Shoshana, which is also called Promised Land, is a British biographical thriller released in 2023. It was directed by the famous Michael Winterbottom. The movie takes place in 1938 in Palestine, which was controlled by the British at a tense time in Middle Eastern history. The story is about Thomas Wilkin, a British police officer who falls in love with Shoshana, the daughter of a famous Zionist leader named Ber Borochov. In the streets of Tel Aviv, there is a lot of political unrest and resistance. Wilkin is torn between duty and personal loyalty.
Douglas Booth, Irina Starshenbaum, Harry Melling and other actors are in it. Shoshana came out on February 23, 2024, in the UK. It will come out in the US on July 25, 2025 through Greenwich Entertainment.
Based On True Events
Shoshana (also known as Promised Land) is inspired by true events from 1930s–1940s British Mandatory Palestine. During this period, British authorities faced violent resistance from Jewish underground groups fighting for independence. One of the key figures was Avraham Stern, leader of the Zionist militant group Lehi (Stern Gang), who aimed to expel the British and promote unrestricted Jewish immigration. Stern was killed by British forces in 1942. In retaliation, British officer Thomas Wilkin, involved in anti-insurgency operations, was assassinated by Lehi operatives in 1944. The film blends this historical backdrop with a fictional love story.
Where Was Shoshana Filmed?
Shoshana began filming in October 2021—and the main location was chosen to be Italy, not the Middle East. Ostuni, a beautiful town in the Puglia region of southern Italy, is where the movie was filmed. Ostuni was used as a stand-in for Tel Aviv in the 1930s, which helped the production capture the look and feel of that time.
The filming was managed by Bartlebyfilm srl and Revolution Films, with logistical support from the Apulia Film Commission. The choice to film in Ostuni came from the city’s architecture, which resembles the older quarters of Tel Aviv. Its whitewashed buildings and narrow alleys provided an ideal backdrop for the period drama.
Puglia, Italy
Puglia, also known as Apulia, is a scenic region in southern Italy known for its whitewashed hill towns, olive groves, and historic architecture. Located on the “heel” of Italy’s boot, it features charming coastal towns and baroque cities like Lecce and Ostuni. With its Mediterranean climate and preserved old-world charm, Puglia is a popular filming location for historical and period films.
The picture probably shows a coastal area in Italy’s Gargano region, maybe near Cagnano Varano or Monte Sant’Angelo. This area is famous for its rough coastline and historical sites like the Grotto Church of San Michele.
Key Filming Spots in Ostuni, Italy
Several central locations in Ostuni were transformed for the movie:
Viale Pola & the Historic Market Area: The busy street was one of the main outdoor sets. It is close to the town centre. Here, chases and shootouts were filmed, which made the story more exciting and tense.
Former Tobacco Factory (below the “White City”): This historic building was turned into a military camp and lazaret (quarantine area) for some of the key war-related sequences. The factory’s large courtyard and industrial structure lent authenticity to these dramatic scenes.
Area 167: This residential area was used for several conflict scenes that showed how chaotic it is when there is trouble in the city.
Palazzo Cenci Tanzarella: This building was used to be the headquarters of the local police but was changed to look like a military hospital. Because of its grand appearance and historical importance, it gave the movie a more complete picture of Tel Aviv during the war.
Why Ostuni Was Chosen
According to director Michael Winterbottom, Ostuni’s streets and buildings reflected the look of Tel Aviv during the British Mandate period. The unique Mediterranean setting and well-preserved architecture of the city made it a convincing replacement. People in the area were interested and excited during the shoot, and a lot of them went to the sets to see what was going on.
The director called the movie a political thriller based on true events. It was about Avraham Stern, who was the leader of the group Lehi, also called the Stern Gang, and they fought against British rule in Palestine. The story revolves around Stern’s life, his fight, and his eventual death in 1942.
Official Trailer
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