A Visionary in Global Filmmaking: An Exclusive Interview with Ariel Lavi

Photographer: Maria Vybor

Makeup Artist: Maria Gorelova

Stylist: Anastasia Yukubova

Ariel Lavi isn’t your average filmmaker; he’s a creative powerhouse with a knack for telling stories that cross borders and connect people everywhere. Starting as an actor at the Lee Strasberg Film & Theatre Institute, Ariel built his foundation in performance and turned that into a one-of-a-kind approach to filmmaking. Today, he’s known for producing projects in diverse locations like Mexico, Nigeria, and Canada, proving his range and love for storytelling that resonates worldwide.

With over 130 awards and nearly 60 nominations, Ariel’s films, like the crowd-favorite Metanoia and the powerful Dangerous Silence, tackle everything from social issues to suspenseful thrillers. Metanoia, with its 64 awards, is even featured on popular streaming sites like iQiyi and Tencent, showing just how universal Ariel’s stories are. And beyond directing, Ariel mentors new filmmakers through the Lavi Company, always on the lookout for fresh voices. So, get ready as we dive into Ariel’s creative process, his favorite projects, and the wisdom he’s gained from his journey so far.

Hi Ariel, it’s a pleasure to have you. Could you tell us a little more about what you’re getting up to these days, and if you’ve got any exciting new projects in the works? Thank you! I’m thrilled to be here. Right now, I’m focused on expanding my storytelling across borders with new projects that are set to be filmed in different countries. My team and I are developing a few unique stories that I believe will resonate with audiences around the world, and I’m especially excited about a new thriller project that explores psychological themes. It’s a fantastic time, and I can’t wait to share more as things unfold!

Alright, and if you could point to one moment in time, what would you say really got you started on your journey into filmmaking and entertainment? For me, it all began when I studied at the Lee Strasberg Film & Theatre Institute. That experience really opened my eyes to the power of storytelling and helped me build a foundation in performance. The Institute nurtured my love for film and gave me the courage to move from acting to creating my own stories, which has been incredibly rewarding.

If you had to choose, which part of the filmmaking process do you enjoy the most and why? That’s a tough one! But if I had to choose, I’d say the pre-production phase. This is where the story starts to take shape and everything begins to fall into place. From casting to location scouting, I enjoy setting the groundwork and envisioning how each piece will come together. It’s like piecing together a puzzle, and it’s thrilling to see that vision start to come to life.

Who are your greatest influences, and how have they shaped your style or approach? I’ve always been inspired by people who push boundaries, like Martin Scorsese and Christopher Nolan. Their work has taught me the importance of depth in storytelling and how to build suspense while keeping audiences emotionally invested. My own approach has been influenced by their commitment to creating layered stories that challenge viewers’ perspectives.

You’ve made films in several countries around the world, including the USA, Mexico, Nigeria, and Canada. What drew you to international filmmaking, and where do you get your inspiration from? International films allows me to connect with diverse audiences and explore stories that are unique to different cultures. There’s something special about bringing various cultural elements into a narrative and showcasing them on screen. My inspiration often comes from the people I meet and the experiences I encounter when traveling; each place has its own magic, and I aim to capture that essence in my films.

What are some of the unique challenges of working in different countries and cultures, and how do you adapt to them? Every country has its own way of working, from language differences to customs on set. Adapting to these can be challenging but also incredibly enriching. I’ve learned to embrace flexibility, and I make it a priority to respect and understand local practices. Building a strong team on the ground is also crucial; having locals involved in production makes the process smoother and ensures authenticity.

With your extensive experience, what do you see as the most challenging part of producing a film? One of the biggest challenges is coordinating all the moving parts while staying true to the vision. Budget constraints, timelines, and unforeseen issues can make things tricky, but I believe that’s where creativity comes into play. Finding solutions to problems and staying adaptable is key, and I find that these challenges often push me to create even better work.

How did your early background in acting at the Lee Strasberg Film & Theatre Institute shape your storytelling approach as a producer and screenwriter? Acting gave me a unique insight into character development and taught me the importance of emotional authenticity. I carry that perspective into my work as a producer and screenwriter, where I prioritize creating relatable characters and meaningful dialogue. Understanding the actor’s process helps me build stories that resonate on a deeper level.

You’ve worked in multiple genres, including thrillers and social dramas. What do you consider when choosing a project? I’m drawn to stories that have an impact, whether it’s through suspense, emotion, or social commentary. When choosing a project, I look for scripts that challenge me and have the potential to move audiences. I want every film I work on to have a purpose, whether it’s entertaining viewers or making them think about important issues.

What was the inspiration behind Metanoia, and how does it feel to see it performing so well on global streaming platforms? Metanoia was inspired by the desire to explore the human psyche and how we process trauma. Seeing it connect with audiences on streaming platforms like iQiyi and Tencent is incredibly gratifying. It’s a reminder of the power of storytelling and how it can reach across cultural boundaries to resonate with people everywhere.

In your experience, how has the film industry changed in recent years, especially with the rise of streaming platforms? Streaming platforms have revolutionized the industry, making films more accessible and allowing creators to reach a global audience instantly. This shift has opened doors for independent filmmakers and made diverse content more visible. It’s an exciting time, and I believe streaming will continue to create more opportunities for unique voices to be heard.

Dangerous Silence addresses important social themes. What motivated you to take on this project, and what impact do you hope it will have? Dangerous Silence tackles issues that often go unspoken, and I wanted to bring attention to those topics. The goal is to start conversations and encourage viewers to reflect on these themes. I hope it leaves a lasting impact and inspires people to think about the importance of breaking the silence around certain social issues.

How has your role as a judge in film festivals like the Sunset Film Festival influenced your perspective on filmmaking? Judging has allowed me to see a variety of perspectives and storytelling techniques. It’s a humbling experience that reminds me of the diversity in filmmaking. Watching so many talented creators present their work has inspired me to continue pushing boundaries and exploring new ways to tell stories.

What advice would you give to aspiring filmmakers who want to break into the industry, especially those looking to work internationally? My advice is to stay persistent and never underestimate the power of networking. Be open to working in different cultures, and always remain curious. Embrace the learning process, take risks, and don’t be afraid to tell stories that matter to you. International filmmaking is challenging but incredibly rewarding.

Thanks so much for taking the time to talk with us. Do you have any final words of inspiration for our readers, and where can we keep up with you on social media? Thank you for having me! I’d say to everyone out there, believe in your vision and never stop creating. Every story has the potential to make a difference. You can keep up with me on social media via Instagram (ariellavi_15) or my film production company’s Instagram page (lavi_company_ ) where I share updates on my films and industry insights.