MINNESOTA FILM COMMUNITY EVENTS
DEAN CUNDEY, ASC
APRIL 12
INDUSTRY NIGHT & HAPPY HOUR
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience an evening with legendary cinematographer Dean Cundey, ASC—a pioneering force behind some of the most recognizable films ever made. In this in-person conversation, Dean will share insights from a career that helped shape iconic films such as Halloween, The Thing, Escape from New York, Back to the Future, Apollo 13, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, and Jurassic Park. He’ll offer a behind-the-scenes look at the creative decisions, collaborations with directors, and technical breakthroughs that defined them.
Industry Night is one of the festival’s premier gatherings for the Minnesota film community—an opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and be inspired alongside fellow filmmakers. Past guests have included Roger Deakins, ASC and Academy Award–winning director Ang Lee, making this a truly special event within the festival.
Arrive early for the conversation, then continue the evening at the happy hour at MSPIFF HQ @ Pivo Bar, where you’ll have the chance to meet Dean Cundey and connect with fellow filmmakers.
FILM SCREENING
Join us for a special screening of Jurassic Park, followed by an in-person Q&A with legendary cinematographer Dean Cundey, ASC. Hear firsthand how one of cinema’s most groundbreaking blockbusters was crafted—from its innovative visual techniques to the technological breakthroughs that helped bring VFX to life on screen.
APRIL 11
CINEMATOGRAPHY MASTER CLASS (Limited Seating)
Filmmakers join us for a Master Class Workshop with legendary cinematographer Dean Cundey, ASC, at CineMechanics. This in-person Master Class is designed for filmmakers and cinematographers and will explore the craft of cinematography through the analysis of Dean Cundey’s work across multiple genres.
By deconstructing key scenes, Dean will reveal the creative decisions behind lighting, camera movement, frame composition, and visual storytelling that helped shape some of his most iconic films.
SPECIAL GUEST
DEAN CUNDeY, ASC
Cinematographer Dean Cundey, ASC is a pioneering force behind some of the most recognizable films in modern cinema, with a career spanning more than four decades. His work has helped define the visual language of beloved films, from cult classics like Halloween, The Thing, and Escape from New York to blockbusters such as Back to the Future, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Apollo 13, and Jurassic Park. Known for his innovative use of light, camera movement, and visual effects, Cundey has played a key role in advancing the craft during some of Hollywood’s most technically transformative eras.
Throughout his career, Cundey has collaborated with many of the industry’s most celebrated directors, including John Carpenter, Robert Zemeckis, Steven Spielberg, and Ron Howard, helping bring their story to life through bold, memorable images. His work earned him an Academy Award nomination for Who Framed Roger Rabbit and the ASC Lifetime Achievement Award for his lasting contributions to cinematography.
Beyond his filmmaking achievements, Cundey has long been committed to inspiring the next generation of filmmakers. Through workshops, master classes, and industry events, he continues to share the knowledge and experience gained over decades in the industry, encouraging young cinematographers and storytellers to carry the craft forward.
HOSTS & SPONSORS
