Title: Simon of Cyrene
Streaming Feature
Genre: Sandal and Sword
Story By: Arthur R. H. Wasem Sr.
Written By: Arthur R. H. Wasem Sr.
Form Pages: 91
Characters: Lead 2, Supporting 8, BG 18, Non Speaking BG 200
Scene Locations: EXT 27, INT 7
Original Draft Date: 12/30/2023
Circa: Ancient Cyrene and Jerusalem
Comps: Forrest Gump meets Passion of the Christ
Logline;
An introverted Greek Linguist embarks on a trip meeting a man for whom he ultimately carries the cross to his death, and doing so redeems the world.
Synopsis;
Everything old is new again. 20 years ago we had the Passion of the Christ. 20 years before that we had Ben-Hur. 20 Years before that we had Ben-Hur. and 20 years before that we had the silent epic, Ben-Hur.
Hook;
Have you ever met a person that instantly changed your life?
ABOUT MY PROJECT.
There are two people I identify with in the bible. One has always been Simon of Cyrene. A man who just wanted to watch the parade and never get involved but who ended up carrying the cross.
We only know two things about him. His name was Simon and he was from Cyrene.
Cyrene was a Greek city-state across the bay from Tripoli in what is now Libya, North Africa. It was not a warrior state like Athens, Troy, or Sparta. It was a center for the arts medicine, science, painting, sculpture, dance, and song.
That's it. Everything else I get to make up.
PLOT SUMMARY
We meet Simon as a 10-year-old boy in Cyrene. He is quiet and introverted. His father is a polygon and runs a school for languages. Simon has a bully named Basil and a little friend named Di. The family is preparing for the harvest feast. They run upstairs to change.
When they come down it is now 10 years later. Simon's father uses a crutch and cannot make the journey to Jerusalem the pay back his brother. Simon is given that task.
In Jerusalem, we learn that his uncle follows a group of Hebrews outside of the walls named John. As Simon meets his father he also meets another man named Jesus, another preacher. After Jesus is baptized Simon sees the heavens open up and a dove descends. A voice from heaven declares "This is my son in whom I am well pleased." Simon asks his uncle if that was Apollo. His uncle says it was his father. Simon asks "Zeus?"
Deciding to follow Jesus for a while He sees miracles in Tiberias and the Sea of Galilee He watches the sermon on the mount but as the crowd grows he leaves and goes back to Jerusalem and ultimately home.
We meet him again a few years later when Jesus is coming into Jerusalem as the Messiah. Then things begin to go south fast.
Simon witnesses many of the trials of Jesus and the parade to the crucifixion. He is ordered to carry the cross.
Expecting Jesus to do a miracle at any time he does. When it doesn't happen he tries to leave but is sent back to his uncles. He is told he helped the Romans murder the Messiah and that the curtain that separates God from man has torn. God will be angry so Simon go to wait by the Temple so God will kill him first and maybe spare his family.
On the third day, he is asked to accompany a group to the tomb and they find it empty. Leaving for Cyrene he meets Jesus on the road and is told to go back to his uncle's home till a helper is sent.
Staying in Jerusalem he again witnesses many miracles and Pentecost. He also again meets Di and a bond is forged.
He then returns to Cyrene and speaks at the Festival about all he saw.
WORLD
This is ancient Middle East. Filled with Greeks, Hebrews, Romans, Persians, and Africans. Merchants, travelers, and religious leaders.
ABOUT MY CAREER
I’m a writer, producer, and musician specializing in adventure with a faith undercurrent. My style could be best described as familiar and “I never saw it that way before”. I draw inspiration from life experiences and looking outside of the box. My main goal is to make a living as a producer, writer, actor, and part of Hollywood. I also have an interest in monetizing new media like I have done in music. I’m excited to work in Hollywood because of the storytelling sensibilities and taste. As a writer, I believe I offer a unique approach, perspective, and voice.
© Copyright 2018 Arthur R. H. Wasem Sr.