Natalie Portman Films 'A Tale of Love & Darkness' Amidst Controversy From Local Residents

Natalie Portman dons period attire to film a scene for her film A Tale of Love and Darkness with her young co-star on Thursday (February 13) in Jerusalem, Israel.

The 32-year-old actress’ film will also be her directorial feature film debut!

Filming thus far has not gone smoothly for the crew, however. Ultra-Orthodox leaders in Jurusalem’s Nahlaot neighborhood have filed a complaint about allowing the Hollywood crew to film in the city. Graffiti has also appeared, citing a “foreign invasion,” THR reports.

“The film shooting is set to take place on several sensitive streets close to synagogues and yeshivas, and the scenes being filmed should have been examined first to make sure they don’t offend anybody’s sensitivities,” the letter read.

“There is a constant tension between the desire to celebrate diverse and interesting Jerusalem and the attempts by extremist groups to prevent this,” Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Rachel Azaria responded. “The attraction of the city, its unique architecture and the efforts of the film and television industry will triumph. And the cinematic growth we’ve seen in Jerusalem in recent years will continue to flourish also tomorrow with Natalie Portman in Nahlaot.”