Jonathan Matthews grew up in Alum Creek, West Virginia. Before becoming a filmmaker, Matthews practiced civil rights law for seven years. His last job was Legal Director of the ACLU of Connecticut. Four years ago, he quit practicing law to follow his dream and enrolled at NYU’s grad film program. In 2012, he co-directed a film called Black Dog Red Dog, starring James Franco, Whoopi Goldberg, and Olivia Wilde. Matthews’ first feature documentary Surviving Cliffside – made possible by a grant awarded by Spike Lee – will premiere at the 2014 South by Southwest Film Festival.