I’m Shahar Shamay - a Toronto-based filmmaker, director, and editor.

I started Dawn Films as the creative home for stories that resonate, challenge, and inspire.

My work spans fiction, documentary, and hybrid genres, often diving into psychological tension, identity, and the resilience of the human spirit. Over the years, I’ve directed the gripping true-crime series Condemned: Woodstock and award-winning shorts such as Round Three, Shadow Boxer, The Hallway, and Disabled - each project marking a step forward in my storytelling journey, pushing me to explore new depths of emotion, style, and narrative complexity.

With each project, I grew as a filmmaker, learning something new about storytelling, character work, and about the power of film to captivate people.

I’m hands-on from the very first spark of an idea to the final frame on screen. I develop concepts, write scripts, direct on set, and shape performances and pacing in the edit suite. My years as a picture editor and 1st assistant director have given me a deep understanding of both the creative and logistical sides of filmmaking - from crafting emotional tone and visual rhythm to keeping productions on track, on time, and on budget.

One moment that sticks with me happened on the set of The Hallway. We filmed one intense scene over two nights, with limited crew and tight schedule. The energy was intense, and the lead actress was visibly exhausted. Rather than push harder, I stepped back and reminded the team and myself - that sometimes the rawest, most honest takes come when you let the tension breathe. That moment of patience led to a shot that became the emotional heart of the film. It’s moments like these that remind me that filmmaking is as much about human connection

as it is about technical skill.

My roots in both the Israeli film industry and Toronto’s creative community have shaped me into a filmmaker who values collaboration, cultural exchange, and the blending of influences. I’m drawn to projects that challenge the audience and the artist alike - stories that don’t just entertain, but linger long after the credits roll.

Every project is a partnership built on trust.

When someone hands me their story, I treat it with the same care and commitment as if it were my own. That’s the responsibility, and the privilege of being a filmmaker.