Samuel Maoz is a celebrated Israeli film director, known for his distinctive and powerful work in the film industry. Born in 1962 in Tel Aviv, Maoz grew up in a family with a strong artistic background, which played a pivotal role in shaping his love and passion for cinema.

After serving in the Israeli army during the 1982 Lebanon war, Maoz turned to filmmaking. He graduated from the Beit-Zvi Acting School in Ramat Gan and started his filming career with innovative and bold projects such as a wartime futuristic scenario (Crocodile), a controversial reality show satire (Underdogs), and a landmark memoir of his military experience (Lebanon).

His debut feature film, Lebanon, won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival in 2009, as well as many other prestigious awards worldwide. The movie is set in 1982 during the First Lebanon War and channeled some of Maoz’s own actual experiences. The innovative concept of the movie was filming the war in its entirety from within an Israeli tank, giving viewers a unique and intense perspective, rarely seen in war cinematography.

Maoz followed up Lebanon with Foxtrot, which won the prestigious Silver Lion award at the Venice Film Festival in 2017. The movie deals with complex emotions surrounding war and everyday life in modern Israeli society, further showcasing Maoz’s ability to handle complex and sensitive subjects with great artistic vision and emotional depth.

With his distinctive style, Maoz has become an influential figure in the Israeli film industry and has made a significant contribution to cinema worldwide. He has cemented his position as a visionary filmmaker who brings a unique voice to the screen with every project he creates.