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"I Aim to Inspire Audiences to Find Hope" - Interview with Dani Menkin
June 26, 2024
By Bessy ADUT
Currently living in Los Angeles, California, Dani Menkin is the twice Academy-Award-Winning filmmaker of "39 Pounds of Love" and "Is That You?." "39 Pounds of Love" was sold to HBO Documentary Films and shortlisted for the American Oscar Awards. Menkin’s award-winning film "Dolphin Boy" (co-directed with Yonatan Nir) was sold to over 20 countries around the globe and was bought by Walt Disney Pictures for adaptation. His documentary "On the Map" is being distributed by Lionsgate in North America. Dani Menkin is a speaker and film juror at International Festivals around the world, as well as a film professor in universities in the U.S.
Where are you currently residing?
Los Angeles
What are your current projects?
I am currently developing original screenplays and adapting my documentaries into dramatic works. My latest releases include the feature documentary "Colleyville" and the feature drama "Little Town."
(credit: Hey Jude Productions)
Please share how you got started and got to where you are today...
I began my career in television in Israel, working for the Sport Channel. Later, I transitioned to creating documentaries, directing my first feature doc, "39 Pounds of Love." This film was sold to HBO, shortlisted for the Oscars, and won Israeli Academy Awards. Additionally, I ventured into feature dramas, expanding my storytelling horizons. My film "Is That You?" is now on Amazon Prime and has also won Israeli Academy Awards. I sold my feature documentary "On the Map" to Lionsgate, and my films have been sold and shown worldwide. I followed my passion and did what I love, and that's how I got to where I am now. I have been doing it for many years, and I'm excited to continue this journey to wherever it leads me.
Has it been a smooth road?
No, it wasn’t a smooth ride. There were many challenges and obstacles along the way, but those experiences helped me grow and become more resilient. Every setback taught me valuable lessons and pushed me to work even harder to achieve my goals. Life is a roller coaster, but doing what I love kept me going.
Tell us more about your life and career...
When asked about my life and career, I see them as intertwined. I do what I love, so my life and career are combined. It doesn't feel like work; I enjoy every moment. By following my passion, I believe I've become a better person, which in turn enhances my skills as a filmmaker, writer, and director.
What do you think goodness is?
Goodness, to me, is about being honest, kind, and seeing the positive in every human being. In my creations, I aim to showcase these aspects. That's why I named my production company Hey Jude Productions, inspired by the Beatles' line "Take a sad song and make it better." I believe in acknowledging that life can be bittersweet, but it's our ability to find beauty and goodness in it that truly matters.
Who are you outside of your professional life?
Outside of my profession, I'm a father and a husband to a wonderful family. But above all, I see myself as a human being who strives to love everyone, regardless of their religion, race, or color. My work and life are intertwined, so I practice meditation, prayer, and embrace kindness as much as possible. I also love sports, such as tennis, swimming, and running, to build my mental strength. These practices help me navigate life's challenges and my career path.
Are you interested in environmental issues?
Absolutely! I’m deeply passionate about the environment, which is evident in the film “Picture of His Life,” a project I co-directed with my friend Yonatan Nir. This film captures the essence of our connection with nature and the importance of environmental conservation. You can check the trailer here: https://www.heyjudeproductions.com/picture-of-his-life
"Picture of His Life" (credit: Hey Jude Productions)
Do you think the world is not a good place right now?
Yes, I definitely believe the world can be in a better place. I'm a big optimist and firmly believe in the power of peace. Through collective efforts, compassion, and awareness, we can address many of the challenges we face today and strive for a more sustainable and equitable future.
How do you make the world a better place?
Through my movies, I strive to portray the positive aspects of life, even in the most challenging times. I aim to highlight the resilience of the human spirit and the potential for growth and transformation amidst adversity. By addressing difficult themes and depicting characters overcoming obstacles, I hope to inspire audiences to find hope and meaning in their own lives. My films aim to uplift and encourage viewers, reminding them of the inherent strength and beauty of the human experience.
How can we all make the world better?
It’s essential for each of us to do our part, whether it’s through advocating for environmental conservation, promoting social justice, or simply spreading kindness and empathy in our daily interactions. Together, we can make a positive difference and create a brighter tomorrow for generations to come.
How can science and spirituality coexist?
Science and spirituality can coexist harmoniously, drawing on the principles of compassion, awareness, and optimism that I believe in. Science provides us with a methodical way to understand the physical world around us, while spirituality offers insights into the deeper meaning and purpose of life. Both disciplines encourage us to explore and question the nature of reality, albeit through different lenses. For me, embracing both science and spirituality means acknowledging the interconnectedness of all things and recognizing the importance of compassion, kindness, and personal growth in our journey through life.
If you could go anywhere, where would you go (and why)?
If I could choose anywhere to be, I would love to be by the ocean. Being in nature, especially by the sea, fills me with inspiration and creativity. I find solace in the rhythmic sound of the waves and the vastness of the ocean. It's a place where I can meditate, write, and reflect on life's wonders. Dolphins, with their grace and intelligence, symbolize the beauty of nature and often inspire my films. So, being in a serene coastal location, preferably with dolphins, would be my ideal place to be.
Please let us know anything else you’d like to share...
I'd love for people to visit my website and watch the trailers for my films (by clicking the logo below).
If they're interested, they can contact us to watch the movies and support our 501c3 organization (On The Map Foundation), enabling us to create more inspirational stories. I'm particularly excited about my new film, "Colleyville," which tackles anti-Semitism and hate crimes.
Also, check out my new film, "Little Town," released on Amazon Prime on June 25th. (You can watch it by clicking the picture below.) If you enjoy it, please rate and review it, as every rating and review helps us in making more inspirational stories. Thank you for your support!
"Little Town" (credit: Hey Jude Productions)
A scene from "Little Town" (credit: Hey Jude Productions)
Could you please provide shareable links (website, social media)?
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