Maya Zinshtein is an Israeli filmmaker and journalist originally from Russia. She has worked as a producer of documentaries, including “Thieves by Law” (2010), and as an investigative journalist. “Forever Pure” is her first feature documentary.
“Forever Pure” premiered at the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival on September 10.
W&H: Describe the film for us in your own words.
MZ: January, 2013. A secretive transfer deal transported two Muslim players into the heart of Israel and the Jewish oriented Beitar Jerusalem F.C., leading to the most racist campaign in Israeli sport. One season and one football team in crisis as power, money, and politics fuel a club spiraling out of control.
W&H: What drew you to this story?
MZ: As a journalist working in Israel, I was asked to make a short segment about the arrival of the two Chechen players. I was the first person they met in Israel. The piece aired after four days, but I understood the story had only just begun. So I decided to keep going.
W&H: What do you want people to think about when they are leaving the theater?
MZ: I would hope that people would think, “I have to get my children to watch this film,” as the next generation has the best chance to change how racism can destroy a society from within.
W&H: What was the biggest challenge in making the film?
MZ: During the filming, the most challenging part was finding a way into the closed, male-dominated — and at times violent — world of professional football, where I found I was a complete stranger.
W&H: How did you get your film funded? Share some insights into how you got the film made.
MZ: We spent one year pitching the film at different forums around the world, which lead to a breakthrough in funding opportunities. As well, other amazing organizations joined the project, such as the Sundance Institute and Tribeca Institute.
W&H: What does it mean for you to have your film play at TIFF?
MZ: It’s a massive victory for us!
W&H: What’s the best and worst advice you’ve received?
MZ: The best advice was to never to stop! And the worst advice was never to stop!
W&H: What advice do you have for other female directors?
MZ: Georgia O’Keeffe once said, “Men put me down as the best woman painter…I think I’m one of the best painters.” Therefore, don’t think of yourself as a female director but as a filmmaker with a story to tell.
W&H: Name your favorite woman-directed film and why.
MZ: Barbara Kopple is my favorite director, because she carved the way forward for all future female documentary filmmakers as we all follow in her footsteps. Plus, she is an incredible filmmaker who takes on challenging stories.
W&H: Have you seen opportunities for women filmmakers increase over the last year due to the increased attention paid to the issue? If someone asked you what you thought needed to be done to get women more opportunities to direct, what would be your answer?
MZ: A survey published in the New York Times a year ago showed that fewer women are running big companies than men solely named “John.” So it’s not exclusively an issues for cinema — there’s a discrimination in all areas of society.
I do believe that women directors are increasing, as we begin to see ourselves in different ways, but this doesn’t solve the inequality that still exists in the boardroom. How many women are CEOs of public companies? The change also needs to happen there, whereby women are supporting each other from many different angles.
