USA Premiere

FILM SYNOPSIS: For the first time ever, a Franco-Israeli scientific mission, led by archaeologist Israel Finkelstein, and biblical scholar Thomas Römer, prepare to unearth the secrets of Kiriath Jearim. According to the Bible, the Ark of the Covenant, containing the ten commandments, was kept on the hill of Kiriath Jearim before it was taken to Jerusalem.

Now a Catholic convent, it is the only biblical site in the region to never have been excavated. Using the latest scientific and innovative technologies, their finds reveal a coherent account, helping to resolve the mystery of the Ark. It is a fascinating investigation, in which clues gathered from this and other ancient sites are juxtaposed with biblical texts, questioning its origins.

ABOUT THE DIRECTOR: Thierry Ragobert is a French director. He is notably known for the feature films La Planète blanche - an animal documentary on the Arctic - and Amazonia - an animal fiction in 3D. He has edited and directed numerous documentaries for television, including an archaeological trilogy on Alexandria and the series La Bible dévoilée. His films have won numerous international awards.

As chief editor and associate producer, Thierry Ragobert worked with Jacques COUSTEAU for 10 years on many documentary series for international TV programs. In 1994, he joined the French company Gedeon programmes and directed a dozen of films awarded by many international prices and best audience records.

AWARDS & SCREENINGS: JURY AWARD, Festival international du film d'archéologie de Nyon - FIFAN (Switzerland).