Famous Israeli Directors

Ralph Bakshi is an American animator, filmmaker, and painter known for pioneering alternative and adult-oriented animation in the 1970s. He directed nine feature films between 1972 and 1994, focusing on urban dramas and fantasy themes. Bakshi started his own studio, Bakshi Productions, in 1968 and gained recognition for films like Fritz the Cat, Wizards, The Lord of the Rings, American Pop, and Fire and Ice. He received awards for his contributions to animation and later co-founded the Bakshi School of Animation.

Oren Peli is an Israeli film director, producer, and screenwriter best known for his work on the 2007 film Paranormal Activity. He gained recognition for his innovative use of found footage techniques in the horror genre. Peli's success with Paranormal Activity led to him becoming a prominent figure in the film industry, with his work influencing the found footage subgenre. His contributions to the film world have solidified his reputation as a skilled and influential filmmaker.

Gideon "Gidi" Raff is an accomplished Israeli film and television director, screenwriter, and writer. He gained prominence for creating the acclaimed thriller drama series Prisoners of War, which led to his involvement in developing the American adaptation, Homeland. Raff's expertise in crafting gripping narratives and compelling characters has garnered widespread recognition in the entertainment industry. His creative vision and storytelling skills have solidified his reputation as a talented professional with a keen eye for producing captivating content for audiences worldwide.

Ronit Elkabetz was a versatile talent in the world of cinema, excelling as an Israeli actress, screenwriter, and film director. Her career spanned both Israeli and French cinema, where she made a significant impact. Elkabetz's skill and dedication to her craft were evident through her numerous achievements, including winning three Ophir Awards and receiving a total of seven nominations. Her work left a lasting impression on audiences and critics alike, establishing her as a respected and admired figure in the film industry.

Menahem Golan was an Israeli film producer, screenwriter, and director known for co-owning The Cannon Group with his cousin. Specializing in low-to-mid-budget American genre films, he achieved success in Israel before expanding to Hollywood in the 1980s. Golan produced films featuring top actors like Sean Connery and Sylvester Stallone, and he was recognized for his comic book-style productions such as Masters of the Universe and Superman IV. He wrote scripts under the pen name Joseph Goldman and directed numerous films, earning multiple awards for his contributions to cinema.

Hany Abu-Assad is a highly acclaimed Palestinian-Dutch film director known for his compelling and thought-provoking work. He gained international recognition with his films "Paradise Now" in 2006 and "Omar" in 2013, both of which received Academy Award nominations. Abu-Assad is celebrated for his skill in portraying complex political and social issues through his storytelling, garnering praise for his directorial vision and ability to engage audiences with powerful narratives. He continues to be a prominent figure in the world of cinema, leaving a lasting impact with his impactful films.

Ari Folman is an Israeli film director, screenwriter, animator, and film-score composer known for his work in both animated and live-action films. He gained critical acclaim for directing the Oscar-nominated animated documentary film "Waltz with Bashir" in 2008, which explored the Lebanon War. Additionally, he directed the film "The Congress," which combined live-action and animation. Folman is recognized for his contributions to the film industry and is a respected member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Hagai Levi is a highly accomplished Israeli television creator, writer, director, and producer known for his significant contributions to the entertainment industry. With a successful career spanning several years, Levi has established himself as a prominent figure in the world of television. He is renowned for his creative storytelling abilities and has been involved in the development of numerous successful television projects. Levi's work reflects his passion for storytelling and his ability to captivate audiences with compelling narratives and innovative productions.

Elia Suleiman is a prominent Palestinian film director and actor known for his award-winning film, Divine Intervention. His cinematic style is often likened to that of Jacques Tati and Buster Keaton, characterized by a unique blend of burlesque and sobriety. Suleiman's work sheds light on the complexities of living under occupation in Palestine, offering a modern tragicomic perspective. Through his films, he has garnered critical acclaim and international recognition, particularly winning the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival in 2002.

