Lior Ashkenazi Directs New Film Highlighting Forgotten Israeli Combat Veterans' Struggles
Lior Ashkenazi, a renowned Israeli actor known for roles in series like "We Were the Lucky Ones" and musicals such as "Shaul," has begun filming his second directorial project, "The Buffalo Effect." Following the success of his debut film, the Israeli remake of "Perfect Strangers," which attracted over 300,000 viewers, Ashkenazi now tackles a deeply personal and socially significant story.
"The Buffalo Effect" is based on the true story of Eyal Malachi, a paratrooper and combat veteran suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), who founded the "Asufi" association to support fellow veterans. The screenplay, written by playwright Tal Miller and actress-screenwriter Nur Fibak (an Ophir Award winner), presents a dark comedy about a group of combat veterans whose psychological wounds have been ignored by the state.
The plot follows these veterans as they embark on an extreme, emotional, and humorous journey to disrupt Israel's Independence Day celebrations, aiming to force public and governmental recognition of their struggles. The film combines black comedy with a powerful social message about those left behind by the system.
The cast features prominent Israeli comedians including Mariano Idelman, known for his satire on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in "Eretz Nehederet," and Maor Cohen. Other notable actors include Rotem Abohab, Dov Navon, Amir Shurush, Omer Etzion, Dr. Zuzovsky, and Avi Dangur. Abohab brings personal experience from volunteering with at-risk youth and injured soldiers, enriching the film's authenticity.
The script draws not only from Malachi's story but also from other veterans and their families, aiming to shed light on the true cost of military service and the urgent need for proper recognition and care. The film is scheduled for release in 2027, promising a blend of quality entertainment and a meaningful social statement. Ashkenazi continues to expand his creative horizons by addressing complex and sensitive issues in Israeli society.
