Academy Award nonimees Jeff Bridges and Maggie Gyllenhaal at MEA's screening of CRAZY HEART on Dec. 12, 2009
THE SATURDAY MORNING FILM FESTIVAL is a production of Media Educators Association. For over 37 years MEA - the original screening discussion group in New York City - has been a not-for-profit organization established to foster a better understanding of the power of films and media in society today.
That knowledge is brought back to the classroom where 150+ teachers teaching an average of five classes a day reach tens of thousands of New York City prime movie-going students. And each teacher often discusses MEA’s films with an average of 50 or more fellow teachers in the faculty lunchroom, - other teachers who regularly attend films and/or are eager to assign films to their students.
In addition to the Saturday Morning Film Festival MEA produces the SIRIUS/XM satellite radio show Let's Consider The Source which examines the influence of the mass media on public policy, culture, and society with a penetrating look at media behavior and how the judgment of a few influence the perceptions of many. Channel 133, Tuesday nights, 7:30PM ET.
Director Robert Altman with MEA's director John Yurko at the SMFF's screening of The Company
Here is what just a few of our guests from this past season (our 37th year!) said about THE SATURDAY MORNING FILM FESTIVAL:
Dev Patel, star of Academy Award winning Best Film SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE
”What a response, that was great, thank you!”
Robert Davi, producer, director, co-writer, star of THE DUKES
"The educators in my life had the Greatest influence: they taught me, inspired me and helped shaped who I am. It was a moving Saturday morning I spent with you all and I THANK YOU for the tremendous impact you have had on my life and on the lives of your students. Your questions, responses, insight and love of film is necessary and appreciated and I hope your students know how fortunate they are to have you in their lives. God bless you all.”
Ric Menello co-writer (with James Gray) of TWO LOVERS starring Joaquin Phoenix and Gwyneth Paltrow
"This is one sharp group. One of the best Q&A’s I've done."
Bernhard Schlink, author of the novel THE READER (Academy Award winning performance by Kate Winslet.)
“What an interesting discussion! Those were very perceptive questions.”
Laurent Cantet with members of Prof. Yurko’s class at the MEA screening of the Golden Palm winner at Cannes and Academy Award nominated film THE CLASS (Entre les murs).
”It was an honor to screen my film to your group. Obviously education and the role of teachers is very important to me. Thank you for such a wonderful response!”
Christophe Barratier, writer/director PARIS 36
”I can see their love of film and that they know their film history.”
Duncan Jones, director, writer (original material) MOON
”That was terrific, what a wonderful audience, especially this early in the morning.”
Here are quotes from previous guests:
"I'm a teacher myself for many years, so I know how important it is for people to know how films work, how motion pictures affect young and old audiences."
Screenwriter Guillermo Arriaga at the MEA screening of 21GRAMS
"Wow, that's a great question. No one's picked up on that before "
Writer/Director Reverge Anselmo at the MEA screening of STATESIDE
"I've never seen such a great audience before"
Dustin Hoffman at the MEA screening of "Tootsie"
Host John Yurko with Writer/Director/Editor John Sayles and Producer Maggie Renzi at the screening of HONEYDRIPPER on Dec. 15, 2007
Mr. Sayles received the MEA Lifetime Achievement Award at MEA
If you are a teacher or media professional who enjoys movies, here's your opportunity to join that audience as a member of Media Educators Association...
MEA’s Saturday Morning Film Festival’s new season of screenings and discussions IN UNDER WAY FOR THE SPRING OF 2010. PLEASE JOIN US!
We are pleased to continue to screen at Clearview's Chelsea 9 Theater on 23rd St. and 8th Ave. Start time is 10:00AM.
For more information go to www.satmornfilmfest.org or call 212-439-1144