100 film from all over the world.

For 5 days
100 films will be shown

Panel discussions
Exchanges
Workshops with renowned professionals
Interactive forum on cinema issues.

The association "IMAGES THAT MATTER" aims at establishing the First International short film Festival in East Africa:
* Encouraging the use of film as a personal, social and economic tool for development.
* Developing exchanges between African cinema professionals and encouraging new initiatives.
* Boosting production of short films internationally, in particular the African continent - in the context of unprecedented growth of the African broadcasting area.

Why a festival of short film ?
In Africa, no annual venue is devoted to the artistic expression of short films. The short film is the school of all confirmed directors and is often a test of ingenuity, creativity and resourcefulness. As such, it is particularly well uited to a market where talent is facing enormous challenges at each stage, from seeking funding to the projection room. For its size, the short film has great potential - it can easily find audience and buyers. For young filmmakers, it offers a lower cost opportunity to prove their talent.

The focus on Africa
The film industry in Africa is a potential just waiting to be developed with: Greater access to equipment More training facilities Policies that are becoming favorable to the growth of the industry.
AWARENESS, GUIDANCE, CONNECTION
These are the three key words for the development of African films. "Images That Matter" aims at promoting these key issues by establishing a core cinematic event in East Africa. Here, young filmmakers will meet their peers and open discussion with the international industry scene. This will shape and strengthen the African film industry. We believe that both African cinema and their counterpart will be equally enriched by these exchanges.

Target Audience
* High School and College students, encouraged by the Ministry of Education.
* General Ethiopian public (including foreign residents) sensitized by local media and mailing.
* Film professionals and students from East Africa.
* Invited professionals as menbers of the selection jury and workshop leaders.

Our Participants and supporters
-Liya Kebede, the Ethiopian actress and supermodel, patroning the event
-Mira Nair, the Indian filmmaker
-Elia Suleiman, the Palestinian filmmaker
-Abderrhamane Sissako, the Mauritanian filmmaker
-Jan Kounen, the French filmmaker
-Danny Glover, the American actor
-Wim Wenders, the German filmmaker