How important is connecting with your subjects when you are making films?
"This holds immense importance to me. My path as a cinematographer started from stills photography, drawing inspiration from Henri Cartier-Bresson. His words, 'Taking photographs is aligning one's head, eye and heart on the same axis,' continue to resonate with me. Connecting with subjects involves not only understanding their perspectives but also creating a space where they feel, and they are heard and seen. This alignment of the head, the eye and the heart is a reminder that cinematography's artistry goes beyond the visual realm; it extends to the emotional resonance achieved by immersing oneself in the subject's world. For me, this ongoing commitment to empathy and connection is not just a technique, it's an integral part of the art of cinematography (and the entire human experience) that breathes life into every frame and narrative."
As well as being behind the camera, you also direct and produce. Can you tell us about a film you've directed?
"My directorial debut, Veterans, premiered at the Jerusalem Film Festival in 2013. This film focuses on World War II veterans, once fighters in the Red Army and now uprooted immigrants, fighting for their place in society. These people, who experienced the 20th century's bloodiest war as Soviet soldiers, immigrated to Israel after the collapse of the Soviet Union and found themselves in a society that is totally indifferent to their glorious past. The film explores themes of immigration, heroism and old age, offering an intimate portrait of individuals who still perceive themselves as heroes, but find their significance questioned in a society that values different forms of heroism. The film also documents their journey back to the places where they once fought, exposing the tension between their memories and present-day reality."
What is one of the most rewarding things about your work?
"I absolutely love that my work as a cinematographer allows me to explore new worlds – social, visual and literal – and provides meaningful human connections. For instance, I shot a film called The Prophet and the Space Aliens about a man that is said to have encountered extraterrestrials 50 years ago, designating him as the 'last prophet'. How often do you come across 'prophets' in your everyday life unless you're doing what I do? We filmed historians and religious scholars, travelled to Burkina Faso and met an amazing community of people who live there and believe in this same prophet. Our journey extended to Japan, Canada, Mexico, Taiwan and beyond. In just this one film, you encounter numerous people united by a common theme, each with distinct perspectives, ideas and life stories. Beyond the joy of travelling, there's the opportunity to engage in conversations with people from diverse backgrounds, learning and growing from each encounter. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to experience the richness of such moments in my work."
Have you faced any discrimination as a woman in a male-dominated industry and role?
"I grew up in a family that embraced equality. My mother is an economist and a remarkably strong woman. My father is an aeronautical engineer. Both are very supportive and empowering. Growing up, the notion of gender-specific roles was foreign to me. From the age of kindergarten, my father and I were disassembling and reassembling radios, including soldering, as a fun activity. I was never afraid of doing technical things nor was I deterred by the notion of gender dictating what I could or couldn't do. Reflecting on my journey, I acknowledge the privilege of my upbringing, as well as being fortunate, right from the onset of my career, to form meaningful connections with wonderful individuals who genuinely appreciated my skills. It took me a considerable amount of time working as a cinematographer before encountering the significant gender disparity as well as instances of, 'Oh, you're a woman, can you do it?' or 'Let me show you how this is done…' or 'But this is what I would pay a good male cinematographer, is this really your fee?' echoing sentiments that challenge my capabilities based on gender rather than merit. The fight against gender discrimination is an ongoing journey, and my belief in a future where talent and merit triumph over biases keeps me motivated. I envision an industry where individuals are judged based on their skills and contributions, rather than preconceived notions tied to gender."
How have your personal experiences shaped your filmmaking?
"We are all shaped by our life experiences. Growing up in one country and then moving to another at a young age, I felt truly out of place. When we moved to Tel Aviv, there were not many Russian-speaking immigrants in our neighbourhood, and I found myself in a class in elementary school navigating without a language or any familiar surroundings. On one hand, I arrived in a place that was nice and open-minded, but on the other, I truly experienced a sense of being different in the deepest way, being the outsider, the complete 'other'. I believe this experience has profoundly influenced who I am and also impacted my filmmaking, shaping the way I connect with people on an eye level, no matter where I am. It's not a conscious decision; it's an integral part of the person I've become."
