Israeli Director Tal Goldberg Reflects on Making His Debut Film "I Can't Believe I'm a Robot"

Tal Goldberg, an Israeli filmmaker, shares insights about his first feature film, "I Can't Believe I'm a Robot," a comedy about a sensitive young man who discovers he is actually a robot designed for war. The film draws inspiration from 1980s fantasy and sci-fi classics like "Back to the Future" and "The Terminator," blending nostalgia with a personal creative voice. Goldberg co-created the film with Gal Zelzniak, and they initially self-funded the project before receiving support from the Israeli Film Fund.

Goldberg wrote the screenplay in just a few months and was surprised by the positive reception it received. However, he regrets altering the original ironic ending to a happier one based on feedback, now valuing the importance of preserving the original vision. The lead role was written specifically for actor Yotam Yishi, a close friend, and the film also features experienced actors such as Tzachi Grad, Dror Keren, and Nelly Tagar.

The director describes the filmmaking process as both thrilling and stressful, especially as a perfectionist on his first project. He highlights the collaborative nature of cinema, emphasizing the contributions of the entire crew. Goldberg recalls the nerve-wracking experience of screening the film to an audience for the first time and was ultimately reassured by the enthusiastic response, including laughter and applause at international festivals where the film won awards despite language barriers.

Beyond its humor, the film addresses the societal pressure on men to appear tough and emotionally closed off, a theme close to Goldberg's heart. The experience of making the film profoundly changed him both professionally and personally, teaching him to prioritize a positive atmosphere on set and to embrace the unpredictability of filmmaking. He now approaches directing with a focus on enjoyment and collaboration, feeling more human and less like a robotic executor of tasks.