Amin Matalqa, a multifaceted writer and director, has embarked on a remarkable odyssey, his early life unfolding against the vibrant backdrop of Jordan, the country of his birth, where the rich cultural heritage and storied history would forever leave an indelible mark on his creative psyche.
As his formative years unfolded, Matalqa's trajectory took a dramatic turn, as he was transplanted to the Midwestern metropolis of Columbus, Ohio, a city that would play a pivotal role in shaping his artistic sensibilities and worldview.
Fast-forward to the present day, and Matalqa has made the City of Angels, Los Angeles, his home for the past 19 years, a city that has undoubtedly left an indelible stamp on his creative output, its eclectic mix of cultures, landscapes, and lifestyles serving as a rich tapestry for his artistic expression.
Throughout his journey, Matalqa's work has been characterized by a unique blend of his Jordanian roots, his Midwestern upbringing, and his California sensibilities, resulting in a distinctive voice that is at once both deeply personal and universally relatable.
Matalqa's cinematic pursuits are deeply rooted in the exploration of the lives and stories of dreamers and unsung heroes, as evident in his extensive body of work. His feature film debut, Captain Abu Raed, garnered widespread recognition and acclaim, ultimately winning the prestigious Sundance World Cinema Audience Award in 2008, thereby becoming the first Jordanian film to be submitted for consideration in the Academy Awards.
This groundbreaking achievement was swiftly followed by his collaboration on Disney's soccer drama, The United, which further solidified his reputation as a talented and innovative filmmaker. Additionally, Matalqa's work on Strangely In Love, a romantic comedy that pays homage to the style of the legendary Charlie Chaplin, showcased his ability to balance humor and pathos, and featured the talented Amanda Plummer in a starring role.
Matalqa's forthcoming endeavour, The Rendezvous, is a captivating Hitchcockian caper adventure that masterfully unfolds across the breathtakingly vast Arabian desert, boasting a remarkably talented cast, including the versatile and accomplished Stana Katic, whose impressive range and depth bring an added layer of sophistication to the production.
In addition to his notable work in the film industry, Matalqa has also made a profound and lasting impact in the realm of television. He co-wrote the pilot episode and directed two episodes of Netflix's captivating supernatural thriller, Jinn, which premiered in 2019, showcasing his exceptional skill and versatility as a writer and director.
Matalqa's academic credentials are truly remarkable, boasting a Master of Fine Arts degree in Directing from the prestigious American Film Institute, a renowned institution that has produced some of the most talented filmmakers in the industry.
Not only did he earn this prestigious degree, but he also had the privilege of being part of the esteemed ABC/DGA TV Directors program, a program that is highly selective and only accepts a limited number of talented individuals each year, further emphasizing his dedication to refining his craft and honing his skills as a director.
Currently, Matalqa is working on his latest project, 5000 Blankets, a film for Sony Pictures, which boasts an impressive cast including the talented Anna Camp. The film is currently in post-production, and its release is highly anticipated by fans and critics alike.
