Filmmaker Moshe Rosenthal Reflects on Early Struggles and Latest Work
Director and screenwriter Moshe Rosenthal discussed his career journey, including the frustrations of his early twenties and the eventual success of his films 'Karaoke' and 'Independence.' In an interview on the 'Cinema Sh'ut' podcast, Rosenthal shared that he felt immense pressure to achieve Tarantino-level success by age 27. He recounted submitting scripts to funding bodies, facing numerous rejections, and feeling discouraged. He now believes that the years in his twenties were crucial for his development, and that significant recognition often comes later, around ages 30-32. Rosenthal emphasized that his persistence, often by 'not giving them a choice,' was key to securing opportunities.
Rosenthal's passion for filmmaking began in childhood, making films with a VHS camera at age 12 and even directing stories in his head from a young age. He recalled a ritual with his father of watching movies together every Saturday. Despite this early start, his path to film school was not straightforward; he was initially rejected by Tel Aviv University but was accepted via an exceptions committee on the first day of classes. During his studies, he focused on finding his unique voice rather than creating a 'calling card' for the industry. After graduation, he worked on various low-budget projects, including music videos and web commercials, to build his portfolio.
His breakthrough film, 'Karaoke,' was written rapidly under pressure before a deadline while he was at a festival in London. He contrasted this with another feature film script he had worked on for two years, realizing he no longer wanted to pursue it. Rosenthal noted that 'Karaoke,' despite its polished appearance and notable cast, was made on a modest budget of 1.5 million shekels, reflecting his desire to create grand cinematic experiences even with limited resources. He believes that making a film requires immense sacrifice and the collective belief of everyone involved in the dream.
'Independence,' his second feature, originated from an idea to adapt a play set in the late 1980s. This process led him to explore personal memories and themes relevant to that era, resulting in a story that, while not autobiographical, is rooted in his childhood experiences. The film delves into the ignorance and fear prevalent during that period, aiming to immerse the viewer in the child's perspective and the historical context without judgment. Rosenthal stated his belief that cinema's strength lies in fostering empathy and understanding, asserting that 'there are no good and bad, there are people.'
Looking ahead, Rosenthal is working on a new series for yes, described as a comedy blending embarrassment, humor, drama, and pain, inspired by local sex scandals. Reflecting on his career, he sees his journey from 'Karaoke' to 'Independence' as a testament to relentless pursuit, emphasizing that doors were not simply opened for him but rather he persistently knocked until they had no choice but to open.
