Doc 'Jonathan Agassi Saved My Life' Wins Film Fest Prize

Doc 'Jonathan Agassi Saved My Life' Wins Film Fest Prize

JERSUSALEM  — The documentary “Jonathan Agassi Saved My Life” has been awarded the Best Israeli Documentary Film prize from the recently concluded Jerusalem Film Festival.

Director Tomer Heymann’s film was chosen “due to its powerful main character and narrative that reflects society’s complexity,” the festival said. “A rare and intimate look at the world of porn and escorting, as well as a unique mother and son relationship, redefining familiar family norms.”

Heymann has described Agassi as “the biggest porn star to ever have come out of Israel.”

He told Screen Daily a chance encounter with Agassi in Tel Avi piqued his interest in the performer. “He was charismatic, sexy, beautiful. My friends told me I was crazy because I didn’t know that he was a hugely famous porn star,” he said. “I Googled him and I learned he was everywhere.”

The two eventually met in Berlin. “I came to meet him in a hotel and it was strange — after a minute I realized he thought I was trying to have sex with him,” Heymann recalls. “I told him it was a different offer, so he went back to his room, dressed, and asked me what I wanted.”

Agassi revealed he’d just turned down a lucrative offer to appear on the Israeli version of the “Big Brother” reality television show. He agreed to collaborate with Heymann under one strict condition: the filmmaker had to convince Agassi’s mother to participate in the film.

“It took me time to convince her but we built trust over weeks and months and eventually she told me she trusted me to do the film,” reveals Heymann.

The film follows Agassi over an eight-year period and examines his life from childhood to the present day. “Jonathan is a symbol for this generation,” the director said. “He is young, gay and has the freedom and the luck to have any fantasies he wants without being in the closet.”

An alternate edit of the film contains explicit footage from Agassi’s adult oeuvre. Both versions are being “tweaked” for further festival screenings. Heymann praised the Jerusalem Film Festival for choosing the spotlight his film in what he describes as a “conservative political climate.”

For the festival prize announcement, click here.

Click here to read the entire interview with Heymann at Screen Daily.

Ahead of its world premiere at the Jerusalem Film Festival, Vienna-based Autlook Filmsales snapped up the doc for worldwide representation. Click here for that story.

Heymann Films is on Twitter here.

Image source: Agassi Instagram

Copyright © 2024 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

TeamSkeet Debuts New Series 'PervMassage'

Fanta Sie stars with Erick Everhard in the first episode of the new TeamSkeet series, “PervMassage."

Adult Industry Reacts to Trump Victory

On Tuesday, former President Donald Trump was reelected, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris to reclaim the office he lost four years ago.

Angel Windell, Katie Davis Headline Latest 'Lesbian Seductions'

Angel Windell and Katie Davis topline the 80th edition of “Lesbian Seductions,” from Girlfriends.

ERIKALUST Releases 'Texas Ride 'Em'

ERIKALUST has released its latest scene, “Texas Ride ‘Em.”

Ema Karter Makes Her Blacked Debut

Ema Karter has made her debut for Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint Blacked, alongside Jax Slayher.

Scarlett Alexis Featured, Anna Claire Clouds Guest Hosts on 'Adult Time Podcast'

Scarlett Alexis is the latest guest on the “Adult Time Podcast,” hosted by studio CCO Bree Mills and guest host Anna Claire Clouds.

Penthouse Names Krystal Harper Its November 'Pet of the Month'

Penthouse Magazine has named model Krystal Harper as Pet of the Month for November.

Sinatra Monroe Toplines New Digital Playground Comedy 'Single Minded'

Sinatra Monroe headlines the new comedy feature from Digital Playground, titled "Single Minded."

Adult Time Launches New Series 'Preggo World'

Adult Time has released the first episode of its new series “Preggo World,” titled “18 & Pregnant.”

Alexis James Makes Her Tushy Raw Debut

Alexis James has made her debut for Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint Tushy Raw, alongside Victor Ray.

Show More