VIP 2000 TV: “La Última Semana de Jesús Continues Our Commitment to Faith-Based Content”

VIP 2000 TV is increasingly positioning itself within the faith-based content niche, as evidenced by the company’s latest film project, La Última Semana de Jesús, which began filming in Miami this past weekend.

Roxana Rotundo, CEO of VIP 2000 TV, told PRODU: “We want what we do to be seen by anyone, regardless of their religion—to be viewed simply as content. We don’t want to indoctrinate anyone, but rather move them with the story. What’s different about this film is that we are focusing heavily on the human side of the characters—the humanity of Mary Magdalene, and of the centurion tasked with finding him. Claudio de la Torre, who plays the centurion, is wonderful. This is the centurion who searches for Jesus and later takes him to the cross, and he cannot understand how a man with no weapons, who has committed no crime, is going to be crucified—whose only ‘crime’ is speaking out. I think there are truly fascinating characters in this story.”

She added that they aim to connect with audiences who are not necessarily Christian or Catholic, but who are drawn to a story told from a plausible, human perspective. “The truth is that interpretations of the Gospels vary greatly, even within Christianity itself,” she noted.

THE SEARCH FOR JESUS

The executive explained that Julián Gil suggested Marc Clotet for the role of Jesus. “I was already familiar with Marc’s work, and I said, ‘He’s the perfect Jesus,’ because he has that angelic quality. That was also the challenge—he needed to convey Jesus’ fragility, especially for the crucifixion scenes. He’s an outstanding actor; I know his series and his work, so I didn’t hesitate. We’re truly happy to have him,” she said.

She emphasized that this is a 100% VIP 2000 TV production, and the intention has always been to broaden its appeal so it can resonate in any country around the world. “I believe we’ll achieve that. The team behind the camera is incredible, and the rest of the cast, including the apostles, is wonderful. It’s truly a beautiful ensemble. I feel very proud,” she added.

Rotundo clarified that La Última Semana de Jesús  is not necessarily a film meant only for Easter programming. It will be ready before mid-year and will be presented as part of VIP 2000 TV’s slate at the LA Screenings in May.

“We’ve discovered that faith-based content travels across Latin America all year round—it’s not just for Easter. We have other faith-based content that performs very well on all platforms and channels throughout the year. Of course, Easter is the peak season, but that’s not the sole objective of this film,” she noted.

PRODUCTION

La Última Semana de Jesús is directed by Nicholas Di Blasi, with production by Roxana and Rosalind Rotundo alongside María Eugenia Muci. Ricardo Álamo serves as director of photography, and César Sierra as production designer.

VIP 2000 TV´s Roxana Rotundo with part of the cast and crew

The film features an international cast led by Marc Clotet (Jesus); Arap Bethke (the Apostle Peter); Sonya Smith (Mary, mother of Jesus); Juan Pablo Llano (the Apostle Judas); Claudio de la Torre (Flavio, a Roman centurion); Juan Carlos García (Pontius Pilate); and Yelena Maciel (Mary Magdalene).

MARC CLOTET AS JESUS

Spanish actor Marc Clotet, whose recent work includes the film Parking for Disney+ and Ciudad de Sombras for Netflix, plays the role of Jesus.

“I’m very excited that they thought of me to be part of this adventure with such a wonderful cast. I arrived in Miami two days ago and we’ve already started rehearsals. Yesterday we had our first table read, and you could already feel the excitement, sensitivity, and passion from everyone involved in the film. Playing Jesus—one of the most important figures in history—bringing him to life and telling the story of his final week is something you never imagine you’ll do. When the opportunity comes, you embrace it, and I’m eager to begin,” said Clotet.

Clotet noted that this is his first time working on a film shot in Miami. He previously appeared in Por Amar sin Ley, which was filmed in locations including Texas, New York, Boston, and Los Angeles.

“I had never worked in Miami before, and it’s a city I love and have visited many times. I’m also happy to see producers investing in making Miami a production hub, because there’s so much that can be done here,” he said.

Regarding VIP 2000 TV and the production team, Clotet described them as “wonderful people.”

Of director Di Blasi, he said: “He’s someone with great sensitivity, very attentive to detail. He wants us to look into each other’s eyes and convey what’s happening through our gaze—to keep everything alive. He always asks where you’re coming from, where you’re going, making sure you understand what’s happening and that you communicate beyond the dialogue. As an actor, when you find a director who supports you in that way and values performance like this, it’s something very special.”

ARAP BETHKE PLAYS THE APOSTLE PETER

Arap Bethke, whose most recent projects include Lobo, Morir Matando for Telemundo and Polen for ViX, plays the Apostle Peter.

“Portraying the Apostle Peter is a great challenge and a great responsibility. We’re working with a script that approaches the story from a very human perspective—the moral dilemmas of these well-known figures. Roxana Rotundo has done an extraordinary job bringing this project to life,” said the actor.