai. She told me that By Standing: The Beginning of an American Lifetime was all shot in one day in different parts of Brooklyn and the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Karen said using miniDV gave her freedom in a way that film couldn’t because it allowed her to let the camera roll for hours on end. In the edit room they were faced with nine hours of footage from only one day.

Andres Tabares, Manuel Renoso, and Libia Tattay came all the way from Colombia to represent Rapping at Fear.

Andres Tabarés and Manuel Renoso, the directors of Rapping at Fear, came all the way from Bogota to accept their award and share their thoughts on the situation in Colombia. Accompanying them was their producer from Listen Up!, Austin Haeberle, who is also a friend of Arts Engine. Libia Tattay from the organization Polimorfo also deserves enormous credit in helping bring this short, powerful film beyond the borders of Bogotá.

Jazmin Jones from The Apollos got every detail on tape while Sam Kauffman told us about his inspiration in making Massacre at Murambi.

Young filmmaker Jazmin Jones, co-director of The Apollos, had her camera by her side thoughout the week.

Sverre Fredriksen, creator of Power Up, got a chance to talk with fellow animator Kathleen Hulka, the animator and director of Grace. They spoke about both the challenges and freedom that animation can have in sharing a message.

Naiquan Greene, director of Superstar was so excited about finding new ways to use and share media that he spent a good time picking the brain of our multi-talented Director of Technology and Programs, Jean Seok.

Lazy Limabean creator Daron Jenkins and Arts Engine’s Jean Seok discuss new media technologies.

It was thrilling to see the directors and producers from Rights on the Line: Vigilantes at the Border engaged in conversation about the pressing topic of immigration and how it can be taken from the screen to direct-action.

Stay tuned for insiders on the premiere at IFC, the Awards Ceremony at HBO and our workshop on using media as a tool for social change at ICTE.

Here are some more great shots of our Filmmakers Brunch, co-hosted by Daron Jenkins from Lazy Limabean and SCENE Magazine.

Programs Manager Diana Lee prepares for the Filmmakers’ Brunch on May 29.

Power Up’s Sverre Fredriksen hangs out with Arts Engine’s Kathy Yen.

Superstar’s Naiquan Greene and Grace’s Kathleen Hulka talk over brunch.

Director of Rapping at Fear, Andres Tabarés and Libia Tattay from Poliformo that helped produce the film pose with Programs Associate Anayansi Diaz-Cortes and Programs Manager, Diana Lee.

Programs Associate Leah Sapin sits down to enjoy some chow with Molly Abrams, one of our fabulous Arts Engine interns.

Arts Engine’s Molly Abrams, Jennifer Gallardo and Sarah Flanagan are all about Media That Matters.