Shmulik Kraus: Behind Blue Eyes

The documentary presents a nuanced portrait of Shmulik Kraus, who is often regarded as the founding father of modern Israeli music. It explores his tumultuous life marked by creativity, mental illness, and personal challenges. His manic depressive illness led to a cycle of hospitalization, yet his dedication to music remained unbroken.

Through a combination of archival footage, intimate interviews, and scenes filmed over two years, the documentary reveals the deeper layers of Kraus’s personality. It portrays him as a human being facing his vulnerabilities, providing insight into his psyche during the final stages of his life. This portrayal offers a thoughtful reflection on the impact of his work and the struggles he faced until his unexpected passing in 2013.