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Sunday, January 12 at 6pm O Cinema South Beach
Streaming January 13-23, 2025 Digital Screening Room

Israel | 100 minutes | 2024

Wanted: Roni Kalderon

International Premiere

From the stadiums of Tel Aviv to the criminal underworld, Wanted: Roni Kalderon captures the extraordinary life of one of Israel’s greatest sports prodigies—a footballer whose rise to fame and descent into infamy would inspire legends. Set against the vibrant backdrop of 1960s Tel Aviv, this electrifying film—an absolute must for all football lovers—charts the life of Roni Kalderon, a gifted young athlete who found refuge and recognition on the football field, dazzling fans as the star of Hapoel Tel Aviv, and quickly becoming the nation’s bright hope for the future of Israeli football. Recruited at just 17 by Ajax in the Netherlands and sharing a football pitch with the likes of Johan Cruyff, his career held the promise of international stardom and greatness. But Kalderon's journey took an unexpected twist, veering into the underworld and a life of international drug trafficking in the mold of Pablo Escobar. After a dramatic stint in a Brazilian prison and a daring escape, Kalderon vanished—his fate shrouded in mystery.

Told through gripping interviews and legendary tales, Wanted: Roni Kalderon unravels the myth and truth behind a football star who defied expectations, leaving an indelible mark on sports and crime history. Is he alive, hiding in New York, or has his story ended in violence? This is the story of a hero-turned-outlaw who blurred the line between stardom and infamy, inviting audiences to decide: where does legend end and truth begin?

This special premiere event will include the attendance of producer Jeff Hoffman, who will introduce the film and participate in a Q&A after the screening.

Director's Bio

Directed by Erez Laufer & Hilla Medalia

Director Photo
Erez Laufer is an award-winning filmmaker and editor who has collaborated with renowned directors like Chris Hegedus, D.A. Pennebaker, and Laura Poitras on Oscar-nominated projects. He is also a mentor in workshops worldwide, an active member of Rough Cut Services, and part of the American Academy of Motion Pictures. Hilla Medalia is a Peabody Award-winning and Emmy-nominated director and producer whose films have been showcased by leading international broadcasters and at top film festivals. She holds an M.A. from Southern Illinois University and is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Producers Guild of America.

Cast and Credits

Director

Erez Laufer & Hilla Medalia

Screenwriter

Erez Laufer, Hilla Medalia

Cinematographer

Avner Shahaf

Editor

Erez Laufer

Cast

Arie Bejerano, Tom Egbers, Shlomi Kalderon, Orly Krauss-Weiner

Film Info

Year

2024

Country

Israel

Run-time

100 minutes

Language

Hebrew with English subtitles
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