Building Benedictus

Directed by: Brian Massman

Synopsis

This film focuses on dialogue, discussion and negotiation of a group of five theatre artists from Iran, Israel, and the U.S., and their collaboration on developing a play which exposes the origins of mistrust between their respected governments. The play’s plot is simple: it is 72 hours before American bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities. A prominent Iranian politician, one of those who stormed the American Embassy thirty years ago, wants to meet with the American administration to present a proposal that may help prevent the war. He seeks the help of a childhood friend, now an influential Israeli arms dealer to make the connection. The American Ambassador in Rome, himself a hostage, bypasses the Israeli arms dealer to meet with the Iranian, who has in fact saved his life some thirty years earlier, to present a plan serving his own personal agenda. Neither of the three trust the other, thus negotiations fail, and the audience is left to make his own conclusion to the tense situation. Mr. Massman captures the challenges of communication, trust and teamwork of these artists, although unlike the play they create their own political, cultural and artistic exchange lead to understanding and friendship.