Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this episode, we sit down with Meyer Levinson-Blount, a film student at Tel Aviv University, to discuss his Oscar-nominated debut, 'Butcher’s Stain' - a short film which has already been recognised by the Academy when it won the Silver Medal at the 52nd Student Academy Awards in 2025.
Inspired by his own time working in a supermarket following the events of October 7th, Levinson-Blount explores the "collective trauma" and discrimination faced by Palestinians within Israel. The film follows Samir, a butcher who must prove his innocence after being accused of tearing down hostage posters to save his minimum-wage job.
Meyer discusses the technical challenges of creating suspense through tight close-ups, the metaphor of the "stain" of blame, and the "supernatural" experience of filming while Iranian missiles were targeting the region. From directing in a language he doesn't speak to the "roller coaster" of being shortlisted for an Oscar, this is a raw look at the power of human-centred filmmaking in a political environment.
👀 Watch the official trailer for Butcher's Stain youtu.be/QA8bARco_sg
🔔 Watch more interviews with visionary filmmakers on our channel: youtube.com/c/directorsnotes
🎥 Want to see your film here? Submit your work to Directors Notes: directorsnotes.com/submit
📬 Get filmmaking insights delivered: Subscribe to our free Newsletter: directorsnotes.beehiiv.com/subscribe
📷 Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/directorsnotes
🎧 Listen to our Podcast: pod.link/192507317
👍 **Loved this deep dive?** Hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and turn on notifications so you never miss a conversation with the world's best filmmakers.
💬 Join the Conversation
Meyer believes that in our social media age, we’ve lost the ability to speak on a human level. Do you think cinema is the best medium to bridge these political divides? Let us know your thoughts on Samir’s journey in the comments below!
** VIDEO CHAPTERS **
00:00 - Intro
02:20 - Why a Jewish Director Told a Story About a Palestinian Butcher
04:57 - The Meaning of the title "Butcher's Stain": Trauma vs. Stereotype
08:14 - Innocent Individuals Blamed During Times of Collective Trauma
11:54 - The Creative Community at Tel Aviv University
14:37 - How to Build Suspense with Camera Work on a Zero Budget
20:16 - Why the Protagonist Can't Fight Back
23:07 - Adding the Family: "He's Not Just a Palestinian, He's Samir"
28:11 - Filming Under Missile Attacks: The Reality of Production in Israel
31:36 - Directing in Arabic When You Don't Speak Arabic
35:29 - What's Next? From Short Films to Features
36:58 - Meyer's Short Film Recommendation
39:20 - The Oscars "I Have to Remind Myself I'm Nominated"
#oscars #academyawards #ButchersStain #MeyerLevinsonBlount #oscarnominee #foryourconsideration #shortfilm
In this episode, we sit down with Meyer Levinson-Blount, a film student at Tel Aviv University, to discuss his Oscar-nominated debut, 'Butcher’s Stain' - a short film which has already been recognised by the Academy when it won the Silver Medal at the 52nd Student Academy Awards in 2025.
Inspired by his own time working in a supermarket following the events of October 7th, Levinson-Blount explores the "collective trauma" and discrimination faced by Palestinians within Israel. The film follows Samir, a butcher who must prove his innocence after being accused of tearing down hostage posters to save his minimum-wage job.
Meyer discusses the technical challenges of creating suspense through tight close-ups, the metaphor of the "stain" of blame, and the "supernatural" experience of filming while Iranian missiles were targeting the region. From directing in a language he doesn't speak to the "roller coaster" of being shortlisted for an Oscar, this is a raw look at the power of human-centred filmmaking in a political environment.
👀 Watch the official trailer for Butcher's Stain youtu.be/QA8bARco_sg
🔔 Watch more interviews with visionary filmmakers on our channel: youtube.com/c/directorsnotes
🎥 Want to see your film here? Submit your work to Directors Notes: directorsnotes.com/submit
📬 Get filmmaking insights delivered: Subscribe to our free Newsletter: directorsnotes.beehiiv.com/subscribe
📷 Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/directorsnotes
🎧 Listen to our Podcast: pod.link/192507317
👍 **Loved this deep dive?** Hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and turn on notifications so you never miss a conversation with the world's best filmmakers.
💬 Join the Conversation
Meyer believes that in our social media age, we’ve lost the ability to speak on a human level. Do you think cinema is the best medium to bridge these political divides? Let us know your thoughts on Samir’s journey in the comments below!
** VIDEO CHAPTERS **
00:00 - Intro
02:20 - Why a Jewish Director Told a Story About a Palestinian Butcher
04:57 - The Meaning of the title "Butcher's Stain": Trauma vs. Stereotype
08:14 - Innocent Individuals Blamed During Times of Collective Trauma
11:54 - The Creative Community at Tel Aviv University
14:37 - How to Build Suspense with Camera Work on a Zero Budget
20:16 - Why the Protagonist Can't Fight Back
23:07 - Adding the Family: "He's Not Just a Palestinian, He's Samir"
28:11 - Filming Under Missile Attacks: The Reality of Production in Israel
31:36 - Directing in Arabic When You Don't Speak Arabic
35:29 - What's Next? From Short Films to Features
36:58 - Meyer's Short Film Recommendation
39:20 - The Oscars "I Have to Remind Myself I'm Nominated"
#oscars #academyawards #ButchersStain #MeyerLevinsonBlount #oscarnominee #foryourconsideration #shortfilm
