A ZF1 panel component from Luc Besson’s futuristic 1997 sci-fi adventure The Fifth Element.
Zorg first demonstrated the ZF-1 to the Mangalores and left them a crate of the guns. After his departure one of the Mangalores activated the weapon's self-destruct, killing himself and many of his comrades. Zorg used the ZF-1 in later scenes on the luxury cruiser Fhloston Paradise.
Armourer Simon Atherton created the ZF-1 props from machined aluminium assemblies with fiberglass shells. Individual props were made for each of its multiple functions for Zorg’s demonstration. As the weapons could not fold up, the folded ZF-1s onscreen are inert fiberglass shells. Stop-motion animation was used to create the effect of the weapon unfolding.
This ZF-1 panel is a rectangular piece from near the front of the gun. It has been painted with a camouflage-style design of browns and oranges, and features a rectangular central inlay.
Despite some minor scratches from use during production, the panel remains in very good overall condition.
