Ori Pfeffer’s love for acting and travel combined beautifully during the filming of Mary. Set against the stunning backdrop of Morocco, the shoot left an indelible mark on Pfeffer.
“We shot in Morocco, and it was my first time there. The Sahara Desert was a dream come true,” Pfeffer shared. He recounted a surreal first scene: “They drove me into the desert at 4 a.m. It was pitch black, with a trillion stars above. By sunrise, I was walking across dunes, and the colors shifting with the sun made it feel like the sand was alive. It was one of the most breathtaking moments of my life.”
Building Joachim: A Father’s Dilemma
Taking on the role of Joachim, Pfeffer delved into the lesser-explored family dynamic surrounding Mary’s miraculous story.
“There isn’t much literature about Joachim,” he noted, “but art and iconography gave me insight. This film shines a light on the entire family, not just Mary.” As a father himself, Pfeffer drew on personal experiences to portray Joachim’s internal struggle.
“What would I do if my daughter told me she was pregnant, with no husband, and the father is...divine?” Pfeffer joked, before turning serious. “It’s every parent’s hope to want the best for their child, but what happens when their destiny takes them away from you?”
Collaborating with Noa Cohen (Mary)
Pfeffer praised his co-star Noa Cohen, who plays Mary in her debut role. “She’s incredibly talented. There’s a raw innocence and majesty about her that makes her perfect for the role,” he said.
The father-daughter relationship was deeply authentic, thanks to Cohen’s openness and Pfeffer’s natural mentorship. “She looked to me for guidance, which mirrored the dynamic between Joachim and Mary.”
Most Challenging Scene: A Father’s Pain
The emotional climax of Mary was particularly demanding for Pfeffer. In a pivotal scene, Mary returns home, pregnant, and faces Joachim’s reaction.
“We shot for six hours. It’s emotionally charged, intimate, and pivotal to the story,” Pfeffer revealed. “The challenge was to block out reality and fully immerse in this magic. By the end, we were all emotionally spent, but it’s one of my favorite scenes in the movie.”
What Mary Offers Audiences
Pfeffer hopes the film resonates deeply with viewers, whether they approach it from a spiritual or storytelling perspective.
“At its core, Mary is about love conquering all. It’s a reminder to stay true to yourself and your path, even when it challenges those around you. I’d love for young girls to see this and feel inspired by Mary’s courage.”
Authenticity in Costume and Setting
The film’s costumes were a standout element for Pfeffer. “Our costume designer drew from iconography, and the layers and colors were stunning. If I could, I’d wear those outfits every day. They were so comfortable and cool,” he enthused.
What’s Next for Ori Pfeffer?
Pfeffer’s schedule is packed with exciting projects, including a Terrence Malick-directed film about Jesus and a World War II movie with Scott Eastwood and Colin Hanks. “The next couple of years are shaping up to be fantastic,” Pfeffer shared.
Connect with Ori Pfeffer
For updates on his projects, Pfeffer invites fans to follow him on Instagram at @oripfeffer.