Join WINGS Performing Arts for a true-local-story Hero’s Journey. A rare public screening of “Raiders of The Lost Ark: The Adaptation,” followed by the Mississippi premiere of “REMAKING RAIDERS”, in which Eric Zala gives a talk, sharing behind-the-scenes photos and lessons learned from directing their notorious fan film, both as a kid and as an adult. That presentation is followed by a Q-&-A discussion with Zala and the audience, and in the afternoon, a practical, how-to discussion of the particulars of DIY filmmaking on YOUR ALLOWANCE!
In 1982, Eric Zala and friends began filming a shot-for-shot remake of Steven Spielberg’s “RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK.”
They were 12 years old and took 7 years to complete the film
—every scene, every shot, every stunt
—in their backyard and basement.
They had no camera, no cast, no crew, and no clue.
What they had was sheer will, a shared passion, limitless imagination, and each other.
Incredibly, they realized their dream. By then, they had almost burned down the family home, nearly killed Eric, and had stopped speaking to each other.
Eventually, their film “RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK: THE ADAPTATION” became according to film guru, Harry Knowles, “The greatest fan film of all time,”
and has been screened all over the world. As adults, they finally reunited to do the one scene as kids they could never do.
Eric Zala is coming here to tell the story of an impossible dream that came true against all odds, to share lessons learned.
In Eric and Chris, you will recognize yourselves and your closest friends.
For more information and photos of Eric Zala, and what he talks about visit www.ericzala.com.
Saturday, October 21
10am-4pm
WINGS Performing Arts & Education Center
This filmmaking workshop is open to students & parents interested in creating a film.
- 10am – 12pm – See the Greatest Fan Film Ever Made! RAIDERS ADAPTATION!
- 12:00 – 12:45pm – Meet the Film Maker Eric Zala and learn how he did it!
- Lunch – 1:00 – 1:45pm – Bring a lunch or grab some fast food!
- 2- 4pm – How you can create your own film masterpiece and enter it in a festival!
Those planning to attend are encouraged to watch the documentary “Raiders!:The Story of the Greatest Fan Film Ever Made” on NETFLIX before seeing the original fan film.
The workshop is free thanks to a generous grant from the Mississippi Humanities Council & the Mississippi Development Authority’s Bicentennial Grant.
