Movies - Golda : first picture of Helen Mirren in the role of the stateswoman

By GraeLeigh, 18 november 2021

As production has just begun in London, a first photo of the British actress in the title role has been revealed.

Before moving to Israel, the team of the film by Guy Nattiv (Skin) has set its cameras in the English capital. In total, the shooting should last six months.

Helen Mirren is no longer a household name (her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in 2006 earned her a staggering number of awards, including the Oscar for Best Actress), but younger people may not be familiar with Golda Meir, Israel's prime minister.

And it is her actions during the 1973 Yom Kippur War that Nicholas Martin's screenplay will focus on: "Golda is a time-traveling thriller - sharing the intensely dramatic events, high-stakes responsibilities and controversial decisions that Meir - also known as 'Israel's Iron Lady' - faced during the 1973 Yom Kippur War. Her actions, under impossible circumstances, would ultimately decide the fate of millions of lives.

A role that Helen Mirren takes with great modesty:
"Golda Meir was a formidable leader, uncompromising and powerful. It is a great challenge to portray her at the most difficult time of her extraordinary life. I only hope to do her justice!"

The director shared his first impressions of working with the Oscar-winning actress:
"I have long been an admirer of the great Helen Mirren. She blended so brilliantly into the character of Golda Meir with incredible talent, intelligence, depth and emotion, doing justice to the richness and complexity of this incredible woman.

Alongside Mirren will be, among others, the Frenchwoman Camille Cottin (in the role of Lou Kaddar, long-time assistant), the Israeli actors Rami Heuberger (he will play Moshe Dayan, Meir's Minister of Defense) and Lior Ashkenzi (he will play David Elazar, Chief of Staff of the Israeli Defense Forces).

For the moment, no release date has been given for Golda.

Golda
Directed by Guy Nattiv
Written by Nicholas Martin
Produced by Jane Hooks and Michael Kuhn
Starring Helen Mirren, Camille Cottin, Rami Heuberger, Lior Ashkenzi, Ellie Piercy, Ed Stoppard, Rotem Keinan, Dvir Benedek, Dominic Mafham, Ben Caplan, Kit Rakusen and Emma Davies.
Production companies: Embankment Films and Qwerty Films
Distributed by : Bleecker Street Media (USA), ShivHans Pictures (USA), Ascot Elite Entertainment Group (Switzerland), Elevation Pictures (Canada), Front Row Filmed Entertainment (United Arab Emirates, Middle East, North Africa and Iran)
Release date: N/A

(Source: Collider)