Rizal has a degree in Architecture and started directing music videos in 1992. His work has won him several awards, both domestic and international. To date, he has over 400 music videos under his belt, twelve feature films, several television commercials and numerous music video awards, including an MTV 'Moon Man' for the 1995 MTV ASIA Viewer's Choice award for the video 'Sambutlah' performed by Denada.

'Kuldesak' (1998) was his first feature film in which he co-directed with three other Indonesian directors, Nan T. Achnas, Mira Lesmana and Riri Riza. His second feature, in which he co-directed with fellow music video director Jose Poernomo titled 'Jelangkung' became the biggest box office draw for 2001 in the country. His follow up, is the 'Kuntilanak Trilogy' was also well-received, in which 'Kuntilanak', the first of the franchise, became the biggest box office draw for 2006 and 'Kuntilanak 3' (the third installment in the franchise) won him the 'best director' award at 2008 the Bali Film Festival.