Shooting due to start soon for Histoire de Judas Iscariote
- Rabah Ameur-Zaïmeche will shoot the first scenes of his new film in April, with Arthur H. heading up the cast of a title exploring power play, fear and ignorance
Rabah Ameur-Zaïmeche is now on the home stretch to begin shooting his fifth feature film on 7 April: Histoire de Judas Iscariote. Rising to fame in 2002 with Wesh, Wesh, What’s Happening?, the filmmaker then went on to make two Cannes selections in a row, with Back Home [+see also:
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film profile] (selected in Un Certain Regard in 2006) and Dernier Maquis [+see also:
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film profile] (selected at the Directors’ Fortnight in 2008), before going to competition at Locarno in 2011 with Smugglers’ Songs [+see also:
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film profile] (which also won the Jean Vigo Award that year). He is now attempting to create a work based on a modern historical approach to ancient Judaism and early Christianity, which will seek to exonerate Judas – who, just like Jesus, was a victim of power play, fear and ignorance. According to our sources, the cast of this new opus includes singer Arthur H., Christian Milia-Darmezin, Abel Jafri, Elise Caron, Nabil Djedouani, Xavier Mussel and Rabah Ameur-Zaïmeche himself.
Written by the director, the screenplay is set in Judaea, which is being occupied by Roman forces. A community of men and women lives under the guidance of the rabbi Jesus of Nazareth. The ever-increasing crowds are awe-struck by his teachings, which start to attract the attention of those more resistant to his message: the high priests and the Roman authorities. When Jesus chases away the merchants from the temple, Judas Iscariot, a much-loved disciple and steward, proves to be the guardian of his master’s words...
Produced by Sarrazink Productions, Histoire de Judas Iscariote is being co-produced by Arte France Cinéma and Djinn. In addition, the film is being backed by an advance on receipts by the CNC and Sofica Indéfilms. Shooting will continue from 7 April until 17 May in Algeria. Distribution in France will be handled by Potemkine, with international sales still being negotiated.
(Translated from French)
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