Filmmaker Interview with Malik Kaddu

Filmmaker Interview by Chris Olson

Filmmaker Interview with Malik Kaddu

Where in the world do we find you right now, and what have you been up to lately?

Right now, I’m based between London and Europe, balancing post-production, development, and creative preparation. I’ve just come off the back of filming Kabul and Hafiach TV series in Wales, which was an intense and deeply meaningful experience, and I’m also focused on developing my original series Amour Noir, which I’m writing and will lead.

It’s a reflective but energising period — staying physically and creatively sharp, learning Italian, while shaping new work.

I really enjoy this in-between phase, where past projects are finding their audience and future stories are beginning to take form.

You’ve recently starred in the series Kabul. How would you describe the project to a new audience, and what drew you to this story?

Kabul is a political thriller grounded in human consequence. It explores the chaos surrounding the fall of Kabul, but more importantly, it focuses on the emotional reality of the people caught inside it — diplomats, civilians, soldiers, and families navigating survival as an entire system collapses overnight.

Kabul official trailer

What drew me to the project was its emotional restraint and moral complexity. The series doesn’t sensationalise trauma — it examines it quietly, honestly, and with deep empathy. The writing allowed space for subtlety, tension, and internal conflict, which are the emotional landscapes I’m most drawn to as an actor. It felt urgent, necessary, and profoundly human.

In your experience working on large-scale productions like 7 Days in Entebbe, how do you balance historical truth with dramatic storytelling?

It begins with respect — for the history, the people involved, and the weight of real events. Plus, being Ugandan, I felt the urge to really represent. You approach the material as a custodian rather than a performer. Once that foundation is set, dramatic storytelling becomes a way of revealing emotional truth rather than distorting fact. I grew up with my family talking about these series of events. 

7 Days in Entebbe trailer

The goal isn’t accuracy alone — it’s emotional clarity. If an audience understands what it felt like to live inside those moments, then the story succeeds.

That balance requires sensitivity, research, and restraint — knowing when to pull back rather than push forward. Also hiring people on board who are well in tune towards whats happening in Uganda.

How did you and your director on Kabul collaborate to keep your performance grounded amid such intense subject matter?

Our collaboration was rooted in simplicity and trust. We spent a lot of time stripping things back — focusing less on external drama and more on internal stakes. Often, the most powerful moments came from stillness rather than action.

We spoke a great deal about restraint, silence, and emotional economy. In a story of such magnitude, it’s often the smallest reactions — a glance, a pause, a breath — that carry the most weight. That approach allowed the performance to stay grounded, human, and honest.

When approaching a new character, are there certain ‘verbs’ or motivations you prioritise to find their emotional core?

Yes, of course. I always begin with intention — what does this person want, and what are they willing to sacrifice to get it? From there, everything unfolds.

I watched an interview with Matthew Mcconaughey and he mentioned a pick-up line within a script, something your character says that dives deep into the core of who your character is. 

I think in emotional verbs rather than psychological labels: protect, escape, dominate, belong, survive. These actions shape rhythm, movement, voice, and presence. Once I understand what’s driving a character forward, I can uncover their contradictions, vulnerabilities, and hidden depths.

What has been the most rewarding or surprising reaction you’ve received from audiences so far?

The most rewarding reactions are always the quiet ones — when someone tells you they felt seen, unsettled, or emotionally shaken by a performance. That tells me the work landed beyond entertainment.

I’ve received messages from viewers saying certain scenes stayed with them long after watching. People who know me asked about my accent, obviously, and how I was able to sound American, which is deeply humbling and complimentary. As actors, we hope to create moments that linger — not loudly, but meaningfully.

What advice would you give to new actors?

Patience and resilience are everything. This career unfolds in seasons, not moments. There will be silence, rejection, and uncertainty — but those periods are often shaping you more than success ever could.

Invest deeply in your craft, learn new things, protect your curiosity, and build a life that feeds your artistry. Longevity comes from depth, not speed.

What’s next for you?

Alongside continuing my work as an actor, I’m developing my original series Amour Noir, a European-set crime thriller that explores love, identity, and survival within the criminal underworld. It’s a project very close to my heart and marks my move into writing and leading my own stories.

I’m also focused on expanding my international work — collaborating across languages and cultures, and continuing to explore stories that live in the grey areas of morality, power, and human connection. Showing the world how much range I have and what separates me from everyone else.