Director Arik Lubetzki Discusses New Film and Career Philosophy

Director and screenwriter Arik Lubetzki has returned to the world of Jaffa-inspired characters and stories with his new film "Jaffa Pictures 2," currently showing in cinemas. This follows the success of the original "Jaffa Pictures" television series, which first aired over three decades ago. In an interview on the "Cinema Shut" podcast hosted by Avi Lodmir, Lubetzki reflected on his early career, his collaboration with childhood friend and creative partner Mati Harari, and his broader filmography, which includes "The Last Suspect," "Apples from the Desert," "Cracks," and "The Meal."

Lubetzki shared that filmmaking wasn't his childhood dream. After difficult personal experiences, including his military service, he sought an outlet for expression, even considering psychology. While studying, he decided to produce his first feature film, "King of the Neighborhood," which he wrote and directed, with Harari producing. "I thought if I made a film about a neighborhood, the whole world would wait," he recalled. The experience resulted in significant debt and anxiety but also forged his resilience. The film was acquired by Keshet, leading to a connection with the late producer Micha Sherfstein, who became a key partner.

The "Jaffa Pictures" series, based on stories by the late Menachem Talmi, was a project Lubetzki and Harari knew from childhood. They proposed adapting Talmi's stories for television to Sherfstein, and the series was produced for cable companies. However, it didn't gain significant traction during its initial broadcast. Years later, its availability on Video on Demand (VOD) turned it into a renewed hit. "Suddenly, you're walking down the street and a taxi driver or a guy at a kiosk asks you why aren't you making more 'Jaffa Pictures,'" Lubetzki said. This late success prompted the decision to bring the work back to the big screen, first with a film and now with a sequel.

Lubetzki and Harari have a philosophy of not waiting for full funding from film funds before starting production. "We're very good at making films. There's a little money, we make a film. We don't wait for ten million to make it," he explained. He believes that complete reliance on funding bodies can lead to years of delays or even abandonment of projects. However, he advises young creators against jeopardizing their financial future for a film, stating, "Don't sell your mother's last apartment." He also ensures that any investors he brings on board are not people who would face financial ruin if a film fails.

Looking ahead, Lubetzki and Harari are working on new projects, including a potential third "Jaffa Pictures" film, a new comedy, and a film about divorce within the religious community. After decades in the industry, Lubetzki admits that uncertainty about the reception of his next film and his future remains. He encourages emerging filmmakers to focus on their own work rather than comparing themselves to others' successes, advising, "Don't look at other creators. That guy got a million viewers, that guy got five stars, that guy got three grants and I didn't. Sometimes you'll get it, sometimes you won't. Don't compare yourself. Look at yourself, at what you managed to create, and keep moving forward in life."