Based on a true story Archbishop Desmond Tutu (Forest Whitaker) finds himself morally and intellectually challenged by Piet Blomfield (Eric Bana), a convicted murderer serving a life sentence in prison and seeking redemption for the atrocities he committed. Tutu must fight to hold together a country threatening to tear itself apart once again without losing himself in the process. Does crimes against humanity, deserves Forgiveness?
The post-apartheid story, Written and Directed by Academy Nominated Roland Joffe and Co-written by Michael Ashton was based on Ashton’s play The Archbishop and The Antichrist.
The film thriller drama follows Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s (Whitaker) work as President of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in post-apartheid South Africa, and his struggle with a brutal murderer Piet Blomfeld (Bana) over concession and redemption.
Described as a story of redemption and forgiveness this film was shot completely in Cape Town, South Africa. Mostly filmed in and around the city, the film crew on many occasions had to endure long days and nights in one of the world’s most dangerous prison facilities, Pollsmoor Maximum Security Prison, where Nelson Mandela himself spent his years between 1982 and 1988.
Based on the play, The Archbishop and The Antichrist, Roland Joffe, together with Michael Ashton wrote the film’s original screenplay. Craig Baumgarten together with local South African producing partner Zaheer Goodman-Bhyat from Light and Dark Films, and with blessings from the Archbishop himself.
“Archbishop Tutu’s story is poignant and timely” added producers Craig Baumgarten and Zaheer Goodman-Bhyat. “It reminds us of his gift of forgiveness and the healing it brings, and we are honored to tell this story.”
“The Forgiven” stars Oscar winner Forest Whitaker (Eogue One: A Star Wars Story, Black Panther, Lee Daniel’s The Butler), Eric Bana (King Arthur: Legend of the Sword), Star Trek, Troy and Hulk), from the Academy Award nominated Director Roland Joff’’e (The Killing Fields, Scarlet Letter & Captivity).
Distributed by Crystalsky Multimedia.