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.

Shahar Shamay

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.

Available to hire

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.

See more

Language

Hebrew (modern)
Fluent
English
Fluent

Work Experience

Director at Pink One Productions
January 1, 2025 - January 1, 2026
Led the creative and technical direction from script to screen, collaborating with producers and multiple cast members to deliver a powerful narrative within budget and on schedule.
Director, Screenwriter & Editor at Shadow Boxer
January 1, 2026 - January 1, 2026
Directed, wrote and edited a fiction short; collaborated with producers Alex Karakatsanis & Kimberly Lee to bring a compelling story to life.
Director & Screenwriter at The Hallway
January 1, 2024 - January 1, 2024
Directed and wrote this fiction short; Official Selections: Oakville Film Festival 2025, Toronto Shorts Int. Film Festival 2024, Joyce Forum Jewish Short Film Festival 2024, Austin Jewish Film Festival 2024.
Director at I Just Can't Stand You Anymore
January 1, 2024 - January 1, 2024
Directed, wrote and edited this fiction short.
Director & Editor at Making Slashers Great Again
January 1, 2024 - January 1, 2024
Directed and edited this mockumentary short.
Director & Co-Screenwriter at Round Three
July 1, 2018 - June 1, 2019
Directed and co-wrote this fiction short; Winner, Best Student Film - Only the Best Int. Film Awards 2022; Official Selections: Hollywood Int. Short Film Festival 2022, Buenos Aires Int. Film Festival 2022, Annapolis Film Festival 2021, Washington Jewish Film Festival 2020, and more.
Director, Screenwriter & Co-Editor at Suggestibility
January 1, 2017 - January 1, 2017
Directed, wrote, and co-edited this fiction short; Official Selections: Broadway Int. Film Festival 2020, Cefalù Film Festival 2018, Copper Coast Int. Film Festival 2018, Hyperfest Int. Student Film Festival 2018.
Director & Screenwriter at Disabled
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2016
Directed and wrote this fiction short; Winner, Audience Award, Sunlight Film Festival 2017; Official Selections: Cameroon Int. Film Festival 2020, Mediterranean Film Festival 2017, L.A. Cinefest 2017.
Director & Producer at Everybody's Mom
January 1, 2015 - January 1, 2015
Directed and produced this documentary short.

Education

Diploma, Film Production Program at Toronto Film School
October 20, 2023 - March 30, 2025
Bachelor’s degree B.Ed.F.A and Teaching Certificate at Beit Berl College, Faculty of Art - Ha-Midrasha Beit Berl, Israel
October 1, 2012 - June 1, 2016

Qualifications

Teaching Certificate
January 11, 2030 - January 25, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Other
    paper Condemned: Woodstock - Two Seasons, 10 Episodes

    Director

    Discover the history behind the notorious public hangings that took place in Woodstock, Ontario, Canada.

    Season 1 Trailer

    paper The Hallway (Short)

    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

    paper Shadow Boxer (Short Film)

    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

    paper Shadow Boxer (Short Film)

    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

    paper Round Three (Short)

    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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