Judas’ Gospel, directed by Giulio Base (À la recherche), the story of Jesus’ apostle told in a new way, is currently shooting in Italy.
The Biblical drama’s all-star cast includes Paz Vega (Rambo: Last Blood) as Mary, Rupert Everett (Napoleon) as Caiaphas, John Savage (Showdown at the Grand) as Joseph, Vincenzo Galluzzo as Jesus, and Abel Ferrara as Herod.
“The passion seen by Judas is a heartbreaking confession: he becomes a fundamental instrument for the fulfillment of the Scriptures, but for this to happen he must transform himself into one of the worst wicked men of all time,” comments Tiziana Rocca, co-producer of the film with Agnus Dei Production. “Even though he may be among the most generous: he gives his life. He betrays his master by condemning himself to eternal damnation as long as what is written is fulfilled. Of all the apostles, he will be the only one to die with Jesus.”
The filming will take place over four weeks in Calabria, Italy, a land whose ruggedness and charm recalls the Jerusalem of Jesus’ time. The sets move from Curinga to Corigliano, Rossano, Cleto, the Sila National Park, Caccuri, Mendicino, and Cosenza.
Choosing the cast was a challenge, “but the actors were immediately passionate about the project. I’m sure that Rupert Everett’s darkness, Paz Vega’s audacity, and the charisma of all the others will bring to life a story that alternates between action and mystery, which is what international audiences need,” explains Rocca.
Completing the cast are Darko Perić (Money Heist) and Tomasz Kot (Cold War). Base’s movies include Padre Pio: Between Heaven and Earth, Bar Joseph, and The Inquiry.
In the film, Judas, hanged, agonizes. It is said that on the point of death one goes over one’s life. He hears the same prophecy that his mother seems to have heard (“your son will be a devil”) when the clients of the brothel took her. He sees himself as a child working in the brothel and when he becomes its tenant. He will then become an apostle, the last in order of time among the twelve favorites. He himself will never really know why Jesus chose him. He joined all the other disciples, including John (the youngest), Peter (the strongest) and Thomas (the only doubtful one). Jesus decides to make him treasurer, to the envy of the apostles: Judas will hold the purse and this is his downfall.
The movie is being sold to major international markets. “What we are telling is a universal theme,” adds Rocca, “Passion and betrayal. We are sure that it will meet with the interest of different players, as it has done so far. I would like to thank the director Giulio Base for the bold, ambitious, cultural and highly original project that I immediately agreed to do”.
The film is co-produced in collaboration with Minerva Pictures, Agresywna Banda, in association with Rai Cinema.
