Interview with director Matias Figueroa Tapia
Welcome Mr Figueroa, we are very excited to have you today and discuss about your work. Who is Matias Figueroa and how did the passion for filmmaking start ?
I am a 25 year old filmmaker from Mexico City. Based in New York since 2016. Ever since I remember I was so interested in photographs from the past, just to observe and hold a moment captured in time, my mind would create this entire story around them, I didn't need the details, I would come up with them... I consider myself a storyteller. Growing up, my parents went to the cinema every monday afternoon, most of the times they would take us, it didn't matter the director, studio or review, it was only a traditional form of entertainment, non critical; Watching the evolution on films over the 2000s made me very curious on how they were created, production wise. Technology was taking over everything so the process of all these new films was very much talked about. All in all, my passion grew in interest for the process of not only coming up with a story, and writing it, but actually bringing it to life, creating and building every aspect of it, of a different reality.
Can you tell us about your previous work?
I created a production company in Mexico, Crea-Haus, Producción y Dirección Creativa. We have produced narrative and branded stories around Mexico, Los Angeles and New York, fashion campaigns, art concepts, editorials and film EP’S, besides independently working as a production assistant on various projects. Dimensions of Self is my debut as a writer and actor.
CONVERSATION ABOUT: Dimensions Of Self
What inspired this script and how was the creational process?
The need to bring myself out of a moment in my life where I was desperate for answers, solutions and clarity. There was a lot of pain, a lot of suffering and misunderstanding, Dimensions of Self was born out of writing about this as a third person, as If I was describing another person's situation. That's when I realized there was actually a way out, blind-spotted by victim comfort and fear. The writting process never stopped until the last week of post production, two years later from when I started writing it. Words evolve, I think... So, allowing the script to be open to change at all times was really what nourished the concept and the film.
Writing and Acting in the same project is very demanding, are there any autobiographical points in this film?
The story is in the details so, creating Matthew Ripperton's life details was definetly a self reflection on an idealistic future me, but also not mentioning who he is or what he does, in the end that doesn't define us, so in a visual aspect, it's like the photographs, you can create your own details and story around the character from your self interpretation.
How would you describe your art style ?
I wouldn't say I have defined my 'style', I feel like it takes lots of miles for that, but for now I'm focusing on adapting my essence to future projects each one with a completely different and unique style, so you don't have to see something to know I made it, but feel it instead; Quality will always be the first thing.
What is the target audience of your project ?
Targeted audiences are not really my thing, you never really know who will engage best with whatever you're communicating, I want to say 'Dimensions of Self' is for the younger generations, but I feel everyone can relate to this moment, everyone can find an answer through this episode that ends up on finding clarity and detachment, I feel we all need that. There's been a very interesting and well engaged reaction from older audiences that are mostly relating to the story not necessarily personally, but to understand where is someone else? Times change, therefore it can get really hard to understand generational mechanisms.
FUTURE WORK AND CLOSING LETTER
What is the message the audience should convey leaving the screening of your film ?
It doesn't carry a single message, again, it's so open to self interpretation that whatever makes sense to you and whatever words resonate and create somehow a feeling of clarity and detachment, then, that's it. Personally I would say, the message is how we give out our own performance, we have the power, we're in full control of it, no need to explain your poetry. That's the way out of everything.
Did you and your team face any difficulties while shooting your project ?
Difficulties that were solved with flexibility and teamwork, our first cinematographer had to cancel two days before we went on set, covid travel issues, I mean... but from the beginning I told everyone involved that whatever happened, we were going to transform it into the best that could've happened, that was going to bring 'Dimensions of Self' to life. Caitlin Machak joined the team a day before set and no doubt she was beyond words, the one for it.
Any future projects incoming ? Along with personal aspirations.
Another short film on the works, for production. I'm learning play writing and stage acting, very excited to explore theatre and live performance. Being able to share how I see life through my art, through my personal experience of it and my empathy to humanity. We'll see what the future brings.
That was the interview with our beloved creator Matias Figeuroa Tapia. Our community is rising everyday, new talented filmakers and screenwriters get onboard. Be sure to check the rest of our interviews and why not schedule one for yourself to promote your work. To publish an interview simply submit on the INTERVIEW OF YOUR FILM category on our Filmfreeway page.
