He began his career working for filmmaker Michael Winterbottom and producer Andrew Eaton at Revolution Films, being also known for directing The Road to Guantánamo,[2] Ian Dury biopic Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll,[3] as well as music documentaries Oasis: Supersonic and Coldplay: A Head Full of Dreams.
He takes inspiration from the place where he was raised and from his parents' friends, many of whom are South American immigrants who fled tortures and prison.
His directorial debut The Road to Guantanamo started as a conversation with Winterbottom about the Tipton Three whilst on the shoot for the film 9 Songs.
They both agreed that the story was fascinating and worth of a film but due to other commitments, Winterbottom was unable to begin research and preparation, suggesting that Mat should start the process.
[9] The Road to Guantánamo won the Silver Bear for Best Director at the 56th Berlin International Film Festival and Independent Spirit Award for Best Documentary Feature.