Interview With Director Alex Kahuam, Founder & CEO of Film Production Company Kahuam Films

Alex Kahuam, the founder & CEO of the film production companies Kahuam Films [US] and Promotora NAE [Mexico], is an award-winning film director/producer/writer. He is best known for "Failure!" (starring Ted Raimi), "Forgiveness" (World Premiere in FrightFest) and the upcoming horror film "The Remedy" starring: Timothy Granaderos (13 Reasons Why), London Thor (Gen V), Doug Jones (The Shape of Water), Chris Mulkey (Twin Peaks) and Jenny O’Hara (Devil). Horror icon Bruce Campbell (Evil Dead) endorsed Kahuam's previous film Failure!

Can you speak about your background and how you got into film?

ALEX: From a young age, I have been captivated by the art of storytelling through film. At the age of twelve, I began making short films, driven by the unique feeling that only cinema can evoke. My filmmaking journey began empirically at the age of eighteen, experimenting with writing, directing, producing, and editing my own shorts. By the age of nineteen, I made my feature directorial debut with "Escondida" (77 min), which was screened in Cinepolis, Mexico.

Since "Escondida," I've completed four more feature films, including:

* "So, you want to be a gangster?" (Distribution: North America and some countries in Europe)

* "Forgiveness" (selected at FrightFest, Grimmfest, Morbido, and more. Distribution: world wide)

* "Failure!" (selected at Cannes Fantastic Pavilion Gala, FrightFest, Tallinn Black Nights, Morbido, and more. Distribution: North America, India and counting), starring Ted Raimi

* "The Remedy" (post-production), starring Timothy Granaderos (13 Reasons Why?), London Thor (Gen V), Doug Jones (Shape of Water), Chris Mulkey (Whiplash), and Jenny O'hara (Devil).

Today, I continue directing, producing, and writing. Although I have producing partners, I also produce on my own, as it's something I've enjoyed doing for the past two decades. Back in February, I launched my U.S. production company, Kahuam Films, which specializes in genre films. We currently have five projects in various stages of development.

You’ve directed multiple horror/thriller films that have been large productions. Can you talk about those and how you find financing for them? 

ALEX: Securing financing is definitely the most difficult part of our industry, and it's even tougher to get projects greenlit these days. The film industry has changed significantly since COVID, but there are still ways to make things happen. Over the past ten years, I've worked on everything from ultra-low-budget to low-budget films, and now on indie films aligned with the indie Hollywood studios. It has taken time to earn the trust of equity partners, who are now excited to invest in our films. Our current model is completely different from the one we used for "Forgiveness" or "Failure!". There's no real secret to filmmaking, but if I were to give advice – keep your budget low. It's unrealistic to expect to make a multi-million-dollar film as your first project. I'm always all about positivity and dreaming big, yet keeping it realistic, that is what the years of experience in this industry has taught me. You first must prove what you can do with lower budgets before companies will start betting on you.

Is it easier to produce indie genre films like horror than drama for example?

ALEX: I find this question particularly interesting, especially when considering physical production. In my experience, producing a drama film is significantly simpler than producing a genre film. There are numerous often-overlooked elements, such as prosthetics and special effects, that are crucial for creating an impactful genre film. These elements not only require substantial time on set but can also be very expensive. Securing financing presents another challenge. Distributors and sales agents are often hesitant to invest in drama films. Despite the difficulties, I've worked in this industry for many years, and the market has not been kind to drama films at the box office. They simply don't sell well. Even with established talent and a premiere at a top-tier festival, securing distribution remains a challenge. Just looking back at the film market in the last five years, there are significantly fewer sales compared to previous years.

Do you have a favorite project you have worked on that you are most proud of?

ALEX: I believe that "The Remedy" would be my most memorable film so far. Having previously completed a one-take film without edits, with "The Remedy" I jumped to the other end of the spectrum, I pushed myself: it was the first time I filmed 218 scenes, which as a director is a big challenge to tackle. While the production was very challenging the comradery on set felt like a family dynamic. I'm truly grateful for everyone involved. Having said that, I'm proud of how I've grown through each of the features I've directed.

What has been the most important lesson you have learned on the journey of filmmaking so far?

ALEX: Navigating this industry requires a great deal of patience, especially when you're starting out or haven't yet collaborated with established names in Hollywood. You might have a compelling pitch deck and script, but without validation or the backing of a well-known producer, progress can be very slow, and it'll take many years. I established my production companies because I didn't have a "godfather" to advocate for me and secure financing. I had to create smaller films to build credibility within the industry, which then allowed me to pursue larger budgets. For many years, it was frustrating because, despite having a great pitch, script, and overall package for various projects, we received no responses from companies. Things started changing for the better for me after being active in this industry for more than a decade. Patience is paramount.

