INDEPENDENTS DAY - FC RABBATH

Born in Alexandra, Egypt in October 1986, director/writer FRED ‘FC’ RABBATH has been an inventor, author, comedian, journalist, and all around entrepreneur. He’s also hugely well-travelled thanks to his father’s work, which required Fred to live in several countries before he was even 16. Tirelessly prolific, he has written and directed a string of acclaimed short films and a number of features including Scarlet’s Witch (2014), The Hum (2015), The Movie Extra (2015), and especially A Brilliant Monster (2018), which we described as ‘quirky and highly watchable… a psychological horror/thriller that examines the nature of creativity and the obsessions which drive the creative mind’ He’s back later this year with THE WAITING, a highly unusual and unpredictable ghost story that turns slowly into an unusual romantic fable. We spoke to Fred about his background and his approach to his work in the independent movie sector.

- PAUL MOUNT

STARBURST: How did your itinerant childhood affect you growing up and what impact did it have on the sort of films you both enjoyed and wanted to make?

FC Rabbath: I was lucky to explore new cultures and perspectives. It helped shape me and tell me that everyone has a story, even the bad guys. I loved seeing international films because it also showed new ways stories can be interpreted.

Is there a film that has most influenced you?

Signs, by M. Night Shyamalan really affected me - the way he gave you a movie about aliens but, in reality, it was a movie about something else and that was really eye-opening to me. I loved how he mixed comedy and horror. The balance was unique and I enjoyed his style.

What motivates you as a filmmaker and what influences the types of stories you tell?

I have a desire to find balance and the perfect story. What makes a good story? We know the rules, we know that the lead must be somewhat likeable. However, is there another way? This is my goal, to completely change the hero’s journey formula without going too much off the path and risk losing the mainstream audience. I’m tired of being able to predict every movie.

Do you feel that working in the ’indie’ sector gives you a greater creative freedom in terms of the stories you can tell and how you tell them?