Noomi Rapace Teases ‘Punk Rock’ Portrayal of Mother Teresa in Upcoming Film ‘Mother’: ‘She Was No Saint’ (EXCLUSIVE)

As a film enthusiast who has spent countless hours immersed in the intricate worlds of various cinematic masterpieces, I find myself genuinely captivated by the upcoming film “Mother,” starring Noomi Rapace as the iconic figure Mother Teresa. What draws me in is not just the prospect of witnessing a unique portrayal of this revered saint, but also the fact that Rapace and director Teona Strugar Mitevska have chosen to focus on Mother Teresa as an ordinary woman, rather than a conventional biopic.


Noomi Rapace offers a sneak peek into her depiction of Mother Teresa for the forthcoming movie “Mother.” In this project, the versatile Swedish actress delves into the character of the Catholic saint during times when she was simply an everyday woman.

At this week’s Sarajevo Film Festival, where she serves on a jury led by Paul Schrader, “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” and “Prometheus” actress explained her attraction to the intriguing portrayal of Teresa. She expressed disinterest in creating a typical biopic, stating that “She was not a saint,” Rapace said. “Instead, she’s a rather complex character.”

The film titled “Mother” by North Macedonian director Teona Strugar Mitevska (known for “God Exists, Her Name is Petrunya”), will portray a seven-day period during a significant turning point in the life of the saint. During this time, she chooses to depart from the Loreto Entally convent in Calcutta and establish her own religious order.

“She’s anticipating authorization from the Vatican to embark on her role, her purpose, to depart the convent and initiate her work elsewhere,” Rapace clarified. “No one has requested permission to do what she’s planning. It hasn’t been attempted before. She’s a woman operating in a male-dominated environment.”

Leaving behind the security of her family in Sweden at the age of 15, Rapace found herself able to empathize with Teresa’s tale, both having experienced the sensation of departing from familiar and protected surroundings.

“She remarked that she’s often faced seemingly insurmountable challenges, yet managed to find her identity and express herself in diverse environments. Therefore, I believe I can empathize with her determination and the firm belief that she had to persist, despite knowing it would be difficult.”

Rapace went on, “She frequently discusses the shadows and her uncertainties. On one occasion, she remarked, ‘Should I ever become a saint, it would undoubtedly be one of darkness,’ which carries great strength.”

Regarding their work together, Rapace commended Mitevska’s skills as a “remarkable filmmaker” and applauded her “rebellious enthusiasm,” stating that she “doesn’t shy away from the narrative.”

“In a similar vein, both Teona and I seem to share a tenacious resilience reminiscent of Mother Teresa’s unyielding spirit. Her ability to tackle challenges head-on and refuse to retreat, instead pushing forward, resonates with us deeply. It’s this undying commitment to fighting for something one truly believes in, despite others doubting its feasibility or failing to see it, that I can identify with.”

Mitevska, who recently showcased her dark comedy-horror series “Little Yugoslavia” in Sarajevo and collaborated with Slovenian co-creator Sonja Prosenc on this project, has now departed for Calcutta. In Calcutta, she is completing the selection of locations for her upcoming film titled “Mother.” Filming is scheduled to start on September 23 in Belgium, where they will shoot the interior scenes, followed by a move to India.

“Mitevska clarified to EbMaster that this isn’t a traditional biography film,” she explained, instead characterizing it as a brief portrayal capturing just one week in the life of the saint, “prior to her transformation into the well-known Mother Teresa we recognize today.”

“The director expressed a desire to make clear the real person beyond the legend, focusing instead on an immensely intelligent, driven woman with a big heart, who, like everyone else, had her flaws,” said he/she.

Hailing from North Macedonia, similar to where Teresa was born, the director revealed that the film was motivated by a documentary series she produced for Macedonian television over a decade ago. During this time, she recognized Teresa’s importance not just as a religious symbol but as a powerful female emblem. As Mitevska put it, “She possessed a rebel punk rock spirit that infectiously spread; she was the commander of an army of women.”

“The film ‘Mother’ is a collaborative project involving five nations: Sisters and Brother Mitevski from Macedonia, Entre Chien et Loup from Belgium, Frau Film from Denmark, Baldar Film from the Netherlands, Spark Film & TV from Sweden, as well as Film i Väst.”

The Sarajevo Film Festival runs Aug. 16 – 23.

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2024-08-21 16:47