Elad Mukdas Revealed: "I Created the Smartphone Video, and I Also Have Future Plans"

About six months ago, a video on the battle against smartphones went viral. It was distributed almost everywhere possible, leaving a deep impact on all who watched it.

The creator of the video is signed as 'Elad - Like Dreamers', as he presented himself. However, today, six months later, Elad takes us behind the scenes. He is on the verge of producing a new and equally revolutionary short film, and now reveals his full name - Elad Mukdas. Nice to meet you. A ninth grader at Maor Tuvia Yeshiva who studied at the Jewish film school 'Torat HaChayim' and sees it as his mission to create videos with positive content. Videos full of messages and values. "That's why I went to study Jewish film, to convey messages to the public," he explains.

Not Crossing the Line

The mission he has taken on is certainly not easy. "The more I invested in these videos, the more I discovered how complex it is. Creating positive films, even within the Torah lifestyle, requires more than ensuring the actors uphold modesty boundaries. Usually, a narrative film structure has a conflict with two sides, typically one good and the other bad. So how do you depict the bad side without causing harm to the viewer?" he asks, adding an example: "If the hero has to undergo a crisis, then how do you tell that story in a non-damaging yet believable way? I believe that when you show something in a movie, you're not only reflecting reality, but also creating it. Therefore, it's crucial to always ensure you're gaining and not losing. Before I wrote the final script, I was guided by several rabbis from the yeshiva, and I investigated the nuances and principles in depth. I understand that an image, especially in visual media, is worth a thousand words. If you mistakenly show an incorrect or inappropriate angle, you can lose everything. There's tremendous responsibility here."

On the other hand, he notes, it's clear to him that this is an opportunity to impart strong messages to him as a yeshiva student. "After the vast distribution of the smartphone video, I suddenly realized the magnitude of influence we have through the visual media world. After the video was published across various channels and websites, I received numerous responses from different yeshivas and institutions.

"Incidentally, this is also why my logo's name is 'Like Dreamers'. I feel that in these creations, dreams are being fulfilled. Because my personal dream of making quality films and the dream of transmitting these messages to others are both being realized. I feel that this is a mission."

A Story of Love

Elad is currently working on producing a film that deals with a love story. "But in a surprising aspect," he says. "It's a love story with Torah. The protagonist of the story is a yeshiva student experiencing tension between study and action and thus decides to leave his studies and join his friends in entering a film production competition. They decide the movie will focus on completing the Shas in yeshiva. However, during the production, he becomes 'ignited' by the idea of completing Shas himself. His friends oppose his decision, arguing that he should finish the film first and then return to study, but he insists. His father, who is also the head of the yeshiva, also tries to influence him. In the end, things get complicated, leading to a happy ending which we'll keep behind the scenes for now."

Elad emphasizes that the inner trend that guided him throughout the scriptwriting was to highlight the passion for completing the Shas. "Before finishing the script, I tried to explore and understand why many people see Torah study, especially the Talmud, as a challenging and burdensome task. Even those who acknowledge the importance of studying Shas don't always succeed in experiencing it as something pleasant and rewarding that fills them with energy to wake up early in the morning, or even possible at all. However, in yeshiva, I was fortunate to meet friends and rabbis who experience Talmud study as a very positive experience, leading to early morning energizing awakenings.

"I believe a significant factor in connecting to the Talmud or any task is the inner perception someone has towards it. If a task is positively experienced emotionally and intellectually, it can inspire extraordinary action, even if it demands massive investment. We can see this in other endeavors people pursue in life, investing greatly as they find it meaningful and enjoyable. Showing love for Torah and connection to Shas study isn't just an external display, it's the absolute truth."

And what about the financial costs of production?

"Indeed, it's a serious challenge. Those familiar with the field know that significant funding is needed for high-level production. The target is 50,000 shekels. I hope to receive partial financial support from a fund, and we've launched a crowdfunding campaign. Additionally, actor Golan Azulai has agreed to star in the film. I'm very grateful to him and am also trying to recruit more actors for the other roles in the film."

Ultimately, Elad says he believes this film will resonate with many audiences. "The film's messages primarily target the religious and Haredi public who experience these challenges closely. They feel dedicated to and love the Torah, but are also connected, in the end, to the practical world. On the other hand, I expect interest as well from the traditional and even secular audiences who want to see the lifestyle and genuine dilemmas from within the yeshiva."

For the filming, he chose to shoot during the 'Between the Times', the yeshiva vacation period. "From a filming standpoint, it would be much easier to shoot during the ‘session’ when they study, but we're not here to cause Torah cancellation or disturb students. Moreover, when boys come to film during the vacation period, they'll actually sit by the Talmuds and learn. That way, even during production, we add more Torah," he says with a smile.