Synopsis

At the United Nations in New York, interpreter Silvia Broome overhears a death threat against Edmond Zuwanie, the controversial president of the fictional African nation of Matobo. Assigned to investigate is Secret Service agent Tobin Keller, who initially suspects Silvia may be involved in the conspiracy. As danger closes in, Keller uncovers connections between her past and the political crisis surrounding the threatened leader.

Factoids & Trivia

• The film was the first feature production permitted to shoot inside the United Nations Headquarters. Filming included the General Assembly Hall, the Security Council chamber, corridors, and other working areas.

• Permission was negotiated directly with then-Secretary-General Kofi Annan after earlier requests to use the building had been refused.

• To avoid disrupting the United Nations, production took place mainly on weekends, at night, and during public holidays. Some United Nations employees also appeared as extras after signing release forms.

• Most of the movie was filmed in New York City. The opening sequence was shot in Mozambique with substantial support from South African crew members.

• Matobo is fictional, but its name comes from Matobo National Park in Zimbabwe. The invented Ku language was created specifically for the film and draws on Bantu languages, including Swahili and Shona.

• The movie's political premise led to controversy in Zimbabwe, where government officials argued that Matobo and its fictional president resembled Zimbabwe and Robert Mugabe. The country's censorship board nevertheless approved the film for release.

• The production was an international co-production involving companies from the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. Its reported budget was approximately $80 million, while its worldwide theatrical gross exceeded $160 million.