Nice Première: What motivated you to take on the direction of O Jerusalem?
Élie Chouraqui: Five years ago, when André Djaoui proposed the project to me, I felt ready. Firstly, as a Jew but also as a pied-noir from Algeria. I am connected to the Eastern world and more specifically to the Arab world. I wanted to bring a precise perspective on this period between 1947 and 1948, because it was not one but two states that should have been born.
NP: Exactly, how do you think the film will be received?
E.C: I am very happy with the final result. And even if I tell the journalist that this film cannot be objective, I am convinced that its message will be perceived as just. Because today a film like this is indispensable, and the public will realize it. O Jerusalem must serve the minds to untangle the past and finally bring hope to all generations. I hope the film will move people and that it will be another stone in the edifice of peace.
NP: What is the message you absolutely want to convey through this film?
E.C: That a Jew and an Arab can be friends. And that these two nations can become friends again. Because, at the beginning, we must not forget that the UN voted for the partition of Palestine. There were supposed to be two nations created. And today, I think that has been forgotten by at least 90% of the people on this earth. I am sure they would be unable to talk about the creation of the state. I am among those who advocate for peace because conflicts eventually end one way or another. My dearest wish is for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to end soon. That’s why it was necessary to remind the youth of Israel about the origins of this conflict.
In theaters on October 18, 2006. Produced by André Djaoui and Elie Chouraqui in association with Jean Frydman, directed by Elie Chouraqui. Cast: Saïd Taghmaoui (Saïd Chanine), JJ Feild (Bobby Goldman), Ian Holm (David Ben Gurion), Maria Pappas (Hadassah), Patrick Bruel (David Levin), Shirel (Yaël)…
