Saudi Filmmaker Abdulrahman Sandokji: From Documentaries to Discovery
In the world of filmmaking, the common advice is to start with documentaries before venturing into fiction. Saudi filmmaker Abdulrahman Sandokji followed this path, and over 15 years later, he still finds documentaries immensely satisfying.
The Passion for Real Stories
For Sandokji, documentaries are not just about storytelling, but about uncovering the unseen and delving into the depths of real stories. His breakthrough came with the investigative documentary “Phosphine” in 2014, which sparked social movements and governmental actions.
A Journey of Discovery: “Underground”
Sandokji’s latest documentary, “Underground,” explores Saudi Arabia’s alternative music scene, a world that has largely gone unnoticed. The film showcases the talent and passion of artists who have been overshadowed by misconceptions.
From Idea to Explosion
Unlike some filmmakers, Sandokji thrives on receiving ideas and expanding on them. “Underground” was born from a friend’s passion for underground music, leading to a journey of discovery for Sandokji as he explored the hidden talents in the Kingdom.
Shining a Spotlight on Talent
In “Underground,” artists like Emad Mujallid, DJ Cosmicat, and Salma Murad share their love for music and showcase their talent live. Sandokji aimed to capture the raw talent of these artists and highlight their passion for music.
Going Global
With ambitions to reach international audiences, “Underground” has been submitted to major film festivals and aims for a Netflix release. Sandokji believes that the power of music, as expressed by the artists in the film, will resonate with audiences worldwide.