Snails in the Rain

Casting

Snails in the Rain was the film directed by Yariv Mozer. To better understand the challenges, he decided to act in the film himself, taking on the role of Professor Richlin. Mozer studied under esteemed acting coach Ruth Dytches in preparation for this role. Mozer has stated he wanted to improve before he attempted to direct others. The director goes on to explain, “I chose him [Prof. Richlin] because his story is more like my own. I felt more like him, and could identify with him.”

Filming

Citing Tom Ford’s A Single Man as inspiration, Mozer and cinematographer Shahar Reznik opted to stick with a documentary-style favorite and shoot with the Sony F3, an older camera known for its Super 35 sensor and excellent delivery of highlights and aliasing. Or, in layman’s terms: Mozer and Reznik achieved lovely use of light and color in a completely authentic, yet vintage-style picture.

Central Theme

Snails in the Rain has a gay-themed backdrop which is based on a short story. “I was moved by the story,” recalls Yariv Mozer. The director says: "It was very unusual to find gay literature in Tel Aviv. In fact, in some places it is still very much controversial.”