"Paradise" director targets post 9/11 paranoia

Mon May 22, 6:30 AM ET

CANNES (Hollywood Reporter) - The Palestinian director of the Oscar-nominated suicide bomber drama "Paradise Now" is now working on a provocative exploration of post-September 11 paranoia, fear and prejudice in the United States.

Focus Features said Friday it purchased worldwide rights to Hany Abu-Assad's untitled project based on his pitch. The screenplay, which is being completed, revolves around tensions among different ethnic, religious and cultural groups fueled by the threat of domestic terrorism.

Principal photography is expected to begin as early as next year.

"As 'Paradise Now' showed, Hany is a filmmaker of tremendous compassion and skill," Focus CEO James Schamus said. "We are thrilled to be a part of his next project, which is sure to stir even more interest and passion than his last."

"Paradise Now" followed the efforts of two young Palestinians to achieve martyrdom as suicide bombers, and triggered criticism from Israeli groups who said it humanized terrorists. It won the Golden Globe for foreign film, and was nominated for an Oscar in the same category, but lost to South Africa's "Tsotsi."

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter

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