Meet Matthew Montgomery | Filmmaker & Screenwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Matthew Montgomery and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Matthew, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I’ve always loved storytelling. Whether it’s visually or in writing, I love to tell stories. Growing up, I often felt like I was on the outside looking in. I didn’t fit neatly into social circles; I struggled to find people who shared my experiences, and I often felt overlooked or misunderstood. I wasn’t the loudest person in the room, but I had a lot to say, and writing and creating gave me the voice to express it. I used to write fanfiction for numerous fandoms, as well as short stories and novels. In 2015, that’s when I fell in love with film. I took a Video Production elective in my senior year of high school, and I learned about the great ways of storytelling.

Art has a way of opening people up, of making us feel less alone, even if just for a moment. That’s what I aim to do as a storyteller, not just to entertain, but to create something honest, something that someone out there might see and think, “That’s me. I’m not the only one.” I chose this path because I believe that storytelling has the power to connect, to heal, and to shift perspectives. more than that, I realized that my stories could help others who feel marginalized or misunderstood feel less alone. I’m passionate about creating narratives that highlight neurodiversity and show the beauty and complexity of being autistic, while also addressing universal human experiences.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In 2023, I enrolled in the Savannah College of Art and Design for my Master of Arts in Film and Television. During my time at SCAD, I met many great people, and I really leaned into using my voice as a writer and filmmaker to express things I couldn’t always say out loud. Being autistic, one of my biggest challenges has been navigating spaces where I often feel misunderstood or disconnected. That experience shaped how I see people, how I process emotion, and ultimately, how I tell stories.

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve created at SCAD is a short documentary titled “Super Autistic!” In it, I interviewed three of my friends, who are also autistic, and gave them space to share their personal experiences in their own words. Each of them had a different perspective, but what tied them all together was the idea that being autistic isn’t something that holds them back; it’s something that gives them strength, creativity, and insight. The documentary reframes autism not as a disability, but as a superpower, and I wanted to show that there’s no one way to be autistic. The process of making it was emotional and empowering, not just for me, but for everyone involved. It gave us a chance to celebrate our differences rather than explain or defend them.

Another project I’m proud of is my short film “Misfits”, a narrative piece about the quiet pain of not fitting in. It follows a character who feels invisible in their everyday life, awkward in social situations, left out of conversations, unsure of how to “belong.” It’s a story drawn from real emotions and personal memories. I didn’t write it to be flashy or overly dramatic; I wanted it to be subtle and real because that’s how isolation often feels. And by the end, there’s no significant transformation, just a small moment of self-acceptance, which to me is just as powerful.
I want the world to know that my story and my voice come from a place of honesty, vulnerability, and purpose. Being autistic has shaped the way I see, feel, and tell stories, and instead of hiding that, I’ve embraced it as a strength. My brand is rooted in authenticity. I’m not trying to fit into a mold, I’m creating my own space, where being different isn’t something to fix, but something to celebrate.

I want to make work that speaks directly to the people who feel like they’re on the outside looking in. People who don’t always see themselves represented. Whether I’m making a short film or a documentary, my goal is the same: to create emotionally grounded stories that say, ‘You’re not alone. You matter. Your experience is valid.’

At the heart of everything I do is a simple message: There is power in being yourself. And that’s what I want my audience, and the industry, to remember about me and my work.”

I want the world to know that my story and my voice come from a place of honesty, vulnerability, and purpose. Being autistic has shaped the way I see, feel, and tell stories, and instead of hiding that, I’ve embraced it as a strength. My brand is rooted in authenticity. I’m not trying to fit into a mold, I’m creating my own space, where being different isn’t something to fix, but something to celebrate.

I want to make work that speaks directly to the people who feel like they’re on the outside looking in. People who don’t always see themselves represented. Whether I’m making a short film or a documentary, my goal is the same: to create emotionally grounded stories that say, ‘You’re not alone. You matter. Your experience is valid.’

At the heart of everything I do is a simple message: There is power in being yourself. And that’s what I want my audience, and the industry, to remember about me and my work.”

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’d want to show them Atlanta’s rich mix of culture, history, food, and fun. We’d kick things off with a classic Southern meal at Mary Mac’s Tea Room, then take a relaxing stroll through Piedmont Park to soak in the city’s green space. The next day, we’d dive into the arts at the High Museum, grab lunch at Krog Street Market, and explore the powerful history at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park. For a more laid-back vibe, brunch at The Flying Biscuit Cafe would fuel an afternoon wandering the eclectic shops and street art of Little Five Points, topped off with an indie film at The Plaza Theatre and dinner at the quirky Vortex in Virginia-Highland. Midweek,

I’d take them hiking and exploring my hometown at Stone Mountain, GA, and to Stone Mountain Park, a place I know intimately and love for its beautiful trails and stunning views. Afterward, we’d stroll the Atlanta Beltline, enjoy lunch at the vibrant Ponce City Market.

We’d also spend a day exploring two of Atlanta’s top attractions—the World of Coca-Cola, where we can dive into the history and fun of the iconic brand, and the Georgia Aquarium, one of the largest and most impressive aquariums in the world. Dinner that evening would be at Antico Pizza, serving up some of the city’s best Neapolitan pies. Later in the week, we’d soak up Atlanta’s music scene with a visit to the Sweet Auburn district and catch a live show at Center Stage or The Tabernacle, finishing with a late-night bite at the iconic Varsity drive-in. For hidden gems, a day in Castleberry Hill’s art district and lunch at Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q would show off local flavor, and an afternoon at the Fernbank Museum would add a touch of nature and science.

As the trip winds down, brunch at Grindhouse Killer Burgers in Decatur and a stroll in downtown Decatur Square’s shops would offer a charming small-town feel, capped off by a sunset view of the Atlanta skyline from the Jackson Street Bridge. For a memorable final dinner, we’d visit The Vortex. This itinerary combines the best of Atlanta’s soul, from its delicious food and historic sites to its vibrant art and music scenes, ensuring my friend experiences the city in all its dynamic, welcoming glory.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a huge shoutout to my mom, thank you for your endless love, support, and encouragement. You’ve always believed in me, even when I doubted myself, and your strength has been my rock through every challenge. Everything I’ve accomplished is because of the foundation you helped build, and I’m so grateful to have you cheering me on every step of the way. This is as much yours as it is mine.me

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Other: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TsL8DfjqPZ2kuhTsuYNDhfg73t-wnoDE

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