We’re thrilled to announce a dynamic new partnership with Planet Illogica, the most ambitious creative platform on the Web. Planet Illogica provides a free service that allows artists to quickly and easily build a website to promote and sell their work.

Stay tuned for the low down on the groundbreaking public resource we're building together.
In the meantime, we invite you to join MoveOn.org, Ron Howard, and others in the Planet Illogica community.

HOLLYWOOD TAKES A STAND

The role of film in society is quickly changing from a night at the movies to one in which audiences are educated and encouraged to get involved in social action. Many of this year's top films confronted issues head on. Best Picture, THE HURT LOCKER is just one of 20 nominated films with a social issue at its core, showing once and for all that it is possible to do good, make money and gain recognition.

Let's see the core issues each nominee takes on.

Features with a Message

The six domestic and foreign feature films listed below seamlessly weave a central social message through their storylines.

Socially-Relevant Shorts

These hard-hitting live action and animated shorts creatively tackle pressing social issues.

Docs on a Mission

A record 10 of 10 Oscar nominated short and feature documenaties spotlight powerful social themes. Many of these films also have social engagement campaigns that allow you to take action on the films' issues.

Read more about this year's top social issue films

AND THE WINNER IS...

This year's Oscars saw the shattering of the proverbial glass ceiling for female directors.

On the eve of International Women's Day (IWD), Kathryn Bigelow made history by becoming the first woman to win one of the top prizes—Best Director or Best Picture. Bigelow scored a double whammy with
THE HURT LOCKER, a suspenseful film that explores war as an addiction.

As destiny would have it, this year’s International Women's Day theme was “Equal rights, equal opportunities: Progress for all.” In an industry that’s still very much a boy’s club—only 9% of the top 50 grossing films of 2008 were directed by women, and just six of those films had a central female star or storyline—Bigelow’s win was a breath of hope.

Clearly, the Academy knew what was coming and asked Barbara Streisand to present the award. Streisand, passed up for an Oscar on her directorial hit PRINCE OF TIDES, has been a vocal critic of the lack of recognition for women in the entertainment industry. Streisand presented the award with a simple statement, “The time has come.” The organizers even cued the orchestra to play Helen Reddy’s song “I Am Woman” as Bigelow left the stage.

With contributions from Tara Finglas, Marisa Murgatroyd, and Michelle Anderson.

Meaningful News Flash

Red Carpet Green Dress: James Cameron's wife Amis departed from the usual Oscar ensemble designed by one of the fashion world’s top designers. Instead Cameron chose to wear an eco-friendly dress created by an aspiring designer, the winning entry in the Red Carpet Green Dress Contest. The Contest was developed to recognize sustainable design and to raise money for global green education. The winning dress was made from “peace silk,” which allows silk worms to avoid their usual grisly death and complete their life cycle naturally.

Meaningful Review: THE BLIND SIDE

Sparks Rating*
Social Issue Themes: Access to quality education, Racism, Faith/Religion, Substance Abuse, Gangs

THE BLIND SIDE opens with main character Leigh Anne Tuohy (Sandra Bullock, 2010 Best Actress Winner) explaining the importance of the role of the offensive lineman in the game of football. Linemen guard their teammate’s blind side, protecting them from unexpected tackles. This is true in life as we sometimes face adversity that catches us off-guard and we need someone to step in and watch our blind side. This metaphor serves as the central theme of the film. More

Written by Frankie K. Foster and Laura Ridlehoover

* The Sparks System is based on the film's quality and ability to effectively address social issues. If you are interested in becoming a Meaningful Movie Reviewer, email connect@meaningfulmedia.org.

Meaningful Member of the Month: Roger Ross Williams

Roger Ross Williams produced and directed the Academy Award winning short documentary, MUSIC BY PRUDENCE. The film tells the harrowing story of Prudence, a young disabled woman in Zimbabwe. Prudence spent most of her life being overlooked and ignored by people who could only see her disability, until she discovers her talent as a singer songwriter. Alongside her band Liyana (which means "it's raining," which in Zimbabwe is a gift from God), Prudence's glorious voice tackles the pressing issues around her and gives hope to everyone who listens. More

Dare to Share: From Oscar Nominee Gregg Helvey

"KAVI is a springboard for a full-length feature that explores how slavery is not just happening in India, but in most countries and even in our backyards. This is a pivotal time to raise awareness about modern-day slavery, and I hope this Oscar nomination does just that. Modern-day slavery is a world-wide issue, not just an Indian one. In Haiti the earthquake actually shed more light on the institutionalized child slaves called “restavecs,” as traffickers prey on the women & children displaced by the earthquake. In KAVI, I portray hope for the end of slavery by showing how Indians are helping each other to combat this issue."

Contributed by Gregg Helvey, Student Academy Award Winner and producer/director of the Oscar nominated short KAVI, a gripping film about a young boy who is forced to work as a slave in a brick kiln in India.

* Email us if you have news, resources, opportunities or experiences that you'd like to share with the Meaningful Media community.

Meaningful Opportunities

We recently launch a Leadership Corps program designed for inspired professionals who want to use their skills to make a difference while gaining valuable experience in social issue media. The Leadership Corps is an opportunity for like-minded professionals to join the Meaningful Media team. All Corps members who complete the program will receive a mention on our website and a lifelong membership to Meaningful Media. Click here for more information on how to apply and the types of opportunities available.

A special thanks to the committed group of Leaders who have recently joined our team:
Ainsley Breault, Frankie K. Foster, Jamie Bullock, Tara Finglas, May Lugemwa and Jessie Mizrahi.

Meaningful Media is a vibrant network of people committed to changing the world through media. We do this by BRINGING TOGETHER creators, distributors, viewers and advocates of meaningful media; EMPOWERING members with tools and resources to succeed; RESHAPING the media landscape through research, education and dialogue.

Join the 3000 people in our dynamic network, and start enjoying the benefits today. Members receive: INVITATIONS to our networking events, meaningful film screenings, seminars, workshops and panel discussions; ACCESS to our resources, including the Meaningful Movies Database, movie reviews and news updates.

Basic membership is free, so JOIN NOW!