The Movie Man
Director: Matt Finlin
Canada, 2023, 90 min
Shooting Format:Digital, BlackMagic Cinema
Festival Year:2024
Category:Documentary Feature
Crew:Director: Matt Finlin. Producer: Karen Barzilay. Director of Photography: Matt Finlin. Camera Operators: Brad Brown, Owen Deveney. Editor: James Yates. Composer: Kevin Drew. Executive Producers: Ed Robertson, Paul Atkinson.
Email:matt@doorknockermedia.com
Web:moviemanfilm.com
Synopsis
THE MOVIE MAN introduces us to colorful entrepreneur Keith Stata and his bizarre multiplex set deep in the forest of small-town Ontario, Canada. After 40 years in business, Keith is forced to confront his current limitations, dwindling health, and a global pandemic. The future of his quixotic cinema becomes more and more uncertain as the film unfolds.
Trailer
About the director
Matt Finlin is a Canadian director and producer known for his work in the film and television industry. He has gained a reputation as an award-winning documentary filmmaker and television producer with a passion for producing content for charities.
Finlin has collaborated closely with several high-profile celebrities, including Eddie Vedder and Selena Gomez, in their philanthropic endeavors. He is highly respected for his dedication to social causes and is always looking for ways to use his talents to create positive change in the world.
Finlin recently released his first feature film, "The Movie Man," which had it's it's world premiere at The Santa Barbara International Film Festival. The film recently obtained distribution in Canada through Mongrel Media and Brooklyn based Cargo Films in the U.S.
Finlin is a co-founder of Toronto's leading production companies Door Knocker Media where you can see his work.
Filmmaker's note
Have you walked out of a cinema feeling elated, changed, or inspired? If the answer is yes, then "The Movie Man" is a film you will love. This documentary encapsulates the magic of cinema, exploring not only the profound impact it can have on individuals but also the unique and unconventional spaces where this magic unfolds.
One such space is the subject of our film: a multiplex built out of someone's house deep in the woods. In the trailer, you will catch a glimpse of this extraordinary movie-going experience, unlike any other. It's a testament to the ingenuity and passion of cinema lovers who have crafted a haven for film enthusiasts in
the most unexpected of places.
For me, the journey into filmmaking began during my first visit to Highlands Cinemas when I was just 11 years old. It was there that I first fell in love with the power of storytelling on the big screen. Little did I know, 30 years later, I would direct a feature documentary about this very space.
Now, with "The Movie Man," I aim to honor the legacy of places like Highlands Cinemas by infusing this documentary with the same heart and soul that Keith Stata has poured into his cinema.
Over a 5-year period and amidst a global pandemic, I remained committed to a verité filmmaking approach. Following Keith Stata throughout his day with no interference, I sought to capture the essence of his dedication and love for providing generations of moviegoers with unforgettable experiences. It was worth it, as we witness time passing by and see the unwavering commitment and passion this man has dedicated to his craft.
Through "The Movie Man," audiences will not only discover the hidden gems of the cinematic world but also gain insight into the dedication and artistry behind these cherished spaces.