INTERVIEW with Abdullah Almatrood
Can you explain to the audience your career?
I'm an independent filmmaker from Saudi Arabia.
My passion for films started at a young age, as I imagined that all characters, especially cartoon characters, lived in different realms. In 2011, I graduated from Pacific University with a BA in Film and Video Production.
I have written, produced, directed, and acted in several short films. My first short film, "The Knight Hall," was released in 2011. In 2013, my short film "Stranger" was nominated for Best Editing at the Saudi Film Festival.
In 2024, I completed my first feature-length film, "The Sacrifice," an independent psychological drama/horror. Additionally, my screenplay "The Vortex" won third place for unproduced screenplays at the Saudi Film Festival.
How many years have you been making movies?
Since 2009, around 14 years.
Why did you start making movies?
I started making movies because I love them, and it's the only thing I truly enjoy doing. I have a passion for learning about movies and reading about world cinema.
Tell us a little about your project. What will the audience be able to see in your film?
I believe every member of the audience will see and feel something different. Some will relate to the idea or a particular character. The film is designed to evoke a range of emotions and interpretations, allowing each viewer to have a unique and personal experience.
Why did you do this project?
I undertook this project because my cousins and I have many cherished memories in this house, which has always united us. When my family decided to demolish it, I asked for time to make a film there. While the film isn't directly about our memories, I wanted to capture the atmosphere and mood of the house with a story and characters before it was gone. This house is a landmark in Saihat city, and I felt it deserved to be immortalized on film.
One of the problems some directors encounter is directing actors and dealing with some actors, especially in the amateur world. How do you see this topic? What kind of work do you do with them?
I approach each actor differently. Some need support with feedback and trying different things, while others come with ideas and want to contribute to the film. I'm open to everything because what I care about most is the film itself. I give actors the freedom to experiment, ensuring they feel comfortable and creative in their roles.
A good movie takes care of all departments. But normally we can not allocate all the resources to have a good photography or spend a lot of money on sound post production or budget to hire actors. In your project what % have you allocated to. I don't just mean money but time as well. Of 100% of the time/money, what % did you dedicate to each department?
-Direction:25
-Photography 15
-Sound 10
-Postproduction 20
-Work with actors 15
-Art direction/locations:15
I believe in giving every department its fair share of attention. Each morning, I woke up about four hours before the shoot with the production manager to go through everything, and we were the last to leave the location. This ensured that direction, photography, sound, postproduction, work with actors, and art direction/locations all received the focus they needed.
For postproduction and music, the artists involved were patient with me, and we took our time to get things right. Despite having fewer resources, I'm happy with the outcome. My dedication to each department shows in the final product, and I ensured that time and effort were evenly distributed across all aspects of the project.
If you could go back, what would you change about this project? (1 thing only)
The project was truly a great learning opportunity and experience in all that it encompasses. However, if I could make one change, it would be to allow for more time in preparation period for optimum results.
What are you happiest about this project?
So far, the happiest moment has been the day I finished the film. However, I believe the true joy will come when the film is shown to the audience and I get to see their reactions.
Make a wish to the movie gods. What do you ask?
I wish for the film to travel around the world, reaching diverse audiences.
What movie would you have liked to direct?
Nothing in my mind. But I wish one day to direct movie where audience are so fully invested in the movies, they immerse themselves; a movie that stays with them even after the viewing, that has a big impact on audiences’ lives
What kind of cinema do you like? Genre, directors, actors?
I love cinema in all its forms. I enjoy genre films and auteur cinema alike. My goal is to build a distinctive body of work and develop my own unique style.
Imagine that all the movies are going to be lost. If you could save 3 movies, what would they be?
Persona, The Red Shoes (1948) and When Harry met Sally
If you have more projects underway, can you give us a bit of information?
I'm currently working on my next feature, "The Vortex." I might also create a short film to help secure funding for the feature film.