Faculty Affiliate, CEMI
Associate Professor of Practice, Radio-Television-Film
Internship Director, RTF
Micah Barber is a kids & family director from Austin. He has been recognized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences as a Director (Student Academy Award Finalist) and Screenwriter (Nicholl Fellowship Semifinalist). The imagination and sense of joy and wonder displayed in his short films first attracted the attention of Terrence Malick's wife, Alexandra, who asked to produce The Adventures of Thomas & Felix, his first feature film. It has been called “A stellar (and rare) indie family film”, winning several screenplay prizes and a “Best Family Film” distinction during its run at festivals across the country. Micah is developing several projects for kids and imaginative adults. His style is joyful and complex, often featuring vulnerable coming-of-age heroes, and with a nod to Hayao Miyazaki, Jim Henson, and 1980s classics. Before making his own features, Micah (a former musician himself ) assisted producer Fred Miller in the development and production of the family movie Angels Sing, starring Harry Connick Jr., Willie Nelson, Connie Britton, Kris Kristofferson, and a host of Austin music legends. Micah’s newest projects with co-writer Tony Faia include the pirate adventure Winter Island, under option by 8750 Films in Los Angeles, and Good Hart, a television pilot. Micah is attached to direct both. He teaches film at the University of Texas at Austin, including an innovative course with executive Jordan Levin.