Andrew Bujalski at the October Production Intensive

TAlfred+P+Sloan+Foundation+Reception+Prize+4iZcoUiDVPplhe Montana Film Academy is proud to welcome the first mentor for our October Production Intensive: indie luminary Andrew Bujalski.

Drawing comparisons to John Cassavetes, Eric Rohmer, and Mike Leigh, Bujalski is one of the key figures in 21st-century indie cinema. As writer, director and editor of the graceful, intricate comedies Funny Ha Ha and Mutual Appreciation, he pioneered a style of clever, humane, low-budget film that critics called “mumblecore.” His own films move smoothly beyond simple critical formulas, though—2013’s Computer Chess, which won the Alfred P. Sloan Feature Film Prize at Sundance, is a dark comedy about isolation, ambition, and the limits of human potential.

Production Intensive students will get to attend a facilitated discussion with Bujalski, and they’ll have the chance to see his most recent film, Results, which opened at Sundance 2015. Bujalski will also be in attendance at the inaugural Montana Film Festival, held from October 1-4.

Production Intensive Students Invited to Montana Film Festival

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Students at the October Montana Production Intensive will receive an All-Access VIP Pass to the Montana Film Festival. The Montana Film Festival kicks off Thursday, October 1, featuring new independent films, Montana premieres, Q&A sessions with filmmakers, and great evening parties—and production intensive students are invited to all of it. Register here for the intensive.

The inaugural festival will welcome guest writers, directors, actors, and industry professionals to experience Montana’s hospitality and breathtaking locations, and to connect them with the local talent they will need to start making movies here. As All-Access Passholders, students at the production intensive will get to meet all of these professionals in person, including director Andrew Bujalski, one of the most influential indie filmmakers in the industry, and actor Mya Taylor, one of the stars of the festival juggernaut Tangerine. Select filmmakers will be presenting exclusively to production intensive students during Saturday’s session at The Roxy.

Other highlights of the festival include four made-in-Montana movie premieres, a lineup of current festival hits, and a Montana film retrospective—featuring classics by Michael Cimino and Arthur Penn—that draws attention to the state’s past, present and future cinematic glory. Special events will spark conversation, introduce students to filmmakers and expose the creative workings of the craft. Register today for a fantastic opportunity to learn, network, and found a new generation of Montana film.

See the full roundup of films and VIP event schedule here.

Give Local

Good day, MFA followers!

What an amazing year for the Montana Film Academy! Our programming has reached classrooms and youth programs across the state, empowering the next generation of storytellers to work together in creating a wide variety of digital projects.

From classrooms in rural, two-room school houses to adult-ed courses led by working professionals in Montana’s film industry, we continue to grow a solid filmmaking community in the state we are lucky enough to call home.

It is once again time for Missoula’s annual Give Local. Consider supporting the organization that supports us.

On Tuesday, May 5th, you can donate on-line and make a difference.

The Roxy Theater is an invaluable jewel in the crown of Montana Film. It houses and supports a wide variety of non-profit programming, such as the Montana Film Academy, and without its support, moments like these….

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(On the set of SUNVANDO FILMS’ 1950s PSA, “Manners” in Ovando, MT)

(Meadow Hill Middle School’s 8th grade Spanish Class)

…would not have been possible.

Please support the Roxy, and Give Local!

Sign up for a 3 Day Film Camp at Parade of Lights! Saturday December 6th

Join the MFA film squad as they have a blast creating films throughout the weekend. Learn awesome tech and creative skills!Movie-making-Boy-and-clappe

Preproduction, Friday, Dec 5th, 4-6 pm

Production, Saturday, Dec 6th, 4-8 pm

Post-production, Sunday, Dec 7th, 1-4 pm

More info and online registration…

Missoula 2014 Parade of Lights  Saturday, December 6, 2014

Get in the Holiday spirit at the 12th Annual Parade of Lights brought to you by the Missoula Downtown Association! This all-day family event includes numerous children’s activities and projects, the arrival of Santa Claus at the Florence Building, and concludes with the Parade of Lights and the lighting of the Downtown Christmas Tree at the Red XXXX’s on North Higgins Avenue.  Parade – 6pm  Tree Lighting – 6:30pm

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MFA Run and Gun Film Squad: Sept 19-21

This class is full. All Hooted up! Please stay tuned for upcoming classes.

Run with the MFA into a filmmaking intensive during Hootenanny and Sunday Streets Missoula. Hootenanny is a weekend of over 20 events including movies, music, puppets, workshops and ninjas at The Roxy September 19-21st. Hootenanny Logo Lime-Teal

Develop a story Friday, train on camera and sound Saturday, and get out and shoot with your team Sunday during Sunday Streets Missoula. This course is going to be fast and seriously fun.

Day 1:     Friday 9/19 – 4-6 pm: Production team and story development.

Day 2:     Saturday 9/20 10-12 pm: Tech Training.    1-4 pm: Shooting Hootenanny.

Day 3:     Sunday 9/21 11-4 pm: Shooting at Sunday Streets!

All equipment is provided and no experience is necessary.

MFA students will have all-access passes to the whole Hootenanny weekend for films and other events.  Hootenanny will feature classic and contemporary films, music by Whizpops! and Sandman The Rapping Cowboy, puppetry by Bat Honey, yoga, dance and animation workshops, ninja training and much more. Opening night features the classic film ET at 6 pm with a special flavor from Big Dipper Ice Cream!

Space is limited to 10. 
For questions and more information contact learn@montanafilmacademy.com or call (406) 728-9380
Course registration is $100.00 and includes All-Access Pass to the Hootenanny.
Ages 10-16 recommended.

For questions and more information contact us.

 

 

 

 

Youth Education at The Roxy Theater

The Film Academy offers a range of weekend, summer camp and semester-long programs. Academy courses give students opportunities to learn, play, explore and “get outside and see the world.”  Filmmaking is a process of discovery rooted in theater, literature, visual art, and age-old traditions. In this process of bringing together technology and art, students explore perception and express themselves and create some incredible work. The experience can be both demanding and empowering as students learn to communicate their vision using the language of film.

No experience is necessary and all equipment is provided. Join us at the MFA for a creative and fun learning experience! See student films and inspiration on our YouTube page.

SUMMER CLASSES!

 

Small Summer Courses Admamolode

REGISTRATION SUMMER

 

JUNE 23RD-27TH: Students will learn to the write a short story, with a three act structure, and film and edit it over the week.

July 7th-11th-Students will learn how to create a story, story board, and work with the program Dragonframe to create a bit of stop motion animation.

July 21st-July 25th-Students will learn how to create a documentary or mockumentary, write a story and film/edit their piece.

July 28th-August 1st- Students will learn the principles of filmmaking to create a commercial of their choice. (CANCELLED and moving it to FALL)