‘JeruZalem 2’ Gets the VR Treatment

Film financier and distributor Epic Pictures Group announces JeruZalem 2, a sequel to JeruZalem, the popular, award-winning Israeli point-of-view horror film released by Epic Pictures in January 2016. JeruZalem writers and directors Doron and Yoav Paz will return to direct JeruZalem 2 from their original screenplay. The announcement was made by Epic Pictures CEO Patrick Ewald and Co-Founder Shaked Berenson.

JeruZalem 2 will also be shot on location in Israel. Praised for its technological innovation, JeruZalem featured extensive point-of-view footage from the perspective of smart eyeglasses worn by protagonist Sarah. The sequel will take its cutting edge use of technology a step further by incorporating an extensive virtual reality component in which viewers can immerse themselves in the film like never before.

“With JeruZalem, the Paz brothers created a truly original and terrifying horror film that thrilled audiences all over the world. We were so happy that viewers loved the film as much as we did so we quickly decided to team up with Doron and Yoav again for a sequel,” commented Ewald.

“The sequel will include an extensive virtual reality component to bring the viewers’ experience to the next step and immerse themselves in the action and the city of Jerusalem,” added Berenson.

The Paz brothers commented, “The team at Epic Pictures helped us realize our dream of scaring the shit out of people all over the world! We’re thrilled to partner with them again for JeruZalem 2 – this time with a virtual reality element that opens up a whole new world of creative opportunities for us as filmmakers.”

Released theatrically in major markets and on digital platforms, the original JeruZalem has quickly developed a cult following, occupying a top spot on iTunes’ Top 10 Horror Films charts for months. A unique, point-of-view style horror film, JeruZalem follows Rachel (played by “Jane the Virgin” star Yael Grobglas) and her friend Sarah (Danielle Jadelyn), two American girls on vacation in Jerusalem. The two follow Kevin (Yon Tumarkin), a mysterious and handsome anthropology student, into the heart of the Old City. The party is cut short when a biblical prophecy comes to pass on the night of Yom Kippur and Jerusalem’s gate to hell is opened, releasing an epic apocalypse. Trapped between the ancient walls of the holy city, the trio must survive long enough to find a way out as the fury of hell is unleashed upon them.

JeruZalem also did exceptionally well on the film festival circuit, screening at over 23 festivals. The film won the Best Editing and Audience Award and was nominated for Best Israeli Feature at the Jerusalem Film Festival 2015, won the Grand Prize at the Dracula Film Festival 2015, and won the Special Prize of the Jury at the Gerardmer Film Festival 2015.

Additional casting and plot details for JeruZalem 2 will be announced at a later date.