Junes Zahdi: A Shining Star in “The Judgment” and Beyond

When Junes Zahdi first laid eyes on the script for “The Judgment,” he was instantly captivated. “Immediately when I read the script, I was 100% in. I wanted the part. I had to be part of telling this story,” Zahdi recalls. His enthusiasm was fueled by the script’s intricate balance of hope and despair, and the opportunity to delve into the complex world of societal judgment and personal acceptance. “The script had the perfect balance of hope and despair. The occultist/witchcraft element was a bonus element to showcase Mo, my character’s, anxiety of living in a world that judges/shames one for just being who they are.”

“The Judgment” is a profound exploration of societal judgment, love, and shame. “The main theme to me is definitely societal judgment, as the title indicates. It’s about acceptance and lack thereof simply based on who we are,” Zahdi explains. This narrative dives deep into internal and external acceptance, challenging the characters’ faith and worthiness. Zahdi hopes that audiences will see themselves in the film’s universal themes and characters’ journeys, allowing them to experience the story vicariously.

Receiving the script from Hamza Saman of Arab American Casting was a pivotal moment for Zahdi. “When I received the script from this particular Casting Director I knew it was special. Hamza Saman really has a special talent for which actor is right for which project and has linked me to prior strong projects,” he says. The connection to Saman’s casting choices and the compelling story bible made Zahdi feel that this project would be life-changing, a sentiment that was confirmed during the filming process.

Preparing for the emotionally demanding role of Mo was both a challenge and a triumph for Zahdi. “The challenges and stakes in the script scared me, which is also what excited me so much,” he admits. Filming in Lebanon under tough economic conditions added another layer of difficulty, but the intense shooting schedule and the real locations helped Zahdi deliver a powerful performance. “Shooting this film was hard. We had a very intense shooting schedule, low budget, challenges around working electricity and availability of gasoline, but we all made due and created a beautiful film that we are all beyond proud of.”

Despite the film’s dark themes, the set was filled with memorable and often humorous moments. “Despite this being a very dark drama, we had so many moments where we were all laughing so hard, tears and snot were just all over our faces,” Zahdi recalls fondly. These lighter moments, juxtaposed with the intense scenes, created a unique and enriching filming experience.

The collaboration between the director and cinematographer, who were longtime friends from film school, was instrumental in bringing the story to life. “The director and cinematographer knew each other from Film School years prior, and were truly a dream team,” Zahdi praises. Their ability to focus scenes around the actors’ performances and find fantastic locations enhanced the film’s storytelling and visual appeal.

Zahdi speaks highly of the casting process, which involved numerous chemistry reads to ensure perfect on-screen dynamics. “The director knew that and was able to give the room for everyone to become the characters very naturally. He also spent six months trying to find the perfect co-star to my character,” he says. The meticulous casting contributed significantly to the film’s authenticity and emotional impact.

Comparing “The Judgment” to iconic films like “Pan’s Labyrinth” and “Black Swan,” Zahdi highlights the film’s stylistic and emotional resonance. “It definitely lives in the same world, stylistically, as some of my favorite films, for example, Pan’s Labyrinth or Black Swan,” he explains. The film’s exploration of reality versus illusion, coupled with Zahdi’s vulnerable performance, creates a haunting and compelling narrative.

Audience reactions to “The Judgment” have been overwhelmingly positive, with many viewers relating deeply to the film’s themes. “There were some audiences who had very emotional reactions and told us that it paralleled some of their own experiences,” Zahdi shares. The film’s ability to evoke such strong responses underscores its universal appeal and emotional depth.

Looking ahead, Zahdi is excited about the future distribution of “The Judgment” and its potential global impact. He also has several upcoming projects that continue to explore important themes. “I’ve worked on a film called ‘Absolute Dominion.’ It is a kick-ass, political martial arts drama in which I play Nizar Haddad, the most formidable and very honorable fighter,” he reveals. Zahdi is also venturing into writing, with projects like “Wicked Game” and “The Color of Justice,” which tackle themes of systemic racism and warfare.

Junes Zahdi’s journey in “The Judgment” is a testament to his dedication and talent as an actor. His ability to bring complex characters to life, combined with his passion for storytelling, ensures that Zahdi is a name to watch in the film industry. As he continues to take on challenging roles and create impactful stories, Zahdi’s star is undoubtedly on the rise.