INTERVIEW Young Saudi director Al-Mutaz Al-Jifri recently completed his first short movie in Hollywood called Officer Jack despite having to face various challenges including getting permission to close down streets, and replacing actors at the last minute.
He spoke to INN Live about his life and plans for the future in an informal chat in Jeddah Film and Craft Studio. Excerpts:
How did you develop your love for filmmaking in a society that is not familiar with movies and cinema?
I've loved art since I was quite young. I discovered that I was particularly interested in the details of movies and directing. I always wanted to be a director, and used to get quite excited when I saw crews filming in the streets.
Did your friends and family encourage you?
I must thank my parents for supporting me financially and emotionally throughout my career so far. The fact that they are media personalities has made it much easier for me. My friends also encouraged me to continue my studies in the field.
Have you produced other short films or clips for YouTube and other social media websites?
I have produced a short clip called “Scenes of an Expatriate" where I tried to correct the perception of scholarship students in the United States.
The Internet has connected the world. Will this help get your films seen by a larger audience?
Of course, keeping pace with– new technological and international trends is essential for any kind of media. This makes it easier for you to be heard by more people.
Tell me more about the film Officer Jack.
It tells the story of a police officer who wants to take revenge for something that has happened in his life. It shows how careful one has to be when confronted with these challenges in life.
How did you manage to shoot a film that has nothing to do with Saudi Arabia and the Arab world?
I asked my American friends to help me during filming. They gave me input on the culture and slang used on the streets.
What technical and administrative procedures were involved in filming?
I had to write a letter, through a production company I hired, requesting to shoot on the streets of Hollywood. The letter went to the Los Angeles Police Department. I had to inform them about the movement of cars during filming. I also had to get permits to use weapons and set out emergency parking during production.
I was a little fearful at having to do all these things. But in the end I was quite happy because I was doing something I had always dreamed about.
How did you pay for the cameras and other equipment?
The production company made everything easy for me, but I own most of the equipment that was used in the movie.
How long did filming take?
The film preparation took us almost a month, two days to shoot and a week for the montage and editing.
How was it working with your brother Faisal as the movie's producer?
I found it easy working with him because we think alike.
What production challenges did you face?
Three days before shooting, two of the main actors and the makeup artist failed to turn up. I was worried and thought I would never produce the film I'd envisioned. However, my friends found other actors and a makeup artist the following day.
Was it easier filming in California, which has a rich history of filmmaking?
Of course, filming and directing a movie in Hollywood is different from other cities in the United States. When I was studying filmmaking and directing in Miami, I had many difficulties including a lack of equipment and actors. But the situation was much easier in Hollywood.
What have you learnt from making Officer Jack?
I now know I have the ability to face up to any difficulties when shooting a film.
When will the movie be screened?
It will be shown at the Hollywood Film Festival and other festivals soon.
Will it be featured in cities such as Dubai, Beirut and Cairo?
Not at the moment. I'm about to start on a new project aimed at an Arab audience.
I plan to film a movie based on a true story. However, we have not produced the screenplay yet. Shooting will begin next year. My plan is to produce a film about issues facing Arabs and Saudis. I want to solve problems and change stereotypes of Saudis in the West.
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