Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rotem Alima. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Rotem , thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
“Well, no one said life is supposed to be a picnic, right?”
Growing up in a small town in the countryside of Israel, I faced many challenges: being the youngest of six, and the child of immigrants. I encountered skepticism and mockery from my peers who couldn’t fathom my big dreams in the world of film and TV production. They would say, “Hollywood? Movies? You?! Ha ha ha, keep dreaming…” They called me Hollywood, not as a nickname, but to mock me. How dare I dream big when I am from a small, peripheral town in the Middle East?
Despite the adversity, my parents instilled in me a strong work ethic and a relentless pursuit of my goals. I recall sitting with my mother after another long day at work when she said, “I don’t know where you get your ambition from, and you never seem to give up.” I looked at her and said, “You’re kidding, right? I’ve been watching you my whole life.” “What have I done that was so exceptional?” she wondered. “Well, you’ve come here as an immigrant. You and Dad worked extremely hard to make sure your six children have everything they need, including education, preparing us for a better life.” “Well, no one said life is supposed to be a picnic, right?” She smiled.
Life was not a picnic in film school either, where I had to compete fiercely to prove my worth. And later, working in some of Israel’s leading production companies wasn’t a walk in the park. I was constantly “the outsider,” “that girl from the periphery,” “the new girl,” etc. It became the norm for me. If I weren’t being ridiculed or heckled, I would pinch myself to ensure I was in real life and not a simulation. The way I saw it, having to prove myself time and again was keeping me in shape. I was growing mentally and constantly sharpening my skills.
Being a woman of color in the industry has only strengthened my resolve. When they made fun of me for being different, I flipped the script and told them that they were right—I was unique. I’ve embraced my unique perspective and used it as a source of inspiration, knowing that diversity is essential and a powerful catalyst for innovation and change.
Moving to the U.S. alone, starting from scratch, and navigating a new industry demanded a special kind of resilience. I find strength in knowing that each challenge I overcome adds another layer to my story and empowers me to be a voice for those who may face similar obstacles. In essence, my resilience is a product of my past, a testament to my family’s sacrifices, and a commitment to breaking barriers in an industry where diversity is both a challenge and an opportunity. It’s a flame that refuses to be extinguished, fueled by the belief that my journey can pave the way for others to dream big and break through the limitations society may impose.
In addition to these experiences, I’ve had the privilege of being recognized as an Israeli Academy Award-winning producer. My movie “Paris on the Water” secured the Student Oscar, and I am proud to be a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree. Through my successful production company, we’ve collaborated with industry giants such as Samsung, Playtika, ZipRecruiter, and I’ve had the privilege of working with notable figures like Gal Gadot. It’s an honor to share stories that promote equality, celebrate love, and showcase the achievement of significant dreams.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
As a film and TV producer, my role is to bring stories to life, creating immersive and impactful experiences for audiences around the world. What excites me most about this work is the power of storytelling to transcend boundaries, connect diverse perspectives, and inspire change. Each project offers an opportunity to delve into unique narratives, whether it’s shedding light on untold stories, challenging societal norms, or simply providing a captivating escape for viewers.
What sets my approach apart is a commitment to authenticity and representation. Coming from a background where diversity was both a challenge and a strength, I strive to infuse my projects with a rich tapestry of voices and experiences. It’s not just about creating entertainment; it’s about contributing to a broader cultural conversation and amplifying underrepresented voices in the industry.
One aspect I find particularly special about my work is the collaborative nature of film and TV production. It’s a symphony of creativity, where each department contributes to the final masterpiece. From script development to casting, cinematography, and post-production, every step is a unique journey, and the magic lies in the collective effort of a dedicated team.
Specifically, one of my recent projects, which I was really honored to have produced, was a documentary named “There Is No Love Like This.” It follows the inspiring journey of a gay Israeli couple who traveled to the USA to fulfill their dream of having a baby through a surrogate. The documentary not only celebrates love and equality but also highlights the accomplishment of their significant dream of welcoming a baby girl into their lives. There were countless times that I felt goosebumps during filming, as those were such authentic and emotionally charged moments.