Can you tell us about your latest film "The Remedy"? What was the inspiration for it?

ALEX: The themes of this film—grief, faith, guilt, and letting go—explore the complex emotions surrounding the loss of a loved one to a terminal illness. These themes resonate deeply with my own experiences, as well as those of my long-time friend and collaborator, Daniel Kuhlman. Daniel's mother passed away from breast cancer, and he was her caregiver throughout her battle. It was a very difficult time for him and his family. Similarly, the passing of my grandfather last year, and witnessing my family's helplessness, profoundly affected me. My mom was his caregiver until the very end. This topic clearly resonated with both of us on a personal level.

How did you go about casting the film and where did you shoot it? 

ALEX: It has taken me quite some time, as a producer and a director, to be able to get access to talent such as my brilliant cast in "The Remedy". What I mean by that, is years of persistence, perseverance and passion. I have made a lot of sacrifices to get to where I am today, I've made my own opportunities, this is also true for casting.  I am incredibly grateful to the entire cast for their trust in my direction. Timothy Granaderos (13 Reasons Why?), London Thor (Gen V), Doug Jones (Shape of Water), Chris Mulkey (Whiplash), and Jenny O'hara (Devil) each brought something special to the film. We shot the film in Los Angeles, California. 

Do you have an anecdote or experience while filming that is unique that you would like to share?

ALEX: We were just 15 minutes away from shooting a so-called "intense" scene for "The Remedy" when it happened. While Diego Cacho, my DP, and Gio, his gaffer, were setting up the lighting, I decided to take a quick 10-minute break in the backyard of our location. As I was outside observing a tree and having a peaceful moment, I heard a loud car crash right on our street—it felt like something out of a movie. Me, London Thor, who is one of our cast members, and some of our crew members rushed to help. We found a Mexican mother and daughter struggling to communicate in English. I spoke with them in Spanish, and they explained that it was the other driver's fault. The daughter had a minor leg injury. London quickly brought ice, and I turned off their car.

ALEX CONT’D: We assisted until the police arrived and asked bystanders to step aside. Thankfully, no one was seriously hurt. All this to say the incident profoundly impacted all of us that witnessed the accident, especially London, who then walked back to perform in the "intense" scene. Some unforeseen events such as the "shocking" car crash often find their way into the movie. I won't spoil which scene it was, but London's performance was outstanding. I'm grateful that everyone involved in the accident was ultimately okay and that the police responded so quickly.

Why is it so important for filmmakers to attend Cannes and other international film festivals? 

ALEX: Attending Cannes and other international film markets is essential for filmmakers looking to expand their reach and network. While these events can be a significant investment, they offer unparalleled opportunities to forge connections. Without visibility at these markets, it can be challenging to gain recognition and credibility within the industry. One of the key benefits of regularly attending film markets is the opportunity to witness the evolving projects of others and showcase your own growth as a filmmaker. However, consistent activity is crucial. Presenting the same stagnant projects year after year can deter potential supporters. It's more advantageous to demonstrate your commitment by actively producing films, even on a low budget, rather than waiting for a large-scale project that may never materialize. Showing that you are proactive and consistently creating little films is more likely to attract interest and investment.

What will you be working on next? 

ALEX: We at Kahuam Films are always actively developing projects across horror and genre. For the next one in line, I am allowing myself to think big and create outside of the "independent filmmaker" world – I'm going big with it! – that is the next challenge for me.

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KAHUAM FILMS latest news:

"The Remedy" Directed by Alex Kahuam. Starring: Timothy Granaderos (13 Reasons Why?), London Thor (Gen V), Doug Jones (Shape of Water), Chris Mulkey (Whiplash) and Jenny O'hara (Devil).

‘Failure!’ Director Alex Kahuam Launches L.A.-Based Kahuam Films as He Finishes Latest Pic, ‘The Remedy’ (EXCLUSIVE) Variety-2-15-25

Timothy Granaderos, London Thor, Doug Jones to Star in Supernatural Horror ‘The Remedy’- It marks the first effort from Kahuam Films  Bloody Disgusting -2-18-25

Latest news:

Variety — May 14, 2025  

Mexican Helmer Alex Kahuam, in Cannes’ Fantastic Pavilion With ‘The Remedy,’ Eyes European Locations for Next Major Project (EXCLUSIVE)

Bloody Disgusting — May 15, 2025  

Psychological Horror Film ‘Stay with Me’ is “It Follows on Steroids” at a Music Festival

SreenAnarchy— May 16, 2025  

THE REMEDY's Alex Kahuam Announces Next Project, STAY WITH ME

Interview by Vanessa McMahon