From Bar Mitzvah Film to Groundbreaking Cinema: The Journey of Yonatan Fisher

Who among us hasn't sat through a Bar Mitzvah event, enduring the traditional clip where every child dreams they're the next big star? When Yonatan's brother reached Bar Mitzvah age, just like many families in Israel, the Fisher family aimed to delight the boy with a special clip for the occasion — but with a unique twist. "I've always loved making films. My younger brother enjoys acting, so we decided to produce a short feature film for his Bar Mitzvah," shares Yonatan Fisher, who manages social activities at a yeshiva with 700 students and is also a producer. Yonatan approached a screenwriter who volunteered to write a short film for them, and together with actor Moshe Folkenflik, they produced "The Passage in the Desert."

The star of the film was Yonatan's brother, who took on the role of a boy dreaming of conquering the world. He envisions fame, a Tesla, and through the film learns what truly matters. "We didn't plan for the film to turn out so well," Yonatan smiles. "During the Bar Mitzvah, we received a lot of feedback that deeply moved me. The praises that surprised me most were about the film's quality content." Although initially intended for the Bar Mitzvah celebration alone, the positive reception led to its prominence on many Charedi sites, even reaching audiences in France and beyond the observant community.

"The production quality was so high, people worried there was a terrorist"

"Today, there's a concept known as Charedi cinema," explains Yonatan Fisher. "But delving deeper reveals it's often women's Charedi cinema. My aspiration is to revitalize Charedi cinema for men as well. In the past, the well-known Groybes company successfully created such films, but had to stop due to piracy issues. I believe success is possible again; we just need to try." So far, Yonatan Fisher has created several short films for children, aiming to produce high-quality, meaningful content. "Kids are watching screens anyway, and I want them to consume quality Jewish content."

Recently, Fisher produced "My Messenger," a heartfelt film about a child worried as his father fights in a battle. The child tries everything to help him win. The film illustrates, in a uniquely woven plot, the immense power the child finds in prayer and Torah study for his father's success. This compelling storyline and the challenges faced by the child reflect the harsh realities many children confront. It's uplifting to see someone channeling their productions toward a meaningful purpose during such times. "During the film's production, we depicted the Gaza conflict. Actors dressed as soldiers in full combat gear were so convincing on the streets of Tel Aviv, that when a couple passing by saw us filming, they thought it was an IDF operation... They feared there might be a terrorist, and were astonished to learn it was a film production by a Charedi team."

"I operate on an almost nonexistent budget"

Fisher's journey isn't without challenges. In addition to his full-time job as a program coordinator, he navigates the bureaucratic hurdles of production, creating something out of nothing with budgets scraping the bottom. He remains present on-set, performing his dual role as director. Despite the difficulties, he encourages Charedi creators: "Don't stop trying. Even if it's hard initially, and you're not seeing profits, keep at it. We must create more high-quality films. It's a powerful tool for conveying deep messages."

Even as a child, Fisher gathered neighborhood kids for reciting Tehillim on Shabbat, and by age twelve, he orchestrated a major event for over a hundred children and parents. Today, besides being a social coordinator and producer, he has initiated a special program where young children learn with yeshiva students and continues to act wherever he sees a need. "At school, you'll find me playing soccer with the kids," Yonatan smiles. "I'm with them and feel what they experience. In activities, I make sure all kids participate. If I see a child not joining in, it bothers me immensely, and I work to integrate them."

What's next for you in the film production arena?

"So far, I've focused on producing films within the Chabad community and for children. My aim is to continue creating films for an older Charedi audience. There's a great thirst in the Charedi community for quality films, we just need to find the right platform."