Zion
is a film that stands out in the French cinematic landscape, offering a gripping insight into the tumultuous daily life of a young man in Guadeloupe. Chris, the protagonist, juggles the world of deals, short-lived adventures and motorcycle rodeos. Spotted by Odell, a local kingpin, he is entrusted with a risky mission that will turn his life upside down. Just as he’s about to make his delivery, something unexpected happens: an abandoned baby is left on his doorstep. The moment triggers a race against time in which Chris is faced with agonizing moral choices.
The birth of the project
The movie Zion has its origins in the short film Timoun Aw (“Ton gamin” in Guadeloupean Creole), directed by Nelson Foix. This short film already tackled the theme of child abandonment, a poignant reality that runs through modern societies. Nelson Foix had the opportunity to present the short to Mohamed Hamidi, who was impressed and facilitated a meeting with Jamel Debbouze. The latter then offered to produce the feature film, enabling a team to come together around this ambitious project.
Autobiographical inspiration
The inspiration behind Zion is deeply rooted in the director’s personal experience. Nelson Foix talks about the bond he has with his eldest son, who is not his biological son but whom he has raised since he was 8 months old. This underlines a central theme of the film: the notion of fatherhood and responsibility, which transcends blood ties. This narrative choice reinforces the authenticity of the story and allows the audience to identify with Chris’ struggles.
A wild casting
To bring this story to life, the production opted for wild casting, favoring raw talent met in Guadeloupe. Sloan Decombes, the lead actor, was discovered by chance while accompanying a friend to a casting session. His natural interpretation won over the director, who saw in him the potential to play Chris. Zebrist, who plays Odell, also has a fascinating story, having recently been released from prison. His presence brings an authentic dimension to the film, illustrating the sometimes difficult realities of life in the red light district.
Realistic, intense action scenes
The action scenes in Zion required meticulous preparation to ensure the safety of the actors. The director learned to adapt filming techniques to avoid danger, even when shooting blanks. This attention to safety and the authenticity of action scenes helps to immerse viewers in the film’s world. The adaptation of scenes to the local topography visually enriches the story and reinforces its anchorage in Guadeloupean reality.
A film in Creole for greater authenticity
One of Nelson Foix’s most memorable decisions was to film Zion mainly in Creole. This approach aims to faithfully reflect Guadeloupean culture and give the characters an authentic voice. The director expresses his aversion to French in this context, stressing that directing actors in their mother tongue enhances the credibility of the story. This bold decision, supported by producers and broadcasters alike, illustrates the film’s commitment to representing local culture.
A soundtrack between tradition and modernity
The soundtrack of Zioncomposed by Brice Davoli, moves away from the usual clichés associated with Caribbean films. It plays on contrasts and aims to evoke deep emotions. By integrating artists from the Caribbean music scene, such as Kalash, Don Snoop and Keros-N, the music adds an extra dimension to the cinematic experience. The title track, sung by Kalash, reinforces the link between the film and local musical culture.
A touch of mysticism and fantasy
Nelson Foix also chose to add a spiritual dimension to Zioninspired by West Indian beliefs. This mystical approach enriches the narrative and allows us to explore universal themes such as resilience and hope. The iguana, present throughout the film, symbolizes this vision of a world where reality and spirituality coexist, reminding viewers of the importance of Caribbean culture.
A Guadeloupe far from postcards
The film depicts a Guadeloupe far removed from tourist clichés. Nelson Foix shares his personal experience, evoking the striking contrasts between the paradisiacal landscapes and the often difficult urban realities. This discrepancy is illustrated in a memorable scene where a cruise ship, a symbol of tourist wealth, appears in the background while Chris is going through a period of distress. This opposition between two worlds underlines the social and economic issues facing young people in the region.
Zion
promises to be a breathtaking thriller, offering an authentic and poignant vision of Guadeloupean youth. With powerful performances, polished art direction and a captivating soundtrack, the film promises to be an unforgettable cinematic experience. Get ready to discover this feature-length film that blends action, emotion and profound reflections on life in Guadeloupe’s red-light districts.
Zion
will open in cinemas on April 9, 2025, with an early release in Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana on March 14. Don’t miss this work which, through the character of Chris, questions the realities of contemporary society and the difficult choices facing young people in the French West Indies.
