What is it about? The incredible rise of Givar Hajabi, a young Kurdish-Iranian immigrant, former criminal and drug dealer, became Xatar, a German rap star and legend.
The birth of the project
An autobiographical account of Givar Hajab, alias Xatar, titled Everything or nothing. At home we say the world is yours, was released in 2015 and was a bestseller. Several production companies tried to acquire the rights and several directors were interested.
Eventually, the series option was signed. At that time, the rapper and Fatih Akin, who periodically exchanged messages on Instagram, decided to meet in Hamburg. The director’s interest in adapting his book to the screen surprised Xatar:
“I know his films, he goes to the bottom of his subjects. But for me, Fatih was not the right person to direct a rapper. Rappers should participate. In Fatih, I didn’t see that opportunism.”
In the end, the series project was abandoned and the shooting of the film began quickly.
Emilio Sacraia
Who can play Xatar?
If Emilio Sakraya doesn’t look like Xatar, a priori, Fatih Akin still chose him to slip into the shoes of the rapper. The director justifies this choice: “Emilio was a child actor, so I think he has a lot of experience in all kinds of roles. He’s up to it and he loves acting so much, he’s not afraid of anything.”
Even so, fear never paralyzes him, on the contrary, it makes him live even more. Emilio has his own method. For months, he does everything he can to prepare, trying to slip into the role, body and soul. This is for people like that. Emilio, if I were making films, I’d rather cast an actor who can metamorphose than waste time looking for a face that would in any case be just a pale reflection, because Guivar is unique.”
valuable help
Xatar worked as an on-set consultant, ensuring the realism of the whole. Valuable support for Fatih Akin: “Although I myself come from a disadvantaged area, I know nothing about the slang spoken in Bonn, the cocaine trade, the world of club guards, the realities of the Kurds, German rap. That’s why it was fundamental for me to have Guivar on the set.”
“His presence allowed me to create a huge amount of credibility – the audience is immersed in his world, because I was immersed in Guivar’s world, and deeply! I’ve had the opportunity to make documentaries in my life, I know how to be very flexible. The team, especially on this film, can only be so important.”– says the director. It follows:
“When Givar was on set, it was like slaloming on a cruise ship. But my team turned out to be extremely flexible. They were all well-rounded professionals who know all the tricks of the trade.”
Emilio Sacraia
Physical training
Emilio Sakraya gained 16 kilos of muscle mass. He practiced two hours a day for several months. The actor recalls: Exercising, endlessly, eating was probably the most exhausting thing. And then you stand in front of the mirror and see the changes… It’s pretty crazy to realize what we can do when we set our sights on it. Result.”
Moreover, Khattar himself took care of his shaving!
Movie soundtrack
Rheingold’s soundtrack consists mainly of Xatar music released by Goldmann Music. Other rappers like Schwesta Ewa and SSIO are also included, but the feature film isn’t quite there “The Rapper’s Movie”. The original music features many different genres, including compositions by Xatar’s father, Egbal Hajab.
In addition, an expensive restoration was required: the data had to be found first on Atari computers from the 1980s. The original orchestral compositions were then recorded by the Aachen Symphony Orchestra. “His music is suitable for emotional moments, for example on stage in front of the city opera in Bonn”Xatar explains.
The rapper adds: “My estranged father and mother sat side by side when the piece was re-recorded 30 years later. My mother had tears in her eyes. So did I. It was one of the most emotional moments of my life, all the memories came flooding back. Take me back to that moment. Fatih, what are you doing to me?
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
