The adjunct faculty member at the Elon program in Los Angeles directed the new play, which will debut in more than 700 theaters nationwide.
Just in time for the holidays, Amin Matalqa’s heartwarming new film “5000 Blankets” hits theaters this week. Elon in Los Angeles, adjunct professor directed the film debuting in theaters for two nights only (December 12 and 13). According to Variety, the film will be shown in more than 700 theaters nationwide, including regionally in Burlington and Greensboro. Visit the movie official webpage to find participating venues.
Inspired by the true events leading up to Phillip’s Wish Foundation, “5000 Blankets” follows the story of a determined woman, played by Anna Camp (“Pitch Perfect”), who sets out to find her husband after he suffers a mental breakdown and disappears. The couple’s wife and young son set out to find him on the streets, sparking a movement of compassion and inspiring a city.
Matalqa began teaching at the Elon program in Los Angeles last summer, but his connection to Elon began in 2007. It was during that time that Matalqua and Elon alumnus Laith Majali ’05 formed a friendship and partnership, which served as a major inspiration for The program’s experience at the Sundance Film Festival, according to Elon in LA program director J McMerty.
Matalqa, who was born in Jordan and raised in Ohio, wrote and directed “Captain Abu Raed,” which won the 2008 Sundance World Film Audience Award and was his country’s first Oscar submission. Majali edited and produced the film, highlighting the story of a lonely, yet friendly, porter at Amman International Airport. In the intervening years, Matalqa directed the Disney soccer drama “The United,” followed by the films “Strangely In Love” and “The Rendezvous.”
Matalqa is scheduled to teach directing classes during the upcoming spring and summer sessions in the Elon in LA program. He also teaches at the world-renowned American Film Institute, where he earned an MFA in Directing.
