Israeli Director Dorit Hakim Reflects on Making Her Debut Film 'Moon at House 12'
Dorit Hakim, an Israeli filmmaker, shares her journey creating her first feature film, "Moon at House 12," in an interview as part of the "My First Film, Director's Version" project by Srugim. The film, conceived during her studies at the Sam Spiegel Film School in the late 1990s, tells the story of two sisters separated by a family secret and reunited under difficult circumstances when their father falls seriously ill. The older sister, played by Yuval Saraf, lives a nightlife lifestyle in Tel Aviv, while the younger sister, portrayed by Yaara Pelzig, remains in their parents' moshav home.
Hakim spent about five years intermittently writing the screenplay before partnering with producer David Mendel from Mobi Plus, who helped refine the script and secure funding. It took an additional two to three years to raise enough money to begin filming, with some of the budget coming from Hakim herself. She describes the filming process as both exhilarating and challenging, highlighting the director’s role in managing creative and logistical conflicts on set, especially given Israel’s limited budgets and tight shooting schedules.
Watching the footage for the first time in the editing room was an emotional milestone for Hakim, confirming that the project had become a real film. The movie premiered at the Jerusalem Film Festival, where Hakim experienced intense anticipation and relief. She was particularly surprised by the positive reception abroad, notably at the Warsaw International Film Festival, where young audiences connected deeply with the film’s atmosphere and themes.
"Moon at House 12" subtly addresses childhood trauma and its long-term effects on adult relationships. Hakim reflects that the film taught her valuable lessons as a director and screenwriter, which she now applies in her work as a producer and author. Her debut novel, "Direction: West," was published recently and offers a lighter tone compared to her film. Hakim encourages audiences to engage with her evolving creative work.
