Filmmaker Amichai Greenberg Discusses His Films' Impact on Reality

Filmmaker Amichai Greenberg, speaking on the "Cinema Shut" podcast, reflected on how his debut film, "The Testimony," unexpectedly influenced real-world events. The film, which explored a historical Holocaust-era event, led to a government investigation in Austria and a formal apology from the Austrian president to a Holocaust survivor. Greenberg initially intended the film as a personal exploration of identity and belonging, but found that cinema had a profound impact on reality. Nine years after "The Testimony," Greenberg is releasing his second film, "Probability of Love," a comedy starring Yehoram Gaon and Meshi Kleinstein.

Greenberg's journey into filmmaking began after studying at a yeshiva and serving in the army. A trip to South America led him to the Ma'aleh Film School in Jerusalem, where he became immersed in filmmaking. His work documenting Holocaust survivor testimonies for Steven Spielberg's project, combined with his family background as the son of a survivor, inspired "The Testimony." However, the path to producing the film was arduous, involving seven rejections from film funds and years of writing and working other jobs to support himself.

Despite the setbacks, Greenberg's personal connection to the story fueled his determination. After numerous presentations and a script revision, funding was secured. "The Testimony," starring Uri Pepper, followed an Israeli investigator in Austria uncovering a Holocaust-related mass grave. The film's release prompted an Austrian investigation and a presidential apology. "You make a film and it affects reality," Greenberg remarked.

The idea for his new film, "Probability of Love," originated from observing elderly people at a swimming pool, prompting reflections on aging and life. Seeking a more contained project after the complex production of "The Testimony," Greenberg faced funding delays for his new comedy. He invested his own money, joined by producers Gil Mezuman and Aviv Ben Shlush. Casting director Amira Bozeglo suggested Yehoram Gaon for the lead, a choice Greenberg initially hesitated about due to Gaon's long absence from cinema. However, Gaon's humility and dedication, including filming in a cold swimming pool at 3 AM, impressed Greenberg, who called him a "workhorse."

Production was halted by the October 7th war. Producer Aviv Ben Shlush lost a relative, director Yahav Wiener, and Greenberg struggled to edit a comedy during wartime, feeling ashamed to share it. He decided to postpone the film's release. Now, with "Probability of Love" premiering, Greenberg is developing two new projects: a prequel exploring the younger years of the new film's characters and a personal film about faith and life changes.