Producer Vows to Complete Late Nephew's Final Film
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
Producer Aviv Ben Shlush is working to complete the final film of his late nephew, Yahel Wiener, who was murdered on October 7. Ben Shlush promised Wiener he would ensure the film reaches cinemas, aiming for a release within two years. The production, filmed in Kibbutz Kfar Aza, was endangered when Wiener's home, a key location, was destroyed, but backup footage was salvaged. Ben Shlush also discussed his production company Zoah Films and other upcoming projects.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Producer Aviv Ben Shlush aims to release his late nephew Yahel Wiener's final film within two years.
- Yahel Wiener was murdered on October 7 at his home, which was also a primary filming location.
- Backup footage saved in Tel Aviv allows for the potential completion of Wiener's film.
- Ben Shlush co-founded Zoah Films, which has produced numerous Israeli films and series.
- The producer is also working on the film "The Jester" and the series "Red Dawn."
Producer Aviv Ben Shlush is navigating a busy period with several films he produced set for release, including "Good Boys 3" and Avi Nesher's "Our Loves." He recently discussed his career and personal projects on the "Cinema Shut" podcast. Ben Shlush detailed the founding of his production company, Zoah Films, and his collaborations with prominent Israeli filmmakers.
A significant focus of the interview was his late nephew, Yahel Wiener, who was murdered on October 7. Ben Shlush described their close bond, forged through a shared passion for cinema since childhood. Together, they embarked on Wiener's first feature film, which received initial funding but required additional investment from Ben Shlush to proceed. Filming took place in Kibbutz Kfar Aza, with Wiener and his wife, Shai-Li Atari, starring in the lead roles. The production heavily involved kibbutz residents.
Tragically, Wiener and his home, which served as a primary filming location, were destroyed on October 7. While raw footage stored at the house was lost, a backup saved in Tel Aviv allowed for the film's potential completion. Ben Shlush is now committed to finishing the project, with creative support from Atari, fulfilling Wiener's dream. He emphasized that the goal is to release it as a cinematic work, not solely a memorial.
Ben Shlush also reflected on his own journey, from studying film to working in the IDF's filming unit and eventually co-founding Zoah Films, which has produced numerous films and series. He highlighted "The Jester" by Gidi Dar and Shuli Rand as a particularly cherished project, noting its universal themes. He also mentioned "Red Dawn," a series based on October 7 accounts, with further episodes in development. Despite aspirations for international expansion, Ben Shlush remains dedicated to supporting emerging filmmakers, stating that young talent "must" have a chance to reach him.
His overarching commitment, however, remains to Wiener's film. "My promise is that I will help you produce the first film, and it will reach the cinema," Ben Shlush stated, hoping for its release within the next two years.