Haram

In Depth with the Director - Pater/Son

Tell us a little about yourself and your background in filmmaking

Hello, I’m Pater/Son. I'm a producer and director living in Paris, France.  I’ve mostly directed commercials and music videos. For 5 years now, I've been making experimental films and short documentaries. I have a master's degree in philosophy. And my first films were skateboarding videos that I made when I was 19 years old. I come from the "Do It Yourself" Film School.

How did Haram first come together as a project?

My sister moved to Dubai with her husband for his work a couple years ago. And my wife and I went to visit them. My mind was instantly transported to a fantasy world. At that time, my sister was pregnant (she is the girl in "Haram"), and I guess, being in a Muslim country with its religion and contradictions inspired me to create "Haram." I’m really interested in the unconscious and human sexuality. In the United Arab Emirates, it's prohibited to kiss your partner in public; yet, at the same time, they have a huge sex tourism industry. It's a strange coexistence, but that's how it is. So it was a very inspiring place for me. 

The glitchy red visuals of the film are instantly iconic. What inspired the use of those colours and textures?

Thank you so much. At first, I tried to use the colors from a test card, but it didn't look good. I really wanted to use red and purple mixed together. Something catchy and weirdly beautiful. 

There is certainly a 'cyberpunk' feel to it, as alluded to by your reference of William Gibson's Neuromancer. What appeals about this concept and aesthetic to you?

I’m a huge fan of science fiction in general: books, films, and TV shows. Most of them are very bad, but sometimes you find some real treasures, like “Neuromancer,” “Hypérion,” or “The Dark Forest.” At first, my goal wasn't necessarily to create a cyberpunk vibe, but I wanted to make something that makes you sick, just by watching it. I really wanted to do something provocative and conceptual. 

I have a love/hate relationship with technology. For me, the Haram version of Dubai is a complete nightmare where people are completely surrounded by technology and illusions. Nothing’s grounded anymore. Everything is ephemeral. The sky is blue. That's nature. And if the sky looks like “a television tuned to a dead channel,” then there is no more meaning. Reality has then become obsolete. It’s really scary.

The concept of 'haram' is a large tenet of Islamic law. Have you had any feedback from Muslim viewers or community members about their interpretation of your work?

Yes, and I was surprised because the feedback from my muslim friends was good. The film makes sense to them. 

What was the biggest challenge in making this film?

The rhythm. And of course the creation of the SFX because I did them all by myself.

What projects are coming for you in the future?

With my company 2h56 Productions, I’ve produced a short film for a Californian director, Devin Glass. It’s a comedy full of SFX. A Parisian version of Adam Sandler's Click. It's very funny and crazy. 

I’m also working on a funny TV commercial for a car rental company and a commercial for a friend's skateboarding clothing brand called "Metronomz". 

I really want to direct more and more documentaries, especially something about animals.

Do you have any message for our Melbourne audience?

I've never been to Australia. I love your weird cinema - very ballsy. And of course I love your culture and all of the wide open spaces. Definitely need to come visit you guys.