Under the rule of the Roman Empire, the population of Judea is oppressed and exploited – not only by the emperor's governors, but also by the corrupt Judean aristocracy and the high Jewish priests. Extortionate taxes and widespread poverty lead yeshiva student Ben Batich to join one of a number of rebellious underground groups collectively referred to as the Zealots. In the name of God, he plans to fight for justice and freedom for the lower classes, and soon becomes a celebrated hero. When the groups succeed in driving the Roman troops out of the city, they turn their aggression against the aristocrats, plunging the country into civil war and provoking a Roman campaign of revenge.
Employing a highly novel approach, Gidi Dar tells the story of the Jewish war against the Roman Empire through painted stills—portraits, landscapes, and passing war panoramas—as well as a threatening, radio-like voice-over. Seven years of work, 1,500 specially created images and the voices of, to name but a few, Oscar Isaac, Evangeline Lilly, and Billy Zane, bring into being a gripping narrative reminiscent of films such as Gladiator or Troy while, at the same, recalling the destructive power of religious fanaticism.
Text: Merlin Webers
The screenings on 6 and 9 May will be followed by a Q&A with the director Gidi Dar.