Raviv Ullman, also known as Ricky Ullman, is an Israeli-American actor, director, and musician. He gained widespread recognition for his role as Phil Diffy in the Disney Channel series Phil of the Future. His professional career has also included directing projects across various platforms. Ullman's versatility as an artist has allowed him to showcase his talents in both acting and music, making him a multifaceted figure in the entertainment industry. He continues to be celebrated for his contributions to film and television.

Michael Lucas is a renowned Russian-American-Israeli businessman, performer, and CEO of Lucas Entertainment, the largest gay adult film company in Manhattan. Known for his high-budget productions and celebrity cameos, Lucas has made a significant impact on the industry. He was inducted into the GayVN Hall of Fame for his exceptional work as a director and performer. Notable for producing groundbreaking films like Men of Israel, Lucas is also recognized for his activism and controversial statements, such as during the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Yehuda Barkan was a versatile Israeli professional known for his work as an actor, film producer, director, and screenwriter. He gained recognition for his roles in Israeli comedy cult classics from the 1970s, showcasing his talent and comedic timing. Barkan later transitioned into producing and directing candid camera "prank films" in the 1980s, further displaying his creativity and ability to entertain audiences. Throughout his professional life, Barkan made significant contributions to the Israeli film industry, leaving a lasting impact on the entertainment world.

Kamel El Basha is a multi-talented Palestinian individual known for his work as an actor, theatre director, teacher, and translator. He has made significant contributions to the arts through his performances on stage and screen, as well as his work behind the scenes directing theatrical productions. Additionally, his skills as a teacher have helped inspire and develop the talents of aspiring artists. As a translator, he has played a vital role in bridging language barriers and bringing diverse works to new audiences.

Ibtisam Mara'ana-Menuhin is an Israeli Arab politician, film director, and producer. She served as a member of the Knesset for the Labor Party from 2021 to 2022, making history as the first Knesset member in a mixed Jewish-Muslim relationship upon her election. Known for her work in film, Mara'ana has directed and produced various projects. Despite not being reelected in the 2022 election, she has left a mark with her contributions to both politics and the film industry.

Larissa Sansour is a renowned Palestinian artist and filmmaker, recognized for her captivating science fiction trilogy of short films: "A Space Exodus" (2009), "Nation Estate" (2012), and "In the Future, They Ate from the Finest Porcelain" (2019). With a versatile talent that extends to photography and installation art, she has successfully showcased her works in numerous exhibitions throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia. Sansour's innovative approach and thought-provoking creations have established her as a significant figure in the contemporary art world.

Samira Saraya is a multi-talented Israeli Palestinian artist known for her work in film, television, and theater. She has gained recognition as both an actor and filmmaker, showcasing her versatility and skill in various artistic mediums. Additionally, Saraya is a talented poet, rapper, and spoken word artist, using her creativity and passion to express herself through different forms of art. Her diverse talents and contributions to the entertainment industry have solidified her as a respected and influential figure in the artistic community.

Leila Sansour is a Palestinian film director and producer, known for her work in promoting and protecting the city of Bethlehem through her foundation Open Bethlehem. She is the creator of the Bethlehem Passport and has directed films such as "Jeremy Hardy vs. the Israeli Army" and "Open Bethlehem". Sansour has studied at prestigious universities and has a background in television production. Her work focuses on highlighting the city's heritage and contemporary life through various campaigns and awareness initiatives on an international scale.

Juliano Mer-Khamis was a multifaceted individual known for his work as an actor, director, filmmaker, and political activist. He was involved in both Israeli and Palestinian communities, advocating for social change and artistic expression. Mer-Khamis founded The Freedom Theatre in Jenin, a platform for creative exploration and empowerment. Tragically, his life was cut short when he was assassinated in 2011. His legacy lives on through his contributions to the arts and his commitment to promoting dialogue and understanding between different cultures.

Assi Dayan was a prominent figure in Israeli cinema, known for his multifaceted career as a film director, actor, screenwriter, and producer. He made significant contributions to the industry, creating a diverse body of work that resonated with audiences both in Israel and internationally. Dayan's talent and creativity were evident in his films, which often explored complex themes and showcased his unique perspective. Through his work, he left a lasting impact on Israeli cinema and is remembered as a respected and influential figure in the industry.