You Won’t Believe What’s Happening in Hollywood: One Director’s Shocking Move!

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Alex Kahuam, the director behind the one-shot thriller “Failure!”, featuring Ted Raimi, has now established his own film production company, Kahuam Films, based in Los Angeles.

In 2023, Kahuam completed screenings for his movie “Failure!” at the Gala Screenings of the Fantastic Pavilion during the Cannes Film Market. At present, he is wrapping up production on his fifth feature film, titled “The Remedy,” a psychological horror movie featuring Timothy Granaderos from “13 Reasons Why.” This will be Kahuam Films’ inaugural production.

Kahuam Films plans to carry on the concentration by the Mexican filmmaker in producing genre films. According to Kahuam, his productions blend aspects from European cinematography, the fantastical storytelling style unique to Mexican magic realism, and the marketing strategies typically seen in American movies.

Titled “The Remedy,” this movie is categorized as a chilling blend of psychological horror and the supernatural. Featuring London Thor from “Gen V,” Doug Jones known for his role in “The Shape of Water,” Chris Mulkey from “Whiplash,” and Jenny O’Hara recognized for her work in “Devil.” The story revolves around a distressed young man trying to save his mother, who is terminally ill. In the process of this desperate attempt, he unwittingly summons a supernatural force.

So far, Kahuam has been creating his movies through his Mexico City firm, Promotora NAE (NAE films), which he founded in 2017. Typically, these productions are joint U.S.-Mexico ventures, like “Failure!” and his 2021 horror film titled “Forgiveness.

As a devoted cinephile, I can’t help but feel thrilled about our strategic expansion across the U.S. with more and more like-minded partners joining us. This growth is not only exciting but also a testament to the strength of our vision and commitment to cinema.

Given our understanding of the American market, coupled with our existing partnerships in the United States, Europe, and Asia, we felt it was an opportune moment.

Kahuam additionally anticipates that the fresh California office will streamline his ability to tap into skilled professionals and navigate the intricate Hollywood business regulations, which can at times pose challenges for international corporations.

Operating a business here is more convenient due to the favorable regulations, as well as the attractive tax benefits.

Kahuam is considering several locations within New Mexico, along with other states, for potential future project sites. Previously, he filmed “Failure!” in the suburban region of Los Angeles (specifically Simi Valley) using a mix of private funds from both Mexico and the United States. On the other hand, he completed the entire production of “Forgiveness” within Mexico City.

Both movies were ventures requiring courage, as “Failure!” was filmed in a single continuous take and “Forgiveness” used just nine takes with minimal dialogue. Despite appreciating lengthy shots artistically, Kahuam acknowledges that one-take films can pose challenges for distributors. “Failure!” proved successful, generating significant traction and opening numerous opportunities, he notes. The film subsequently screened at Mexico’s Morbido Film Festival, Tallinn Black Nights, FrightFest London, and Fantaspoa in Brazil.

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Both productions were daring projects, with “Failure!” filmed in a continuous single take and “Forgiveness” requiring nine takes and minimal dialogue. Although Kahuam cherishes long shots creatively, he admits that one-take films can be tough for investors to handle. Nonetheless, “Failure!” gained significant momentum and paved the way for numerous opportunities, he remarks. The film eventually made its way to Mexico’s Morbido Film Festival, Tallinn Black Nights, FrightFest London, and Fantaspoa in Brazil.

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Both films were bold ventures, with “Failure!” shot in one long take and “Forgiveness” utilizing just nine takes with little dialogue. Even though Kahuam values lengthy shots artistically, he understands that single-take movies can be hard for investors to manage. Nevertheless, “Failure!” proved successful, creating a strong impact and opening multiple doors, he points out. The film eventually screened at Mexico’s Morbido Film Festival, Tallinn Black Nights, FrightFest London, and Fantaspoa in Brazil.

Kahuam is currently working towards creating films that are easier for everyone to understand and enjoy. For instance, “The Remedy” features 218 different scenes. “This movie requires a lot of editing… It’s a highly artistic film.

Kahuam has five projects currently in development.

He’s keeping quiet about the plot of his upcoming movie, but he hints that it falls under his preference for innovative horror concepts. “I’m moving beyond the realm of indie, single-location films,” he says. “This is going to be a larger production — my most ambitious project so far.

Kahuam is considering filming a grand supernatural horror movie across various settings, potentially in Hungary because of its attractive financial benefits.

“I would love to shoot in Europe. You have beautiful locations there.”

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2025-02-15 09:47