Samuel Maoz

Born in Herzliya, Israel, in 1962, Samuel Maoz’s early experiences significantly shaped his artistic perspective. At the age of 20, he served as a gunner in one of the first Israeli tanks to enter Lebanon during the 1982 Lebanon War. This traumatic military service would later become a central theme in his filmography. Following his military service, Maoz pursued training as a cameraman at the Beit Zvi theater school, where he also engaged in art direction for film and television productions. These foundational experiences laid the groundwork for his eventual career as a filmmaker.

Maoz gained widespread international recognition with his 2009 debut feature film, “Lebanon.” This film, based on his personal wartime experiences, depicted the harrowing ordeal of a four-man Israeli tank crew. “Lebanon” received critical acclaim, winning the prestigious Golden Lion at the 66th Venice International Film Festival and earning him the award for Best Screenplay at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards in 2010. His follow-up feature, “Foxtrot” (2017), continued to explore themes of trauma and societal critique. “Foxtrot” also achieved significant success, winning the Grand Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival, further solidifying his reputation as a director with a unique and impactful cinematic voice.

Throughout his career, Samuel Maoz has focused on creating films that delve into complex emotional and historical narratives, often drawing from his own life. His work is characterized by a commitment to raw realism and a willingness to address challenging subjects, positioning him as a significant figure in contemporary Israeli and international cinema.