"Go courageously as you pursue your dreams!"

What is the true purpose of independent mediamaking? Is it just for entertainment? Is it to tell stories that impact society positively? What is the intent of your mediamaking?

The Urban Mediamakers Film Festival (UMFF) is a not-for-profit, charitable 501(c)(3) organization that promotes and supports independent mediamaking — animation, film, music, print, television, and video. Guided by past wisdom and reflecting the new and exciting generation of mediamaking, we are dedicated to thinking out of the traditional box as we pursue our dreams courageously. As mediamakers, we have talents that can transform world views and actions!

The 7th Annual Urban Mediamakers Film Festival (UMFF) 2008 -- "The Movement in Progress through Independent Filmmaking" -- takes place October 17-19, 2008 at the Holiday Inn Select - Atlanta Peachtree Corners, in Norcross, Georgia. Traditionally, worldwide media has shown people of color in a negative perspective. There are some urban media outlets that do the best they can. Media is really subliminal brainwashing, and what we see and read is what most take as the truth. But is it the truth?

The times are changing in the United States, and we are blending activism, filmmaking, and entertainment to help push that change! UMFF 2008 gives a voice to positive, thought-provoking, conscious media of people of color -- a movement that needs sparks of energy everyday! This is our 7th year -- a huge milestone for an independent film festival, and we are thankful! Bringing a strong Atlanta vibe that encompasses the city's signature of being culturally diverse and a mecca of activism, this three-day, dynamic festival includes:

-- UMFF 2008 Opening Night Reception and Feature Film Screening.

• -- FREE All-Day Saturday Independent Film Screenings. See all of the films screening during UMFF 2008 for FREE! Come and bring your family, friends, and associates. The film selections are exceptional! We're celebrating seven years -- a huge milestone for the organization. And because of that, we're offering this year's screenings FREE, giving thanks to the Most High for seven years, and so filmmakers of UMFF 2008 will get unlimited exposure. (We can't wait for you to see this fantastic, independent films!) There will be three screening rooms -- G-Rated for a general audience, PG13-Rated for those films that parents MUST attend with their children for admission, and R-Rated for films that only adults can attend. UMFF 2008 has something for everyone!

-- Workshops, Panels, Visual Art Displays, networking, and more.

-- Urban Mediamakers Awards Presentation honoring Bernie Mac as UMFF 2008 Entertainer of the Year, and "Water Runs Deep" Concert featuring local artists, with proceeds to help build a fresh water facility in an African village that is in need of our help!

-- Sunday Morning Brunch to focus on our strategy for 2009.

UMFF 2008 is a must-attend for independent filmmakers, activists, community organizations, actors, writers, directors, independent filmmakers, students, producers, music composers, animators, media professionals, designers, stylists, and lovers of independent films. Read more. (All photos by Stevie. Copyright 2007)

The official 2008 film screening schedule will be announced on September 17, 2008. Late film submissions will be added to the official schedule as screening space allows.

UMFF 2007 Winners...

The 6th Annual Urban Mediamakers Film Festival (UMFF) was an awesome event October 12-14, 2007 in Atlanta, Georgia. The response this year was overwhelming!

We want to thank all 2007 filmmakers from around the world, attendees, instructors, panelists, and volunteers. This year's festival would not have been a success without your participation. Special thanks to Lil' Dude, Young Burna, and The Triple Threat FloHi for great live performances.

This was not just a 3-day festival, it was a call to action and a movement in progress for more positive, conscious media. During our Sunday breakfast, a strategy for moving forward aggressively with conscious content was developed. We will be announcing the strategy over the next few weeks, and we will be inviting each of you to become a part of this vital collaboration — "The Movement in Progress through Independent Filmmaking."

UMFF 2007 showcased independent projects from around the world and there were so many quality films, that it was very hard for the judging committee to choose the best-of-the-best. Read more.

The official 2007 schedule! Login/register for the Urban Mediamakers Film Festival (UMFF) 2007 independent film screenings, short-film scripts, synopsis, and information on the filmmakers - sponsored by B-side.