For Wink Winkler, assistant professor of game design at Samford University’s School of the Arts, storytelling is more than a craft—it’s a calling. That passion recently took him to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for his second year of involvement with the Red Sea International Film Festival, one of the world’s fastest-growing celebrations of cinema and cultural exchange.
This year marked a milestone for Winkler, who served as co-creator and producer of the official festival ident, the short opening film that played before each screening.
“I wasn’t just part of the festival, I helped create a piece of it,” Winkler said. “Being entrusted with the piece that sets the emotional tone for thousands of viewers was deeply personal and creatively significant. It felt like contributing to the festival’s heartbeat.”
The experience generated unforgettable moments. He said watching audiences respond in real time to the ident—and to the energy of the festival itself—was humbling. Winkler explored Al-Balad, Jeddah’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its coral stone architecture and historic souks. “Seeing global stories shared in a space that genuinely celebrates cinema as a unifying language was powerful,” he said.
The festival opened doors to conversations with filmmakers and industry leaders from across the globe. Winkler met creatives shaping the future of independent cinema, as well as legendary figures like Johnny Depp, Randy Thom, Mark Mangini and Jesus Celaya. “The openness and generosity of these conversations were deeply inspiring,” he said.
Winkler observed a film industry in Saudi Arabia that is intentional and forward-thinking. “There’s a strong respect for craft and history, paired with a willingness to experiment and invest in new voices,” he noted. “It’s about building something lasting, not just something trendy.”
Earlier in his career, Winkler worked on the remastered theatrical rerelease of the original “Jurassic Park.” For him, these experiences aren’t just personal—they shape his teaching. “It shows students that meaningful, values-driven work can reach global stages,” he said.
His courses emphasize cutting-edge workflows like Unreal Engine, preparing students for a future where film, television and interactive media converge. That future, Winkler believes, is convergent.
“Games borrow cinematic language, films adopt real-time tools, and short-form content becomes more interactive,” he said. “Storytelling is the common thread, and the emotional experience created for the audience means more than the medium to create.”
Winkler sees Samford as a unique force in this evolving landscape. “Samford offers clarity, purpose and integrity in an industry that can sometimes prioritize speed or spectacle over meaning,” he said. “We teach students to lead with character, empathy and excellence, preparing them to be grounded storytellers in complex spaces, both secular and faith based.”
As a Christian educator, Winkler encourages students to thrive in a secular industry by relying on their values. “Our faith calls us to listen well, respect others deeply and create work that reflects truth, beauty and care for people,” he said. “When students embody those values, they do not just fit into the industry—they elevate it.”
His advice to aspiring creatives is simple yet profound: “Be excellent at your craft, be humble in new spaces, and be open to learning from cultures different from your own. Don’t wait for permission—start creating work that reflects who you are and what you care about.”
