Forestier’s ‘Djibouti’ First International Movie to be Filmed Entirely in UAE

Directed by Frederic Forestier (“Asterix at the Olympic Games” and “The Peacekeeper”) and starring the legendary Alain Delon and Alexandra Lamy in the leading roles, the movie is based on the real story of the 1976 kidnapping of a bus full of children in Djibouti by Somali terrorists.

On board there were 32 children of the local French military base and 
their driver.

Following some negotiations between the French officials and the hijackers, the bus is driven into the desert and stopped at the Somali border’s checkpoint.

The French government receives an official declaration requesting the independence of Djibouti and the release of political prisoners.

France opts, though, to send its newly created elite intervention group – GIGN – on a rescue mission, which, to this day, is considered to be the most incredible ever undertaken by the
 French army.

“The movie is not a political one. It simply focuses on this extraordinary rescue story and the formation of GIGN task force,” explained Pascal Gueyle, French government cultural representative in Abu Dhabi, for Khaleej Times.

In fact, the script was written by Matt Alexander in collaboration with Christian Prouteau, the founder of GIGN.

“Originally, the filming was planned in Morocco, but the producer Oursinfilms suggested UAE and since the Abu Dhabi Film Commission can provide all the necessary equipment and facilities, including back-up cast, the director decided to film the whole movie here,” said Gueyle. The crew first had to receive the Film Commission’s approval, which it did, and now they are ready to start filming, which they will from this October.The crew will be based in the UAE for three months, filming near the capital, in Al Ain, but also in other parts of 
the country.

“What is also great is that the director decided to work with local filmmakers, who will be invited to assist on the set,” revealed Gueyle. At an estimated cost of Euro 10 million, the movie is considered the biggest production of the year in France. When ready in early 2010, “Djibouti” will be screened at the Cannes Film Festival next May.

In the meantime, its director, as well as leading actor and actress, will promote the film during the two international film festivals in Abu Dhabi and Dubai this year.

silvia@khaleejtimes.com