Local library hosts national film festival, live music

Slam poetry, global warming and asparagus might seem like strange things to share the stage, but these topics are the stars of three of the short films that are traveling the country as part of the sixth annual Media That Matters Film Festival. \nA total of 16 eight-minute movies will air at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Monroe County Public Library Auditorium and 7 p.m. at Ducks in a Stack at 608 S. Washington St. The 7 p.m. showing will be followed by musical performances by bands Disaster, The Agenda and Friendly. Admission to both showings is free.\nIssues that the films explore include media, youth, religious freedom, racial justice, sexuality, gender, human rights, environment, immigration and politics.\nAccording to the Media That Matters Web site, the festival jury selected 16 short films intended to spark debate and encourage action among audiences. Following a June premiere in New York City, the films are distributed through shows like the one in Bloomington and by encouraging people to purchase the DVD compilation of all the films and host their own screenings. \nAll of the films can also be viewed at the festival's home page www.mediathatmattersfest.org.