There’s always a story; you just have to find it.
Hi, I’m Shahar Shamay - a filmmaker, director, and editor.
My work spans fiction, documentary, and hybrid genres, often diving into psychological tension, identity, and the resilience of the human spirit. Over the years, I’ve directed the gripping true-crime series Condemned: Woodstock and award-winning shorts such as Round Three, Shadow Boxer, The Hallway, and Disabled - each project marking a step forward in my storytelling journey, pushing me to explore new depths of emotion, style, and narrative complexity.
With each project, I grew as a filmmaker, learning something new about storytelling, character work, and the power of film to captivate people.
I’m hands-on from the very first spark of an idea to the final frame on screen. I develop concepts, write scripts, direct on set, and shape performances and pacing in the edit suite. My years as a picture editor and 1st assistant director have given me a deep understanding of both the creative and logistical sides of filmmaking - from crafting emotional tone and visual rhythm to keeping productions on track, on time, and on budget.
One moment that sticks with me happened on the set of The Hallway. We filmed one intense scene over two nights, with a limited crew and a tight schedule. The energy was intense, and the lead actress was visibly exhausted. Rather than push harder, I stepped back and reminded the team and myself that sometimes the rawest, most honest takes come when you let the tension breathe. That moment of patience led to a shot that became the emotional heart of the film. It’s moments like these that remind me that filmmaking is as much about human connection as it is about technical skill.
My roots in both the Israeli film industry and Toronto’s creative community have shaped me into a filmmaker who values collaboration, cultural exchange, and the blending of influences. I’m drawn to projects that challenge the audience and the artist alike - stories that don’t just entertain, but linger long after the credits roll.
Every project is a partnership built on trust.
When someone hands me their story, I treat it with the same care and commitment as if it were my own. That’s the responsibility, and the privilege of being a filmmaker.
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Director
Discover the history behind the notorious public hangings that took place in Woodstock, Ontario, Canada.
Season 1 Trailer
Asia and her son Oz are leaving “Sheba” Tel Hashomer Hospital after visiting Gadi (60), the family’s father, who is diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Their walk through the “endless” hospital hallway becomes unbearable for Asia, as Oz makes his feelings heard about moving Gadi to a hospice.
Trailer
Myles (25), son of a former world boxing champion, Allen (60), who is grappling with the crushing weight of expectations and repeated failure. After his fifth straight loss sidelines him with an injury, Myles begins experiencing vivid sleep paralysis episodes featuring a sinister shadowy figure. While Allen urges him to give up boxing, Myles refuses to quit, driven by an unrelenting need to prove himself.
Shadow Boxer delves into the psychological toll of failure and unmet expectations, exploring themes of identity, fear, and the emotional cost of clinging to dreams that may no longer be attainable.
Trailer 2
Myles (25), son of a former world boxing champion, Allen (60), who is grappling with the crushing weight of expectations and repeated failure. After his fifth straight loss sidelines him with an injury, Myles begins experiencing vivid sleep paralysis episodes featuring a sinister shadowy figure. While Allen urges him to give up boxing, Myles refuses to quit, driven by an unrelenting need to prove himself.
Shadow Boxer delves into the psychological toll of failure and unmet expectations, exploring themes of identity, fear, and the emotional cost of clinging to dreams that may no longer be attainable.
Trailer 1
Ofira is a newly retired art teacher, who, for the first time in her life, will put herself outside her comfortable routine. She decides to revive an old dream - to become a painter. Ofira turns to Hizki, her old friend from art school, who’s a curator at a successful gallery. Uncertain, and with little to no support from her husband, Ofira stands in front of the white canvas, not only to paint her first painting in 40 years, but the rest of her life.
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