Dimitri Rassam’s Paris-based company, Chapter 2, and Pathé, who previously collaborated on the successful film “The Count of Monte Cristo,” have now unveiled the teaser and poster for “13 Days, 13 Nights,” a thrilling drama directed by Martin Bourboulon. This new project is set against the backdrop of the fall of Kabul and the Taliban’s takeover.
Following his successful two-part adventure saga “The Three Musketeers,” which was also produced by Chapter 2 and Pathé and became a box office hit in France, Bourboulon is now tackling a gripping true story. The film is based on the book “13 Days, 13 Nights in the Hell of Kabul” by Commander Mohamed Bida, who oversaw the exfiltration of the French Embassy and the local population fleeing the new extremist regime. The screenplay was written by Alexandre Smia, with adaptation and dialogue co-written by Bourboulon.
Chapter 2, a Mediawan company, is producing the film in collaboration with Pathé, which will also handle international representation and distribution in French theaters. The movie is set on August 15, 2021, in Kabul, where US troops are preparing to withdraw as the Taliban march on the capital to seize power. In the midst of this chaos, Commander Mohamed Bida and his team are responsible for the security of the French embassy, the last Western mission still open. Trapped with 500 people, they must, with the help of Eva, a young French-Afghan humanitarian, reach the airport at all costs. This perilous mission has no guarantee of success, but it is a desperate attempt to flee the hell of Kabul and rescue what remains of humanity.
The film features a high-profile cast, including Roschdy Zem as Commander Bida, Lyna Khoudri, Sidse Babett Knudsen, and Christophe Montenez. Bourboulon has expressed his passion for the project: “As a director, I am drawn to projects that are both large in scope and tailored for the big screen, yet remain emotional and character-driven. This true story is a perfect balance of both. When I read the book, I immediately pictured a dizzying dive into the fall of Kabul, but also an immersion in the most intimate aspects of this unique modern hero.”
Pathé and Chapter 2 will also be present at this year’s César Awards with “The Count of Monte Cristo,” which is nominated in 14 categories. Here is the teaser poster for “13 Days, 13 Nights,” a film that promises to be an emotional and thrilling journey through one of the most incredible exfiltration operations in recent history.