Director Levi Slams 'Corrupt' US TV, Champions Art Series

Director Hagai Levi, acclaimed for "The Affair" and "In Treatment," introduces "Etty," a series born from a decade-long vision, adapted from the diaries of Etty Hillesum. Initially conceived as a film, the project expanded, resulting in a six-episode series described by Levi as "a film split into six episodes."

Levi expresses concern over the decline of "arthouse television," particularly in the U.S., which he believes has become "corrupt" due to excessive violence. He contrasts this with his own work, calling "Etty" a passion project, much like his previous endeavors.

The series draws from the writings of Etty Hillesum, a Dutch Jewish writer who perished in Auschwitz in 1943. However, Levi adamantly states that "Etty" is not a Holocaust story, nor a WWII narrative, but rather a contemporary exploration of finding inner strength and the meaning of solidarity, intended to resonate with modern audiences.

Levi is indifferent to commercial success, focusing instead on the audience's engagement with meaningful art. He emphasizes that his work, funded entirely by European money and not involving Israel, aims to show the relevance of Hillesum's message today, avoiding sensationalism and focusing on her spirit of resilience. He also touches on the complexities of cultural boycotts, advocating for selective action rather than broad punishment of the artistic community.