Lawrence Bender, the acclaimed American producer whose collaboration with Quentin Tarantino created cinematic masterpieces like "Pulp Fiction" and "Kill Bill," spoke to Israel Hayom in July while visiting Israel.
Video: Lawrence Bender speaks with Israel Hayom / Credit: Moshe Ben Simchon
Bender told Israel Hayom about the new series he is working on, which focuses on the October 7 massacre, the emotional experience of getting to know survivors' stories and about the importance he attributes to standing alongside Israel.
The interview took place at the opening ceremony of the Jerusalem Film Festival in July, some two weeks after the war with Iran had ended, where he was honored for his advocacy work supporting Israel since October 7 and his distinguished career in filmmaking.
Q: We are here at the Jerusalem Film Festival where you are being recognized for your efforts supporting Israel since October 7. How does this feel?
"Honestly, it just feels great. It feels that I feel like I'm home, you know, and it's great to be in Israel. It's great to be in Jerusalem. We had a wonderful shoot just a couple of months ago. I filmed with Keshet and my Israeli partners Green Productions, Maya Fischer, Shani Sror, I just couldn't be happier.
Q: As you mentioned, you are working on a series focused on October 7. How has this entire experience unfolded? What details can you share?
"Unfortunately, there are an enormous amount of stories that one can tell about October 7. But we chose a few families. I mean, it's really about ordinary people kind of becoming superheroes in their own way, having to survive that horrific attack. We have a great cast here in Israel. We have a, we had a great crew. It was really a deep experience."
Q: You probably was exposed to very harsh testimonials. What was it like?
"Yeah, I went to Nir Oz, Be'eri, Re'im, Sderot. I went to the Hostage Square every Saturday night. People came and visited – survivors, people who had lost loved ones – came to visit the set. Yeah, it was very hard. It was very hard and very emotional. And I feel blessed that I was able to do that."
Q: What are your thoughts regarding today's festival and Israeli filmmakers?
"First of all, the fact that this festival is even happening after the war is extraordinary. The, I mean, the fact that they could pull it off in a couple of weeks [after the war with Iran], this kind of massive event, is on, is a pretty big feat. We just started watching movies. I won't say which ones I watched, but I've watched an incredible movie already. And I'm excited to watch more."
Q: Why did you feel it's important to speak out for Israel and to come here today?
"You know, first of all, I'm Jewish. Israel is where my soul is. And October 7, obviously was a horrific, barbaric act. And then somehow the world turned against us; it's not really understandable, but I feel like every one of us needs to do our part."
Q: What would you like to say to those who have big, big dreams and want to be like you?
"Follow your dream, and work hard, and don't stop, and don't give up."
