UAE film Nyctophobia with Robert Trif explores our deepest fears

NYCTOPHOBIA IS THE latest offering from prolific Emirati writer and director Tariq Al Kazim. It's the young movie director's latest foray into the suspense filled genre of horror, where he once again teams up with award-winning Romanian actor and producer Robert Cristian Trif.
Nyctophobia is Al Kazim's 14th film and means 'fear of the dark'. The psychological thriller follows Julia, (played by Heba Al Hamwi, who also played Sarah in Kazim's 2018 film, Until Midnight), a writer seeking solitude in a peaceful Al Ain farmhouse, away from the distractions of busy city life in Dubai. We quickly come to realise she is not alone in the house, as clues that someone else is there are revealed to us, in what rapidly descends into a psychological thriller. Julia discovers all the doors are locked...and there's no escape.
We caught up with Robert Cristian Trif to find out more.
What can you tell us about your role in Nyctophobia? How did you get the part and how did you get into character?
I was working on my film Karma when I received a call from Tariq (Al Kazim) about it. In the beginning I was little bit reluctant about the role as it is so negative but at the same time such an interesting character. I never imagined myself in this kind of situation, especially playing this type of villain who tries to play with a woman's mind. I didn't really feel any similarities between me and the character. I did little bit of research on gangsters and criminology to better understand the character and it's interesting because although it's first time I played this kind of role I enjoyed playing the character.
How do you find being an actor in the UAE? Do you think there are enough opportunities to work in local movies? How would you advise others getting involved?
This is a long conversation but, in all honesty, there aren't too many opportunities here. You must create your own opportunities. The days when Hollywood producers would find you in the streets or restaurants and offer you a role are long gone. Today the industry has changed dramatically. I strongly believe that in order to succeed you must create. You need to go out there and put yourself there and create that idea, that opportunity. Whether it is theatre or film just put yourself there. But if you start a career in acting and you only want to be an actor in Dubai, then I think you are not going to make it. Today the industry has changed. If you don't create you will not be where you want to be. It's a long road.
What is it like working on a thriller? How do you create so much tension on set?
The key to creating tension in this film I think was the actors in it. I had a good rapport with Heba, so it was easy for us to go along and just throw ourselves in there and just try to push each other the best way possible and just get the best out of the characters. Another factor was the director who made things easier for us to work.
Who are your acting inspirations and what film would you like to make if you had the choice of any?
I admire the likes of Anthony Hopkins, Marlon Brando, Burt Lancaster, Christian Bale, Christoph Waltz, Daniel Day Lewis, Christopher Walken, Heath Ledger and others who are fantastic talents. Some of them are not with us anymore, but the memory of their acting cannot be forgotten. You just can't forget such memorable moments in film history and for sure their work can only inspire you. Although I believe that in life you must create your own style and path such memories can only inspire me to do great and push forward always. I would love to do a film about human rights. I starred in a documentary A La Sombra by Mildred Garceant last year that is in festivals now. I feel very connected to real stories, but as an actor I would like to experience just about any role out there. I'm not afraid to try new characters.
What is your personal motto/ words you live your life by?
I have many mottos in life, but one of them is to push forward no matter what, always ask yourself: why not you?
What are your upcoming projects and your hopes for this movie?
I plan to launch two new features this year that are written by me and a comedy film. Nyctophobia is a film that can be understood from many angles and different perspectives.
davod@khaleejtimes.com