Known for Directing
Israeli filmmaker and writer, Nadav Lapid first worked as a sports journalist before undertaking a film career. He directed three shorts while at film school, before being selected in 2008 to take part in the Résidence of the Cinéfondation at the Cannes Film Festival, where he wrote the screenplay for his first full-length feature: Policeman. Shot two years later, the film follows the day-to-day life of Yaron, member of an Israeli anti-terrorist unit which clashes with a group of young far-left radicals. In 2013, he wrote and directed The Kindergarden Teacher, which was presented in a special screening at the 2014 Cannes International Critics' Week. In it, Sarit Larry plays Nira, a school teacher who becomes captivated by a five-year-old boy who has an astonishing gift for writing poems. She decides to help him, no matter what it costs, develop his talent. Through his films, Nadav Lapid offers a singular insight into the society of his own country, with characters at the crossroads of the public and personal spheres, where politics and private life meet.
Born
April 8, 1975 (age 51)
Birthplace
Tel Aviv, Israel
Filmography
33 films


Yes
2025 · 2h 32m
country: Israel
In the days following October 7, Y., a jazz musician, and his wife Yasmin, a dancer, resolve to say yes to everything. Y. and Yasmin sell their bodies and souls to the highest bidder, surrendering themselves and their art to Israel’s social, political and military elite. Soon, Y. is entrusted with a mission of the utmost importance: to compose the music for a rousing, ruthless new national anthem.


La première
2024 · 7m
country: France
Somewhere in the future, a star wakes up on her birthday, during her premiere at an illustrious festival.


Ahed's Knee
2021 · 1h 49m
country: Israel
An Israeli filmmaker throws himself in the midst of two battles doomed to fail: one against the death of freedom in his country, the other against the death of his mother.


The Star
2021 · 17m
country: Israel
In an anxious and isolated world, paralyzed by the fear of the pandemic, one woman is determined to get a kiss -- lips touching lips -- from the Star of her dreams.


Synonyms
2019 · 2h 3m
country: Germany
A young Israeli man absconds to Paris to flee his nationality, aided by his trusty Franco-Israeli dictionary.


From the Diary of a Wedding Photographer
2016 · 40m
country: Israel
Y., a wedding photographer, marries one bride, kills another and returns home.


Why?
2015 · 5m
country: Unknown
The 40-year-old director Yoav was asked by the editor of “Cahiers du Cinéma” to write about the potency of a specific cinematographic image. Yoav recalls his first encounter with Pasolini’s Teorema, back when he was still a soldier in the Israeli army. Nadav Lapid has created an alter ego director. In just a few scenes, Lapid condenses the moments that have ultimately altered the director’s life. Lama? is an extremely personal film that tangibly illuminates the vast potential inherent in cinema.


Love Letter to Cinema
2014 · 50m
country: Unknown
Love Letters to Cinema is a collection of ten "letters” in the form of short films (4 minutes each), written and directed by ten outstanding Israeli directors. The films and the directors conduct a dialogue, whereas the directors create a short film with their unique voice, bringing to the audience a group of work that reflects on cinema.


The Kindergarten Teacher
2014 · 2h
country: Israel
A teacher discovers in a five year-old child a prodigious gift for poetry. Amazed and inspired by this young boy, she decides to protect his talent in spite of everyone.


Policeman
2012 · 1h 45m
country: Israel
A member of an Israeli anti-terrorist unit clashes with a group of young radicals.


Emile's Girlfriend
2006 · 48m
country: Israel
In Tel Aviv, Yoav receives a visit from Delphine, the girlfriend of Emile, his boyfriend from Paris. Their day together in the city confronts their mutual expectations in the face of a complex Israeli society.


Road
2005 · 15m
country: Israel
On a desert road, a couple makes love in front of a monument where, a year earlier, four Palestinian workers had kidnapped their Israeli boss in a protest against the injustices of the Israeli occupation.
Mahumud Works in the Industry
Mahumud Works in the Industry
2004 · 4m
country: Israel
Nadav Lapid’s first short film.