Director Guy Moshe on Hollywood Realities and Code Name Tehran
Israeli director Guy Moshe discusses his new film Code Name Tehran starring Liam Neeson and Zachary Levi, the realities of Hollywood, and his military past.
Director Guy Moshe arrived in New York for the premiere of his new action thriller, "Code Name: Tehran" (released as The Fix), alongside stars Zachary Levi and Liam Neeson. Reflecting on his decades in Hollywood, Moshe recalled a recent promotional stop where mentioning his past military service in the Israel Defense Forces completely shifted the room's atmosphere.
"The moment I said I was an IDF soldier in my youth, the vibe changed instantly," Moshe shared. "You could cut the air with a knife. People looked at me differently." Having served thirty years ago before transitioning to the arts, Moshe noted that his film is not political, yet the mere association with his military background immediately drew unfair labels.
Hollywood Realities and Moral Complexities
Moshe moved to the United States 29 years ago, spending 24 of those years in Los Angeles carving out a successful career as an independent filmmaker. Before entering cinema, he served in an elite unit operating in Gaza prior to the Oslo Accords. Faced with lucrative post-military offers, including security work abroad, he ultimately chose a creative path, driven by a desire to explore complex human stories.
"Code Name: Tehran" draws loosely on an urban legend heard from a CIA operative about cash left behind after the 1979 Iranian revolution. The plot follows veteran soldiers dealing with the fallout of the chaotic 2021 US withdrawal from Afghanistan, who head to Tehran to claim mythical millions. Zachary Levi stars as the rugged, trauma-driven leader, while Liam Neeson portrays the revered older commander.
Working with A-List Talent
Casting Neeson and Levi was a milestone for the indie production. Moshe praised Neeson's profound professionalism and generosity on set, noting that seasoned actors appreciate directors who stand by their vision. "These actors need to feel that you will protect them and not embarrass them in the final cut," Moshe explained.
As he balances projects between the United States and Israel, Moshe remains concerned about the polarized state of modern cinema, where nuance is increasingly difficult to find. Despite the hurdles, he expressed a strong desire to direct a film in Hebrew and collaborate with Israeli actors, bringing his unique international perspective back to his roots.
