Why set Moses in modern Chicago

I speak with filmmaker Yelena Popovic, who viewers may recognize as the director of the stunning film of the life of St. Nektarios of Aegina, Man of God (2021). In this interview we discuss her upcoming film, Moses the Black, releasing January 30th of this year. We talk about film making, her inspiration for the film, the people involved, the life story of St. Moses the Black, and repentance in general in the Orthodox faith.

YouTube version: https://youtu.be/rzDVfbhaaGU

Film synopsis: Released from prison, a feared Chicago gang leader returns home to avenge the murder of his closest friend. As rival gangs and a corrupt cop close in, he must confront a past that refuses to let go.
Release date: 30 January 2026 (USA)
Director: Yelena Popovic
Producers: Yelena Popovic, Alexandros Potter, Jelena Popović, Brett Hays
Executive producers: Omar Epps, 50 Cent, Wiz Khalifa et al.
Production companies: G-Unit Films and Television Inc., Simeon Entertainment, LLC, BrooklynWorks Films
Running time: 1h 50m

Theatres Showtimes Ticket Link: https://hubs.la/Q03Znnjy0

Stay up to date about the film:
Trailer: https://youtu.be/iZzpiu8L21Y?si=ZxXRxWuiL_yosuEY 
Website: https://simeonfaith.com/films/moses-the-black-2024 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mosestheblackmovie 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mosestheblackmovie/ 
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32542065/ 

Timestamps:
00:00 - Coming up
01:14 - Intro music
01:39 - Start
02:32 - Introducing St. Moses the Black
08:50 - St. Moses' death
13:32 - The movie vs the hagiography
31:29 - A harsh redemption
35:13 - Sorry is not enough
37:36 - See the whole story
42:32 - Stories of St. Moses
44:24 - Fr. Turbo
49:45 - How can we watch this?
51:43 - Other projects

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My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/