Heartland Film Institute presents

CINEMA MAGIC: The Art of the Scene

with Amin Matalqa
Thursday, February 11, 2009
IUPUI Campus Center

Utilizing his 2008 Heartland Film Festival Grand Prize winning film, Captain Abu Raed, writer/director Amin Matalqa breaks down the filmmaking process to the essential elements that make for effective storytelling.  Using scenes from his film, he explores the marriage between writing, directing, performance, cinematography, production design, editing, sound-mixing and music.  Matalqa discusses what makes a scene work and how do you create an opportunity for cinema magic.   He also talks about making the transition from writing and directing short films to feature films. 

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Amin Matalqa was born and raised in Jordan until he was 13, when he immigrated to the U.S. where he studied Business Marketing at Ohio State University.  He led a five-year telecommunications career before moving to Los Angeles to pursue his dream of filmmaking.  In 2003, he started writing, directing, and collaborating with new friends he met in coffee shops.  Four years later, he had completed 25 short films and received his M.F.A. in Directing at the American Film Institute.  In 2007 he went on to write, direct, and produce his first feature film, Captain Abu Raed, Jordan's first-ever entry into the Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film.  Captain went on to win the Audience Award at the Sundanc Film Festival in 2008 along with 26 other international awards, including Best Director in Seattle, Portland, and Palm Springs; and the Grand Prize and Audience Award at Heartland Film Festival.  Amin was also awarded the 2008 Variety Middle East Filmmaker of the Year.  While he lives in Los Angeles, he plans to continue making both American and international character-driven comedies. 

AGENDA

REGISTRATION

This seminar is free, but does require advance registration. A $10 Networking Lunch will follow the seminar to allow participants time for additional Q&A and informal conversation with the presenter and each other.

The registration deadline is Monday, February 8 at Noon. To register online, click the "Order Now" button above. You can also register by calling the Heartland office at 317.464.9405.

LOCATION

The Heartland Film Institute will be held at the IUPUI Campus Center, located on University Boulevard between Vermont Street & Michigan Street. Click on the map to the right to get directions from your location.

Cars/Vans: Parking is available for $5 in the Vermont Street parking garage (1004 W. Vermont St.), which is attached to the Campus Center. Park on the third floor of the garage to access the walkway into the Campus Center. From the third floor of the Vermont Street parking garage, you will enter the Campus Center on the second floor. Take the escalator or elevator to the fourth floor. Vans over 6'10" should reserve bus parking.

Buses: Bus parking is available for $7.50 and must be reserved in advance by adding this option to your registration order. Further parking instructions will be sent to the group contact.

SPONSORS

The Heartland Film Institute is supported by several generous sponsors:

FUTURE SEMINARS

Mark your calendar and plan to attend the next Heartland Film Institute seminar on April 15, 2009 at the IUPUI Campus Center.