‘In Treatment’ Creator Hagai Levi Makes a Case for ‘Arthouse Television’ with ‘Etty,’ Talks Cultural Boycott of Israel

Levi's Bold Vision for 'Etty' Takes Center Stage at Venice

Hagai Levi, the acclaimed Israeli creator behind hits like 'In Treatment,' 'Scenes from a Marriage,' and 'The Affair,' has premiered his latest project, 'Etty,' at the Venice Film Festival. The six-episode drama series offers a contemporary retelling of the life of Etty Hillesum, a Jewish woman in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam whose diaries captured her profound personal transformation amid rising persecution. Levi screened all episodes in a special out-of-competition showcase, drawing attention for its intimate exploration of the human spirit.

What sets 'Etty' apart is Levi's decision to transplant Hillesum's story into a modern setting. Instead of strict historical recreation, the series portrays characters as today's urban dwellers facing occupation-like threats, making her struggles feel immediate and relatable. Julia Windischbauer stars as the 27-year-old Etty, evolving from a neurotic, self-absorbed student to a figure of remarkable resilience and faith. Sebastian Koch plays her therapist and lover, Julius Spier, guiding her through emotional turmoil. Filmed in Dutch and German across real locations from Hillesum's life, including her Amsterdam apartment building, the production spans France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy.

Levi first encountered Hillesum's diaries a decade ago, after leaving his Orthodox Jewish upbringing. The writings reshaped his views on spirituality and God, inspiring this project as a beacon of hope. In a festival statement, he emphasized universal lessons over Holocaust specifics, noting parallels to Anne Frank while focusing on inner growth. Critics have praised the series for its psychological depth and Windischbauer's intense performance, though some find its meditative pace challenging for mainstream viewers.

Championing 'Arthouse Television' in a Streaming Era

Levi positions 'Etty' as a prime example of what he calls "arthouse television"—prestigious, artist-driven series that prioritize depth over commercial formulas. Known for pioneering intimate, therapy-focused narratives in 'In Treatment' (remade worldwide as 'BeTipul' in Israel), Levi argues this format allows for bold storytelling unbound by network constraints. The series' total runtime of over five hours demands viewer commitment, mirroring the slow-burn intensity of European cinema.

Produced by Les Films du Poisson, Komplizen Serien, Topkapi Films, and others, with support from Arte France and European funds, 'Etty' embodies international collaboration. Levi has not worked in Israel for a decade, channeling his energies into global projects that tackle universal themes like hatred and self-discovery. He describes the series as an "escape from hate," crafted amid Israel's post-October 7 divisions. This arthouse approach, Levi suggests, fosters empathy in divided times, proving television can rival film's artistic prestige.

“Etty’s firm stand against hatred, the inspiration she gives you to find an inner space within yourself where you are free and protected and the radical solidarity she offers us, show that she has never been as relevant as she is now.”

Navigating Boycotts and Cultural Tensions

Levi's Venice appearance also spotlighted broader cultural debates, including calls for a boycott of Israeli artists amid geopolitical strife. Open about Israel's "internal hatred" post-Hamas attacks, Levi uses 'Etty' to counter despair, urging solidarity over division. He has faced scrutiny for working abroad, yet insists his stories transcend borders, promoting humanity's shared resilience. The series' European premiere underscores his global appeal, challenging boycott narratives by highlighting collaborative art.

Hillesum's real-life arc—from diary entries in 1941-1943 to her voluntary work in Westerbork camp before Auschwitz—mirrors Levi's themes of autonomy amid atrocity. By modernizing her tale, he bridges past and present, inviting reflection on today's conflicts. As 'Etty' eyes 2026 broadcasts, it stands as Levi's testament to art's power against isolation.

In summary, Hagai Levi's 'Etty' blends personal revelation with timely advocacy for thoughtful television, while confronting cultural boycotts through stories of endurance and hope. This Venice debut reaffirms his stature as a storyteller bridging divides.