Religion is a running theme throughout the work of filmmaker Yelena Popovic. Her 2021 film, “Man of God,” starring Aris Servetalis and Mickey Rourke, tells the story of Saint Nektarios of Aegina, who faced trials and tribulations while preaching in Egypt.
Popovic, a devout orthodox Christian herself, said she doesn’t want her movies to feel “preachy.” Her latest film, “Moses the Black,” which opens in theaters Saturday and was primarily filmed on Chicago’s West Side, leans away from being too heavy handed with Biblical messages. It’s even being marketed as a gangster flick.
“Moses the Black” stars Omar Epps, and features a cast and production team mixed with filmmakers and hip hop stars: Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson is an executive producer and rappers Wiz Khalifa, Quavo and Skilla Baby have acting roles in the film.
The story follows Epps, who portrays Malik, a leader of a violent street gang on the West Side. He has just been released from prison. With his crew seeking revenge for a slain member and Malik himself finding religion while behind bars, he must balance his spiritual awakening with the urge to seek vengeance for his fallen friend.
Popovic got the idea to write the film in 2018 when she read the story of the real life Saint, referred to as the Desert King, who lived in the 4th century. Moses the Black was an Ethiopian man, living in Egypt, who at that time would have been considered a gangster. He ran with an infamous gang of 75 thieves and over time, he became their leader. After committing a crime, Moses hid out in a monastery and was impressed and influenced by the dedication and discipline of the monks. He was baptised and lived the rest of his life as a Christian.
Moved by the story, Popovic decided it would connect better if it were set in a modern American city as opposed to 4th century Egypt. “I felt it would have been far removed from reality and far removed from bringing that story to our current society,” she said.
Through friends in Chicago, Popovic reached out to Reginald Berry Sr., a formerly incarcerated West Sider who works in gang violence prevention and runs the nonprofit Save our Sons. “I wanted to ask him if this story would resonate with the city,” she said.
“I wasn’t only trying to have an accurate portrayal of Chicago, I wanted to bring an incredible message of redemption,” said Popovic.
But it wasn’t an easy film to make. In fact, making movies feels tougher now than ever, the independent filmmaker said. “It’s like a martyrdom, going through the process of making an independent film. Doing everything yourself, raising money, producing, writing, directing,” she explained. “You put your heart and soul into it, and it’s a very difficult process.”
“When we started,” she said, “the funds were not all there. There was no Quavo, or no 50 Cent [who later signed on as an executive producer]. It was just this hope and desire to do justice to Saint Moses, and also to the whole community, which showed so much love and respect that gave me courage to fight and to not give up.”
She attempted to honor the authenticity of the city by ensuring Chicago actors were in the film. Corey Hendrix (“The Bear”), plays Mike, the right hand man of Malik, and hails from the West Side. Steppenwolf ensemble member Cliff Chamberlain portrays Jerry, an eccentric undercover detective.
But due to the nature of the story, she felt it was important to also cast people who were not traditional actors, including several rap superstars and former heavyweight boxing champion Deontay Wilder, to bring a level of “authenticity and fresh perspectives.”
“They’re not there just for decoration, but those roles are perfect for those guys,” she said.
One stand-out in the film are the scenes with Quavo, who rose to fame with the now disbanded Grammy-nominated rap group Migos, going toe-to-toe with Chamberlain, the Meisner trained stage actor. The two have a clear chemistry as the over-the-top undercover cop, clad in colorful clothes, bedazzled jewels and a durag, tries to incite violence between rival gangs. The rapper adequately holds his own next to the Steppenwolf actor.
“I have the ability to bring the cast to be free and truthful,” said Popovic. “I wasn’t afraid of that.”
“Moses the Black” is screening this weekend at AMC River East 21, Regal City North and Regal Webster Place.
Mike Davis is a theater reporter who covers stages across Chicago.