The Infidel set to court controversy
The comedian says he chose the topic as an antidote to hypersensitivity
Comedian David Baddiel is making his cinematic debut with a controversial religious comedy which is bound to be the subject of much debate.
The Infidel, which is due to be released in April, stars Omid Djalili as a British Muslim who is left reeling by the revelation that not only is he adopted, but he was born a Jew.
He then attempts to rediscover his religious roots with the help of a Jewish friend.
Speaking to the Independent, Baddiel said he hopes the film will be an antidote to today's hyper-sensitive society, with jokes deliberately poking fun at both religions.
"Because people have become terrified of giving offence, religion and race are now rather left out of comedy," he told the newspaper.
"For me, it becomes fertile ground. It's very much about race and culture and ethnicity, in a very gloves-off way."
However, he added that the film is not trying to cause offence.
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The Infidel is directed by Josh Appignanesi, whose debut feature Song of Songs achieved a special commendation at the Edinburgh Festival.
Its producers have applied for lottery funding from the UK Film Council to ensure that The Infidel gets the widest possible cinema release in the UK.
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