French stars play at aliyah

Two of France’s biggest film stars play Jewish immigrants in a drama being shot in Israel.

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Two of France’s biggest film stars play Jewish immigrants in a drama being shot in Israel.

Gerard Depardieu and Fanny Ardant were in Mevasseret Zion, outside Jerusalem, this week to film a scene in the town’s immigrant absorption center.

The center is home to hundreds of recent arrivals from Ethiopia, and the daily Yediot Achronot carried pictures of the hulking Depardieu agog at his colorful setting. According to the newspaper, his character leaves Israel after finding it impossible to acclimate.

“This is a lovely place,” the actor said. “I am happy to see the immigrants – they’re the most important part of the film.”

Yediot did not name the Depardieu-Ardant project but said it was expected in theaters next year.

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