Welcome from HMF Co-Founder/Board Chairman - K.J. Wetherholt

[Humanitarian Media Foundation (HMF)]

In a press release by Doctors Without Borders/MSF, in listing the top ten most underreported humanitarian stories of 2007, one paragraph was, to us, of great importance:

"Certainly, many members of the press go to great lengths to report on what is taking place in conflict zones around the world," said Nicolas de Torrenté, executive director of MSF-USA. "But millions of people trapped in war, forced from their homes, and lacking the most basic medical care, do not receive attention commensurate with their plight."

As mentioned in the press release, the "Top Ten" list was created in 1998 when famine in southern Sudan was categorically underreported in the media, knowing that "the magnitude and severity of crises that are not always reflected in media accounts." As de Torrenté states, "...the focus is not necessarily on the most vulnerable and desperate -- precisely the people whose stories deserve to be told.""

We warmly agree, and this is indeed the very issue that The Humanitarian Media Foundation (HMF) seeks to address.

HMF Mission

The mission of the HMF, upon its launch May 1, 2008, seeks to tap into the power of the media—film, both documentary and narrative; art and music; print, web, television, and photojournalism—and extend their influence more broadly, so that humanitarian issues are not just covered in brief articles, commercials, profiles, or soundbytes, but can be explored and given context, so that their importance is more widely known. With greater knowledge, more people in positions of authority and influence can then also be drawn in to be part of the dialogue, so that such issues are not just lamented, but perhaps some constructive and creative answers can be illuminated among those with the greatest capacity to make a difference.

To this end, the HMF will be enlisting the support and partnership of news agencies, journalists, filmmakers, writers, artists, international NGO's, figures in international policy, and international philanthropy--among others--to bring attention to areas of humanitarian importance and to act as a conduit among them, so that collaborations and exchanges of ideas might more easily take place.

2009 HMF International Film/Media Festival & Conference

Our first initiative will be the 2009 HMF International Film/Media Festival & Conference to better bring these parties together.

(Note: Originally set for December 2008, following an overwhelming response and entries for film, art, photography, and conference abstracts, we are changing dates and location to accommodate the demand.)

The 2009 Festival & Conference will include 1) a high-profile competitive international Film Festival; 2) an art and photographic exhibition with both internationally-known and emerging artists; and 3) a media conference which will seek to bring together major stakeholders ito facilitate collaborations among them in better illuminating issues of humanitarian importance.

Donations/Membership

If you would like to make a donation, become an official member of the HMF, please click on the orange "Donate Now" button on our main page or on our MySpace page. This will redirect you to Network For Good/ Groundspring, where you can make a tax-deductible donation via secured server.

Festival & Conference Sponsorship

To sponsor upcoming grant programs, or act as an official sponsor of the annual HMF International Festival & Conference, please contact us at [e-mail]. Further information about benefits of sponsorship will be forthcoming via .ppt and ,pdf.

Contact Us / Partnerships

For further information on The Humanitarian Media Foundation (HMF), including in terms of partnerships among organizations, to become an HMF partner organization, or to be placed on our general mailing list, please e-mail us at [e-mail].

I warmly hope this finds you well, and here is to an extraordinary year for all of us who believe in fostering the best in humanity.

With warmest regards,

K.J. Wetherholt
Co-Founder / Board Chairman
The Humanitarian Media Foundation (HMF)

[Jacqueline]

Amazing work! It's wonderful to see people helping people. Sometimes we get lost in our own small worlds and forget the bigger picture. This is a beautiful project.