Tallgrass alumni filmmaker James Choi (MADE IN CHINA, JOINT BODY, FAITH IN DESTINY) returns to Wichita for the 4^th year in a row to lead TFA’s first Project Nano, an intensive, hands-on, short filmmaking workshop.

The class takes place from April 12 – April 15 at the Digital Arts Studio at CityArts  and on location throughout the city. Students will learn the art of independent filmmaking from pre-production through post-production, through the lens of  accomplished filmmaker and instructor, Choi.

Starting with an original short screenplay, (selected by Choi and Wichita area film professionals from submissions from across the country) the class will learn the process of filmmaking from script to screen – including producing, directing, casting, production design, lighting, sound, editing music – and how to do it all with little to no cash budget.

Project Nano is open to filmmakers of all ages, with all levels of experience, who want to learn and practice the craft of filmmaking. The end result of Project Nano will include a completed short film, and more importantly, a group of students who will be possess the knowledge to go out and continue making films.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to have James Choi as our Filmmaker in Residence for the first Project Nano. He’s an incredibly talented and generous filmmaker. We’re excited for local filmmakers to have the incredible opportunity to work with him and learn about filmmaking, Choi-style,” said TFA Executive Director Lela Meadow-Conner. “Independent film is so inherently DIY, and each filmmaker has a unique approach. We hope to continue this program each year with different filmmakers sharing their perspectives and processes with the Wichita community.”

Class space is limited to 20 people and advanced registration is required. Registration is $175 GA or $150 for students/seniors/TFA members and past City Arts Digital Filmmaking Lab students. Click here to register online. Participants will be contacted via email prior to the first class with further details.

Project Nano is sponsored by Tallgrass Film Association and CityArts.

Project Nano Schedule

Friday, April 12: 5:30 – 9:30 pm
Saturday, April 13: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sunday, April 14: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Monday, April 15: 5:30 – 9:30 pm

About James Choi

James Choi is a prolific, award-winning filmmaker with over a decade of film industry experience in Los Angeles. 

Mr. Choi’s first film as a producer, MADE IN CHINA, written and directed by Judi Krant, won the Grand Jury Prize for Best Feature Film at the 2009 SXSW Film Festival and is currently being distributed by IFC Films. 

Since 2009, James has gone onto produce JOINT BODY, a feature film written and directed by Brian Jun which stars Mark Pellegrino and Alicia Witt. JOINT BODY was released by Level 33 Entertainment. James has also written and directed two short films entitled ONE NIGHT IN BANGKOK and HEARTLESS which is currently being distributed by Shorts International.

FAITH IN DESTINY marks Mr. Choi's first feature film as a writer/director. A stylized noir produced on a $4000 budget with a crew of one. Currently out at festivals, the film had its world premiere at the 2012 Tallgrass Film Festival.

James is actively writing, directing and producing films in Chicago and also teaches at DePaul University and Tribeca Flashpoint Academy.