Ari Davidovich is film director, producer, and writer specializing in documentary filmmaking. His works have been widely screened in cinemas, broadcast on television, and presented at various film festivals. Beyond his work behind the camera, Ari is a dedicated lecturer, host, and consultant, sharing his knowledge and passion for storytelling with others.
Born and raised in Haifa, Ari holds a degree in Psychology and Humanities from Haifa University, and a master’s degree in Media and Journalism from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. His journey into filmmaking was shaped through years of collaboration with renowned filmmakers and deep engagement with Israeli cultural discourse.
In recent years, Ari has focused on creating biographical documentaries that spotlight Israeli cultural icons. His notable works, that have received both audience acclaim and critical praise, include:
IF THIS WORLD WERE A SEA (2024), tells the life story of Israeli poet Natan Yonatan.
SHAI K., brings the untold story of Shayke Ophir, one of Israel’s most beloved actors.
BIRD IN THR ROOM (2015), a film exploring the mysterious life and tragic death of poet Tirza Atar, which won the Judges’ Award at the Haifa Film Festival.
and WAITING FOR GODIK (2007), the story of the rise and fall of iconic theathre producer Giora Godik, the first “king of musicals” in Israel.
In addition, Ari directed the film MY CHAMPION (2010) on the journey of Israeli boxing champion Merhav Mohar, and produced the films ALL HAPPY MORNINGS (2012), BEAR WITH ME (2013), and HOLDING IT IN (2020) – all explore social issues and LGBTQ+ themes.
Ari has played a key role in developing the Israeli documentary scene, initiating and producing Doc Challenge Israel, an annual short documentary film competition, where more than 70 films by young creators on various subjects and aspects of society were produced. He also served as the chief editor of the MADE FOR WEB conference and competition for original web series creation in collaboration with YouTube.
In addition to his filmmaking, Ari has organized renowned workshops with industry leaders, including screenwriting expert Robert McKee and acting coach Ivana Chubbuck, empowering filmmakers and actors to refine their skills.
Ari has significantly contributed to the Israeli cinema and cultural landscape by serving as a program consultant for the Docaviv Film Festival, a member of the Fringe Committee of the Ministry of Culture, and a board member of the Israeli Documentary Forum. In recent years, he has also served as a judge at film festivals, a guest lecturer at various film schools, and an elector for film funding bodies.