Shahar Shamay
Directing
Biography
Shahar Shamay is a Toronto-based filmmaker, originally from Rishon LeZion, Israel, working across directing, picture editing, and first assistant directing. Known for his bold visual style, emotional precision, and immersive storytelling, he brings a hands-on approach to every stage of the filmmaking process, from development to final cut. His work spans fiction, documentary, and hybrid genres, often exploring psychological tension, identity, and human fragility. Whether leading a narrative short or managing a complex production, Shahar combines artistic sensitivity with technical discipline. His directorial credits include the true-crime series Condemned: Woodstock, the psychological drama Shadow Boxer, his personal family story in The Hallway, and the award-winning Round Three. Across all his projects, he aims to craft films that are visually compelling and emotionally resonant. As a picture editor, Shahar has shaped a wide range of independent films, working closely with directors to enhance tone, rhythm, and narrative clarity. His editing is marked by a strong sense of pacing and attention to detail. Shamay also has a strong background as a 1st assistant director, coordinating productions with precision and leadership, drawing on both his creative instincts and previous military experience to run efficient, focused sets. Shahar holds a B.Ed.F.A degree from Beit Berl College in Israel, and has graduated with Distinction from Toronto Film School. Shamay continues to pursue meaningful, high-impact storytelling. He is deeply involved in all aspects of the filmmaking process and committed to pushing creative boundaries while fostering strong collaboration on and off set.
Known For
On his deathbed, Catrín confronts Death not to ask for more time but to understand why she saved him 20 years earlier. When she denies it, his desperate search for answers forces her to reveal the truth: she is in love with him. After a final, tender moment, she lets him go, leaving herself alone forever.
Calaverita A La Muerte (A Death Poem Dedicated to Death)
The main character of the film is Ophira (Dina Limon), a drawing teacher, who is retiring. With the daily routine no longer needed, she decides to fulfill a long-held dream of becoming an artist. Ophira asks her husband to clear out one of the rooms in their house to create a studio, and she asks her friend, a renowned gallery owner, to organize an exhibition for her future paintings. Despite not receiving much support from either of them, she starts working on her art. However, it soon becomes clear that Ophira doesn't really know what to paint about. The film explores the refusal to age and the aspiration to understand oneself at any age.