Film Real presents a FREE screening of the Media Education Foundation film War Made Easy: How Presidents and Pundits Keep Spinning Us to Death. This documentary brings to the screen Norman Solomon's insightful analysis of the strategies used by administrations, both Democratic and Republican, to promote their agendas for war from Vietnam to Iraq. Wednesday, September 29, 7pm, at the Cambridge Community Center, 5 Callender Street. This film will also be screened on CCTV's channels in October, dates TBA. Visit http://www.filmreal.org for details about the screening.

CCTV's Backyard BBQ Fundraiser is less than one week away, and if you haven't purchased your tickets already, here's another reason to do so -- you don't want to miss the Leading Role Awards!

Every year, CCTV's Backyard BBQ honors three individuals who have worked tirelessly to improve life in the Cambridge community and beyond. This year, the Leading Role Awards will be presented to three individuals who work with youth in our City, ensuring that they remain safe and can reach their fullest potential: Michael Daniliuk of the Cambridge Police Department; Robert Hurlbut, Executive Director of the Cambridge Community Foundation; and Khari Milner, Director of Complementary Learning Partnerships for the Cambridge Public Schools. read more...

CCTV's Backyard BBQ Fundraiser is less than three weeks away (September 16)! To count down, each week we'll highlight a different element of the event that you won't want to miss. This week, we're focusing on the auction. CCTV's silent auction is a unique piece of our fundraiser because there is truly something for everyone, no matter what your interest or budget. Attendees will be able to bid on everything from autographed sports memorabilia to memberships to arts establishments; from weekend getaway packages to gift certificates for a plethora of fun things to do in Cambridge and Boston. This year's auction has more items than ever, so be sure to stop at the auction table early and often and get your bids in for some terrific items, all while supporting a great cause -- CCTV's after-school and summer youth media programs. View our list of auction items to date here. read more...

Each week until CCTV's Backyard BBQ Fundraiser, we'll highlight a different element of the event that you won't want to miss. This week, we're focusing on the food. CCTV's Backyard BBQ doesn't just host a dinner -- it provides an absolute smorgasbord of options for every taste. More than two dozen local restaurants are participating in CCTV's Backyard BBQ, and you'll find everything from ribs to vegetarian fare, cuisine from around the world, decadent deserts, fine beer and wine, and much more.

Here's the full list of participating food donors:

Salads, Sides and More
The Asgard, Christopher's, Flour Bakery, Harvest Cooperative, Iggy's Bread of the World, India Pavilion, Middle East Restaurant, Picante Mexican Grill, Royal Bengal, Royal East, The Field, Veggie Planet, Whole Foods Market

Ribs, Chicken and More
East Coast Grill, Pitstop BBQ, Redbones BBQ, Rendezvous in Central Square

Veggie Burgers
Four Burgers

Beer, Wine and Softer Drinks read more...

Film Real presents a FREE screening of the Media Education Foundation film Big Bucks, Big Pharma: Marketing Disease and Pushing Drugs. This documentary pulls back the curtain on the multi-billion dollar pharmaceutical industry to expose the ways that illness is used, manipulated, and in some instances created, for capital gain. Narrated by Amy Goodman. Wednesday, August 25, 7pm, at the Cambridge Community Center, 5 Callender Street. This film will also be screened on CCTV's channels in September, dates TBA. Visit www.filmreal.org for details about the screening.

CCTV's Backyard BBQ is just one month away (September 16th)! If you haven't purchased your tickets yet, here's a good reason to do so: All proceeds will benefit CCTV's after-school and summer Youth Media Programs. CCTV's 2010 Summer Media Institute just wrapped up last week, culminating in a final screening. The screenings are always a great showcase of the hard work, dedication, and creativity that go into the program, both from the students, and CCTV.

In addition to learning how to produce their own media, the high-school students involved in the program also learn career skills. Students in the program have gone on to study media at prestigious institutions such as Emerson College and New York University, have received awards for their work, and have had work featured in film and media festivals, including the Boston International Film Festival. read more...