Written by on Mar 21, 2012. Posted in Production News

Thriller Inescapable doubles the streets of Johannesburg for Damascus

A new thriller set in Syria has doubled the streets of Johannesburg for the Syrian capital Damascus. Inescapable tells the story of a father searching for his missing daughter in the Middle Eastern city.

Ruba Nadda is the film’s writer-director and spoke to the National Post: “At first I was a little worried just about finding the right cast - they have to be Arab, but it’s been kind of surreal.

We’ve found a lot of Arab actors and a production designer who is literally mimicking Syria.

Ruba Nadda, Writer-Director

“We’ve found a lot of Arab actors and a production designer who is literally mimicking Syria. It’s just been one of the smoothest film shoots I’ve ever been on. I’m going to be honest; I didn’t expect it but it’s just been really unbelievable.”

Johannesburg lacks the international profile of Cape Town, despite being the most populated city in South Africa. It’s being increasingly sought-after by producers looking for architecture and cityscapes that are less recognisable or a handy double for places like the Middle East.

The shoot is being serviced by Out of Africa Entertainment.