By Mark White
Nitay Dagan stands as a formidable force in the contemporary entertainment landscape, a multi-hyphenate talent whose work spans writing, directing, editing, and content creation. Hailing from Israel and a distinguished graduate of the Sam Spiegel School of Film and Television, Dagan has cultivated a diverse portfolio that ranges from award-winning campaigns to internationally acclaimed short films and viral social media series. His innovative approach and keen storytelling abilities have garnered recognition at prestigious global festivals, including Cannes, Venice, and Tribeca. This article delves into five key film projects that underscore Dagan’s versatility, artistic vision, and significant impact on the industry.
1. Eddie and I
Among Dagan’s most anticipated works is “Eddie and I,” a groundbreaking Virtual Reality (VR) experience co-created with filmmaker Maya Shekel. Dagan served as the lead screenwriter for this immersive project, which champions empathy and understanding across diverse populations. Utilizing cutting-edge hand-tracking recognition technology, “Eddie and I” uniquely teaches sign language, offering an accessible and engaging educational tool. The film has already garnered significant international attention, being selected for the prestigious VR program at the 2025 Venice International Film Festival. It will be featured within “The Venice Immersive” section, a curated presentation of 69 projects from 27 countries, running from August 27 to September 9, 2025. An esteemed International Jury, including Eliza McNitt (President), Gwenael François, and Boris Labbé, will oversee the VR section. “Eddie and I” is a testament to Dagan’s commitment to socially conscious filmmaking, co-produced by Moosh Studio, Reynard Films, and Studio Geppetto, and distributed by Astrea Immersive.
2. Faygeleh
Another significant entry in Dagan’s filmography is the poignant short film “Faygeleh.” While directed by Muriel Naim, Dagan played a crucial role as co-writer and editor, contributing significantly to its narrative and visual rhythm. This acclaimed film made its premiere at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, marking its international debut and garnering critical attention. “Faygeleh” also boasts an impressive production team, including industry heavyweights Sean Baker (renowned for “The Florida Project”), NEON (the studio behind “Parasite”), and Kodak, lending considerable weight to its artistic and technical credentials. Dagan’s involvement in “Faygeleh” highlights his skill in crafting compelling short-form narratives and his collaborative prowess in bringing a powerful story to life.
Credit – Ariel Hadar
3. Friend Zone
Demonstrating his comprehensive talent as a singular creative force, Dagan took on the triple role of writer, director, and editor for his project “Friend Zone.” This hands-on approach underscores his ability to meticulously craft a vision from conception to final cut, ensuring a cohesive and personal artistic statement. “Friend Zone” represents a project where Dagan’s unique artistic voice is prominently featured, showcasing his complete mastery of the filmmaking process, from scripting the narrative to guiding the performances and meticulously shaping the final edit. This project further solidifies his reputation as a versatile and complete filmmaker capable of overseeing every stage of production.
4. Failing Forward
Nitay Dagan’s diverse involvement in the entertainment industry extends to projects like “Failing Forward,” a creation attributed to Rony Efrat. While Efrat is credited as the creator, its inclusion among Dagan’s top projects indicates his significant contribution to its development or execution. Given Dagan’s extensive background as an editor, director of reality shows and commercials, and a versatile content creator, it is plausible his expertise was instrumental in bringing “Failing Forward” to fruition in one or more of these capacities. This project showcases Dagan’s collaborative spirit and adaptability across various production roles, reinforcing his pivotal role in multi-hyphenate projects within the industry.
5. Brooklyn Coffee Shop Series
Rounding out this selection of his top five projects is the “Brooklyn Coffee Shop” series, the first comedy created exclusively for social media, created by and starring comedian Pooja Tripathi, featuring the worst Brooklyn coffee shop baristas. Dagan directs the series via Zoom and edits it. its inclusion among Dagan’s key works underscores his wide-ranging interests and his continuous exploration of different storytelling formats and themes. This project is a further testament to his prolific output and his commitment to developing diverse content that resonates with audiences, hinting at another captivating addition to his growing portfolio.
A link to the Brooklyn Coffee Shop Instagram page \ A link to the Brooklyn Coffee Shop tiktok page
Beyond the Top 5: A Multifaceted Talent
Beyond these five projects, Dagan’s influence permeates various facets of the entertainment world. He is the acclaimed co-creator of “Movie Eaters,” Israel’s leading film podcast, where he also serves as a creator and moderator, fostering critical discussion around cinema. His commercial work includes content creation for major brands like PETA, Campari, and Samsung Israel, as well as directing reality shows such as “Big Brother Israel” and campaigns for the Strauss Group. As a screenwriter, his contributions extend to the popular TV series “Kfoola” and the aforementioned award-winning VR experience “Eddie and I.” His diverse career even includes acting roles in several films and TV series, and a significant stint as a creative manager at Zivlin ad agency, painting a comprehensive picture of an artist truly immersed in every aspect of media production.
Nitay Dagan’s journey from a film school graduate to an internationally recognized filmmaker and content creator is marked by relentless innovation, strategic collaboration, and a profound dedication to storytelling. His top five film projects, from the empathetic virtual reality of “Eddie and I” to the deeply personal “Friend Zone” and the acclaimed collaborative “Faygeleh,” illustrate a versatile artist unafraid to explore new technologies and narratives. As he continues to push boundaries and bring unique visions to the screen and beyond, Dagan remains a pivotal and exciting voice in the global entertainment industry, with future projects eagerly anticipated by critics and audiences alike.
