Fabien Martorell
In the world of contemporary genre cinema, few directors command as much attention as Martorell. With 18 awards and 25 nominations spanning the United States, United Kingdom, and France, his work has left an indelible mark on international filmmaking. Splitting his time between Los Angeles and South Africa, this Lyon-born auteur has built a reputation for crafting meticulously composed thriller, crime, and action films—each frame a masterful painting in service of the narrative.
Martorell’s approach to storytelling is as rigorous as it is visually striking. A firm believer that composition and aesthetic are integral to cinematic language, he meticulously constructs every shot with a painter’s precision. But his artistry extends beyond the lens—his commitment to authenticity ensures that his actors deliver performances of raw intensity, bringing depth and nuance to his high-stakes narratives.
His latest venture, City of Gold, marks his second collaboration with Netflix. The crime-action film, shot in Johannesburg, stars Bonko Khoza (Heart of the Hunter) and Brandon Auret (Rebel Moon). This follows the success of Collision, a Netflix Original drama-thriller released in 2022. Featuring Langley Kirkwood (One Piece, Warrior), Vuyo Dabula, and Tessa Jubber, the film soared to #3 worldwide and dominated the platform’s Top 10 lists in 68 countries, including #1 in South Africa and Top 5 placements in the U.S., France, and Brazil. South African critics heralded Collision as a cinematic triumph, celebrating its unflinching portrayal of the country’s socio-political landscape.
Beyond feature films, Martorell has made a significant impact with his short films, many of which have received acclaim at prestigious international festivals. Unbelief, a gripping drama-thriller starring Andrew Howard (Limitless) and Tobin Bell (Saw), earned multiple awards and nominations. The Coin, featuring screen legends Christopher Lloyd (Back to the Future) and Kathryn Morris (Cold Case), was selected by four Academy Award-qualifying festivals, including Palm Springs International Film Festival & ShortFest and LA Shorts Fest. His extensive portfolio of short films has resonated deeply within the European festival circuit, consistently earning accolades.
Martorell’s passion for storytelling extends into documentary filmmaking. He recently completed The Guns Story, an exploration of the life and career of Tracii Guns (L.A. Guns, Guns N’ Roses), featuring Iggy Pop. His debut feature documentary, Tromatized: Meet Lloyd Kaufman, offered an intimate look at the eccentric founder of Troma Entertainment, with appearances by Stan Lee, Roger Corman, Eli Roth, Trey Parker, and James Gunn. The film was awarded “Best Biographical Documentary” at the 2009 New York International Independent Film Festival, overseen by none other than Abel Ferrara. Praised by critics and ranked among the best films of its kind, Tromatized secured global distribution and remains a cult favorite among cinephiles.
Yet, Martorell’s influence extends beyond the director’s chair. A passionate advocate for film education, he frequently speaks to students and young filmmakers, sharing insights on the craft. His involvement with Création Africa—a cultural initiative backed by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs—demonstrates his commitment to fostering emerging talent on the African continent. He remains a key figure in the French film scene as a co-founder of the Festival du Film Court de Vaulx-en-Velin, now in its 25th year.
Martorell’s cinematic influences are as eclectic as they are profound. From the expressionist masterpieces of 1920s German cinema to the electrifying Korean thrillers of the 2000s, his work reflects a deep appreciation for film history. American cinema of the ’80s and ’90s, the poetic realism of 1950s Japanese films, and the timeless artistry of photography and fine art all inform his signature style—a meticulous blend of tension, atmosphere, and striking visual storytelling.
With a career that continues to push boundaries and defy expectations, Martorell is more than a filmmaker—he is a cinematic architect, constructing narratives that are as visually breathtaking as they are emotionally resonant. Whether through heart-pounding thrillers, compelling documentaries, or festival-celebrated shorts, his vision remains clear: every frame, every performance, and every moment must serve the story. And in Martorell’s world, the story is always worth telling.