As the world of cinema eagerly turns its attention to “The Judgement,” Junes Zahdi steps into the spotlight, portraying Mo, the central character. The film has been capturing hearts and minds at various esteemed film festivals, firmly establishing itself as a must-see in today’s competitive cinematic landscape.
Born in Germany and of Moroccan descent, Zahdi turned to acting when he felt out of place in his community. To him, acting was an emotional release and a way to venture into various cultures, highlighting their tales.
The movie centers on Zahdi’s portrayal of Mo, an Egyptian-American gay man journeying with his partner from the U.S. to Egypt due to a family crisis. His trip, fraught with secrecy and the dread of discovery in an unwelcoming setting, is the crux of the story. The plot thickens as an anonymous force employs sorcery against them. Thanks to Zahdi’s genuine act, “The Judgement” is set to be an unforgettable cinematic moment.
The psychological thriller has made waves at film festivals, earning rave reviews and leaving a lasting impact. From the Reel Q Film Festival in Pittsburgh to the Cinema Diverse in Palm Springs and the Tallgrass Film Festival in Kansas, audiences have been drawn to the film’s intense narrative and thought-provoking themes.
“The Judgement” takes you on an intense journey as Mo, an American-Egyptian gay man, grapples with his past and navigates intricate family dynamics in Alexandria, Egypt—the emotional stakes run high, painting a vivid picture of his internal struggle.
Zahdi shares that embodying Mo was the most demanding role he’s tackled. Given the script’s depth and character, he poured his heart into it. During his preparation, Zahdi had to access deep emotions to do justice to Mo.
The director comments about Mo’s character: “I always knew that playing Mo’s character would be very challenging because of all its contradictions. Mo is a gay man who is very homophobic. He has an atheist mind, but his heart can’t rid itself of its extreme religious superstitions. He loves his boyfriend but doesn’t enjoy his intimacy because of what he is dealing with. He is angry with his mother and holds a lot against her, but he begs for her love. He throws rocks at the sky in anger at God, but in another scene, he asks his boyfriend’s mother to help him pray. Between these extremes lays the battleground for Mo’s conflict. It is a horror film about Mo’s fear of God and spiritual conflict within him, and his journey is to try and find peace, but how? A side of his character must be given up because those extremes fail to co-exist as he loses his mind, patience, and strength.”
“The Judgement” deeply probes Middle Eastern societal views on the LGBTQ+ community, pushing boundaries and spurring conversations. It magnifies the complexities faced by those hiding their LGBTQ+ status. Through this, “The Judgement” aims to bolster visibility for the Middle Eastern and LGBTQ+ groups in entertainment.
The film offers a thrilling exploration of Mo’s psyche as he faces the belief that his family has cursed him for his sexual orientation. Zahdi remarked, “As an actor, I can step into another’s shoes and share in diverse human experiences.”
With the buzz around “The Judgement ” steadily growing, upcoming screenings at Out Film CT, OUTshine Film Festival, and Centre Film Festival offer a chance for new audiences to immerse themselves in this impactful narrative.
The dates for Out Film CT are from October 13 through October 15 in Hartford, Connecticut. The OUTshine Film Festival will occur in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, from October 19 through October 29. Lastly, the Centre Film Festival will be on October 31 in Central Pennsylvania.
The film’s success on the festival circuit underscores its universal appeal, urging us all to engage with the societal conversations it ignites.
Zahdi, acclaimed for his roles in “Counterpart” and “Strange Angel,” has clinched nine “Best Lead Actor” accolades for his depiction of Abdul Latif Hassan in the 2019 suspense movie, ‘My Stretch of Texas Ground.’
Zahdi stated, “We, as actors, bring narratives to life, shaping what viewers perceive. I value this duty immensely.”
In the words of an audience member, the film’s resonance is undeniable, touching personal experiences and evoking deep connections with its narrative. “It’s truly a universal story and reminds me of my upbringing in the church here, absolutely outstanding work, and terrific acting, too.”
Zahdi reflected, “It’s a moving, universal tale I’m fortunate to be associated with. Some projects leave an indelible mark on an artist’s career, and this is certainly one.”