Projects like this give me the privilege to share important stories that promote inclusivity and showcase the beauty of diverse experiences. Looking ahead, I am eager to explore new avenues, collaborate with diverse talents, and continue championing meaningful narratives. The world of film and TV is dynamic, and I believe in the transformative power of storytelling to shape perceptions, challenge norms, and foster understanding. I invite our readers to join me on this journey, where each project is not just a creation but a celebration of the diverse tapestry that makes up our global storytelling landscape.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey in film and TV production, three key attributes have significantly shaped my path: resilience, adaptability, and the art of nurturing relationships. The three qualities that were instrumental in my journey are kindness and relationship-building, adaptability, and resilience. These are all evident in one poignant example.
A young filmmaker in her early 20s, who shares the same name as me, Rotem Alima, reached out to me. Having an unusual name, which was the same as mine, made this encounter both weird and funny—a good conversation starter. She faced many hurdles as a newcomer in the industry, and I decided to extend a helping hand despite our age difference and the fact that there was “nothing in it for me.” Over the course of a year, I found myself mentoring her, sharing insights, and offering guidance, fully aware that she might not have much to offer in return at that moment.
Fast forward to a pivotal moment in my career when I was shooting a TV show in Miami. I needed a specific location, and the owner was reluctant to engage with me. I was close to giving up, but then I said to myself, “Rotem, you’re not a quitter. You will find a way.” The next morning, I woke up, remembering that the “other Rotem” grew up in Miami. I reached out to her for help, and it turned out that her dad was acquainted with the location’s owner. Thanks to her connection, I was able to secure the location for the shoot.
As our professional relationship evolved, Rotem and I discovered an unexpected twist in the plot—we are actually related. This revelation has since led us to collaborate on a documentary showcasing the rich Jewish community that once thrived in Iraq, exploring both our family history and the broader cultural narrative.
This experience reaffirms my belief in the power of kindness and genuine connections. By offering support and mentorship without expecting immediate returns, we create a network that not only aids our individual journeys but also unfolds into unexpected opportunities and collaborations. It’s a testament to the interconnectedness of our professional and personal lives, and how cultivating relationships with authenticity and kindness, coupled with adaptability and resilience, can lead to remarkable outcomes.
So, to newcomers, I say: be perpetually curious and open to change. Engage with new ideas, keep abreast of industry shifts, and be prepared to pivot. Cultivate a mindset that sees hurdles as chances to hone your craft, with resilience fueling your relentless pursuit of excellence. And give before you receive.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
Over the last year, my life has been profoundly altered by my father’s declining health and his eventual passing. This period has been marked by deep sorrow, as my father was more than a parent to me; he was my closest ally and friend, with whom I shared an unbreakable bond. The distance between my family, especially my amazing mom in Israel and me in LA only intensified the difficulties of coping with his loss.
During this time of profound grief, I embarked on a journey to find a balance between mourning and seeking joy. The void left by my father’s absence has been overwhelming, yet I have come to understand the significance of celebrating his life by pursuing the happiness he always desired for me. This path of reconciling joy with sadness has been both challenging and transformative.
A pivotal part of my growth has been openness to new experiences and connections, even amidst sorrow. This phase has taught me that life encompasses a spectrum of emotions, and embracing this complexity has revealed an inner strength I hadn’t recognized before. My father’s legacy of wishing for my contentment and success fuels my commitment to lead a life filled with joy and purpose, in tribute to him.
This experience has underscored that personal growth often stems from adversity. It’s about harnessing resilience to transform grief into motivation, drawing on cherished memories and love to move forward. The pain of my father’s loss will forever be a facet of my life, yet it now serves as a driving force for emotional and personal development.
By sharing my experience, I aim to offer hope to others navigating their own trials. It’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the profound capacity for love, encouraging an embrace of life’s full emotional range. This journey highlights the strength found in sorrow and the potential for joy amidst loss, honoring the unyielding power of the human heart and the everlasting impact of love.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rotemalima.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rotem.alima/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rotem-alima/
Image Credits
Noy Dekel
