Hollywood Calling

It is not often that you get to see a Saudi-born producer making waves in Hollywood. However, his current and exiting endeavors in the West, with stars such as Richard Gere and Tim Roth, have ensured Mohammed Al-Turki, 25, gets all the limelight. Al-Turki began to realize his dream of becoming a producer when he was first introduced to emerging film director Zeina Durra.
Al-Turki graduated in London and formed his production company “Tree House Production.” Later, he and Durra decided to join their creative forces as they started working together to produce their feature-length film: “The Imperialists Are Still Alive!” starring French Actress Elodie Bouchez. The film was nominated for “Official Selection” in Sundance 2010.
Al-Turki and Durra celebrated their international success after winning in the “Best Film” category at both the Warsaw Film Festival and the Asian American Film Festival. This success and recognition from some of the most highly coveted film associations has resulted in Al-Turki’s presence rapidly becoming known and well-respected in the Hollywood circuit.
Al-Turki's latest production is a star-studded film titled "Arbitrage” featuring Richard Gere, Susan Sarandon, Tim Roth, Sundance sensation Brit Marling and French favorite Laetitia Casta. The film was recently screened at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival and has already received great reviews. The movie is scheduled to be released in November 2012.
Arbitrage centers on Robert Miller (Gere), an American man who is in many ways a symbol of American patriarchy. He is wildly wealthy, and not to be played with. He is a master of the market and of arbitrage, the art of successfully buying low and selling high, and of course, he has a way with the ladies. But like many powerful men before him, Miller’s path to wealth is filled of fraud. While he attempts to cover his tracks, things go from bad to worse when he finds blood on his hands, as a result of wrecking his mistress’ car and killing her, and a whole new crime to cover up.
Arab News chats up with the passionate producer to find out more about the film and his other projects.

Tell us more about Arbitrage.
Arbitrage is my first major film, following the success of my first film, The Imperialists Are Still Alive. Nicolas Jarecki did a brilliant job by making such a masterpiece, which has got tremendous acclaim after its first showing in Sundance. It has a timely and relevant message that I am certain will resonate with the audiences. It’s set to be released on Sept. 14, 2012.

Do you consider getting popular Hollywood stars to act in your movie as a triumph?
To me, it’s not about major stars, it’s about good content. Stars like Angelina Jolie, Sean Penn and others care about content to spread their message around the world — they tend to deliver and send a message in a creative way that allows audiences to be enlightened, as well as entertained. Those stars as well, tend to operate in a way that has major importance to me, tying their films to their philanthropic endeavors, whether it’s a fundraiser or simply bringing attention to their cause and making a humane difference.

How is it like working with Susan Sarandon and Richard Gere?
Arbitrage has an amazing cast and crew — everyone from director Nicolas Jarecki to the production team — has been great. There was a great camaraderie among the cast and crew. It really feels like a family — I’ve moved on with the same production team to produce three other movies and absolutely will continue to make more with them.

Do you think Arbitrage can bag an Oscar?
The Oscar award is obviously a major achievement for any filmmaker. Every movie that is well-received by the audience should get some recognition. It goes without saying that if one of my films fits the criteria then certainly it should be considered. Nicolas Jarecki, who not only directed, but wrote the screenplay — really created a story and movie, where such talented actors could excel and thrive. Richard’s role seemed as if it was tailored immaculately for him.

What is your next step?
We are going to keep making movies. I am really keen on identifying social issues of importance and then producing films to shed light on them. My producing partners, Kevin Turin and Justin Nappi, are visionaries in their own right. I look forward to continuing to work with them in the future.

With your Arab and Middle Eastern roots, what do you think you can add to the Hollywood scene?
The ethnic diversity in Hollywood is impressive and plentiful. Being Saudi adds more edge, it compliments global reach, and educates on so many cultural levels. The whole bridging East and West idea comes together perfectly.

You are such a huge success at a young age. Where do you see yourself in the next ten years?
The future is bright; I hope the success rate will last. Success is when preparation meets opportunity and vice versa. So all I can do is continue to work hard and be prepared for whatever opportunities may come.

How do you plan to bring your success to your home country?
It gives me a lot of pride to be a Saudi and play my part in bringing attention to the great things we do and achieve as Saudis. I love my country.

Who deserves the most credit for your success?
First and foremost, it’s my supportive family. Professionally, success is always about the team — and I’ve been lucky enough to work with incredible people that help me remain focused and that push me to succeed.

What is your message to your Saudi fans and young Saudi talents?
Anything is possible. Believe in yourself, and don’t be scared to fail. To the parents, give your kids a chance when they are creative. Always listen to what they have to say and have an open mind. When I was young, I truly believed that I could make this happen. However, it seemed like a far-fetched dream. Right now everything seems surreal; the world surprises you in so many ways if you channel the right energy. You never know when that lightning could strike.

Al-Turki is currently working on a coming-of-age comedy called “Adult World,” an American horror story starring Emma Roberts, John Cusack and rising star Evan Peters and “What Maisie Knew,” the compelling drama starring Julianne Moore, Alexander Skarsgard and Steve Coogan. He is also working on a touching documentary ‘Metamorphosis,’ focusing on teenage suicide in the US, narrated by James Franco and directed by Lacey Dorn. The most recent project that he’s working on was announced during last year’s Cannes Film Festival — the Ramin Bahrani film starring Dennis Quaid and Zac Efron.
Al-Turki is currently based in Los Angeles. He remains dedicated in his support of various charities including the Elton John Aids Foundation, The Steve Irwin Sea Shepard (with friend Michelle Rodriguez), AmFAR AIDS Research, Cinema For Peace and many more.