Secrets revealed

Burgenländer plays Jackson chauffeur in movie

The actor Norbert Blecha as a chauffeur with Joshua Consigli alias "Jacko"(Bild: Terra Film)

"A Gift from God" now reveals hitherto little-known cinematic aspects of one of the greatest singers of all time. A Burgenlander also plays a role in the movie.

A superstar who was lonely despite having millions of fans all over the world - Michael Jackson. His chauffeur was always at "Jacko's" side. The Burgenland film producer Norbert Blecha, who was in front of the camera himself for the cinematic project "A Gift From God" by his French colleague Liana Marabini, slipped into this role. The film was shot in Menton, a charming town on the Côte d'Azur.

"The movie is actually set in Los Angeles. The palm tree backdrop and the flair in Menton come very close to the US metropolis," says Blecha.

Film producer Norbert Blecha was in front of the camera himself.(Bild: privat)

Excluded by Jehovah's Witnesses
For the shoot, he drove Joshua Consigli, alias "Jacko", through the "City of Angels". "The pop star hardly had any confidants, his lawyer and his chauffeur were among them," says Blecha. The film - which translates as "A gift from God" - explores the little-known aspects of the singer. The focus is on his firm faith between 1982 and 1989, at the time of his biggest hits. Jehovah's Witness Michael Jackson had been expelled from the organization, which was considered a cult. "The pop star knew the Bible by heart. He constantly used words and quotes from it. He taught his colleagues how to pray," says the director. "'Jacko' was a highly devout person," adds Blecha.

When asked about the accusations of child abuse against Michael Jackson, he says: "Michael Jackson obviously loved children because he himself had a difficult childhood. He donated a lot of money to hospitals and youth organizations. The lawsuit against him was more of a business model."

"A Gift From God" can be seen at the Cannes Film Festival from May 14. Blecha: "I've already played bigger roles. But this will be an exciting movie."