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Maoudou Athie

Stars Netflix Series

Archive 81

Interview by Tessa Swantek

Photography Allegra Messina

Creative Director Deborah Ferguson

If Mamoudou Athie, Mauritanian-American actor, could restore any memory from his past in full detail it would be of a scenic childhood car ride on a day in Maryland when the sun lit up the clear blue sky just as a euphoria-inducing song played over the radio. While Mamoudou Athie wistfully wishes to restore a bright moment in his life, his character, Dan Turner, in Archive 81 restores moments that can be described as quite the opposite. Dan Turner is a media archivist with a traumatizing past as he lost his family in a house fire. He is hired to restore VHS tapes documenting a 1994 apartment fire at the Visser, a sinister building housing a dangerous cult. Mamoudou Athie’s expressions of horror and fear often mimic the viewer’s expressions while watching the show as he acts mostly in vigilant solitude. The series climbed Netflix’s top 10 charts shortly after its release and has become a huge hit for horror fiction lovers. In our interview with him, Athie reflects on the first season, tells us what quality of his own attracted him to acting along with actors he admiresa and shares what we can look forward to seeing from him next!

Wind Breaker, Cardigan & Shorts: KUON, Eyewear: Gentle Monster, Sneakers: Be Positive, Socks: Calvin Klein

In an interview for Archive 81, Matt McGorry said that he thinks spontaneity is a really important quality of an actor. What qualities of your own do you think attract you to acting?

I think vulnerability, in the sense of sharing an experience, is the most interesting for me to watch, so I endeavor to share without judgment or ego every time I’m acting. I intend to focus on the character’s goal at hand as fully and truthfully as possible. It’s what I’m most captivated by- forget any pyrotechnical displays or showing off. I can’t get enough of it. I think Sally Hawkins is a perfect example of someone who does this beautifully.

Growing up, did you have certain actors or films that inspired you in your own journey to your career?

Sure, tons! Sidney Poitier was a favorite in my household growing up. He had a dignity and grace that was, and still is, highly valued in my family. Also, Denzel [Washington], of course. I remember being obsessed with the entire cast of The Godfather (1 and 2) when I finally got around to watching it at 19- truly special performances. I need to watch the new cut of the 3rd one! Lupita’s [Nyong’o] immediate success straight out of school was awe inspiring as well.

Wind Breaker, Cardigan & Shorts: KUON, Eyewear: Gentle Monster, Sneakers: Be Positive, Socks: Calvin Klein

Correct me if I’m wrong, but in the industry, it seems like a lot of projects now are very brief as a lot of TV series coming out consist of around 8-10 short episodes. For example, you worked on Sorry For Your Loss, which fits into that category, and starred in Oh Jerome, No which consisted of 10-15 minute episodes. Are there major differences for you between working on these shorter projects versus those that are more extensive?

The only real difference is the time commitment. Oh Jerome, No was shot in a matter of weeks, Sorry For Your Loss was less than 3 months I believe, but Archive 81 was about 6 months! That was due to where it landed in the calendar and also shooting in a pandemic. But for me, as an actor, my approach is the same. Just stay focused!

Jacker, Shirt, Pants: Dzojchen, Loafers: Scarosso

Jacket & Pants: Officine Générale

Speaking of Oh Jerome, No, I know that you executive produced the series and it was nominated for an Emmy! In the future, are you hoping to get behind the camera again?

It was a mad, quickly put together production, and I honestly had nothing to do with the logistical side of things. I had a lot of suggestions in terms of the story and script, and definitely fought to have some of my friends in it, because we went to school together and I know they’re extremely talented. But, I would be lying if I told you I did much more than that. I have a movie I intend to produce soon called Chighali that I will have much more responsibility in putting together. I look forward to it!

Other than acting, what are some things you are passionate about?

Cycling, tennis, anime, and great food.

Jacket, Pants: Officine Générale, Loafers: Scarosso

Blazer & Shirt: Paul Smith, Eyewear: Gentle Monster

Shifting to your role as Dan Turner in Archive 81, your character is so interesting because his career path as an archivist is in some part related to his childhood trauma and desire to restore the past. In your role as Nolan in Black Box, there is a bit of a similar element in attempting to restore the past. If you could restore any memory from your own past or history in general in vivid detail, what would you restore?

I remember my dad driving my sister and I somewhere in Maryland and it was a gorgeous day, clear blue sky and the sun was out. I think some really happy song, like “Walking on Sunshine” was playing on the radio. Maybe Beach Boys? But there was a carefree feeling that I get nostalgic for that I relate to that moment in time. I wish I could remember what was playing.

The series really ends on a cliffhanger leaving room for a second season. If you end up filming a second season, what storylines do you hope to be shown in more detail? Personally, I would love to see more of Dan’s childhood!

It’s so wide open I have NO idea. I am curious how one navigates through the past however, and the feeling of responsibility that any and everything you do can drastically alter the future.

Jacket, Shirt, Pants: Dzojchen

Jacket: Sacai, Shirt: Officine Générale

Shirt: Jordan Luca, Hat: KIDILL x Jesse Draxter

Shirt & Pants: Jordan Luca, Boots: Dr Martens x Death to Tennis, Hat: KIDILL x Jesse Draxter

You’ve said in several interviews that you were attracted to this project because of it being a platonic love story at its core. With much of the connection between Dan and Melody being expressed through screens and up-close face shots, did you find it difficult to portray this connection without a lot of physical closeness?

No, I trusted that to take care of itself if I did my work and meant it. We had talented people working and creating a lot of room to just be honest with the material, so I didn’t concern myself with anything but staying true to what I was doing in a given moment.

Jacket and Shorts: Sacai, Shirt: Officine Générale, Shoes: Scarosso

Shirt & Pants: Paul Smith, Eyewear: Gentle Monster

Jacket, Shirt, Pants: Dzojchen, Loafers: Scarosso

In the series, Dan restores VHS tapes, and it felt strangely nostalgic when he watches The Secret of Nimh on VHS. When I was young I remember watching Cats on VHS constantly! Did you have a favorite VHS tape growing up?

Homeward Bound was watched a lot, but I couldn’t call it a favorite. I had a bootleg Lion King I loved. We bought Life is Beautiful when it was on VHS and it made quite the impression on me.

Blazer, Shirt, & Pants: Paul Smith, Eyewear: Gentle Monster

Jacket and Shorts: Sacai, Shirt: Officine Générale

Jacket: Sacai, Shirt: Officine Générale

Windbreaker, Cardigan & Short KUON, Eyewear: Gentle Monster

You also filmed Jurassic World: Dominion which will be released in June. What can we look forward to from this release and future releases of yours like PuddySticks as well?

Jurassic is a blast. You’ll have the most fun! It was such a joy to work on. A lot of laughs. As for Puddysticks, I have no idea! I shot that before the pandemic if you can believe it. I’m just as curious as you are! Maybe a little more haha!