Menahem golan biography

1. Menachem Golan: A Cinematic Visionary
2. Theatrical Beginnings
3. Filmmaking Legacy
4. Hollywood Domination
5. Later Years

Menachem Golan: A Cinematic Visionary

Menachem Golan, born Menachem Globus in Tiberias, Israel, comes from a family of Polish immigrants who settled in the 1920s. He adopted the surname "Golan" while serving in the Israeli Air Force during the War of Independence. After fighting in the Jordan Valley and the liberation of Tiberias, Golan pursued theater education in London.

Theatrical Beginnings

Golan graduated with honors from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) and continued his training at the renowned Old Vic School. Upon his return to Israel, Golan was welcomed as an assistant director at the Habima Theatre. He directed plays by Petri Frey, Ephraim Kishon, and Igal Mosinzon, and founded the children's theater "Tilon." In 1960, he ventured to New York University to study filmmaking, joining a group working with the renowned producer-director Roger Corman.

Filmmaking Legacy

Golan returned to Israel in 1963 and directed his debut film, "Eldorado," featuring Haim Topol and Gila Almagor. The film won the "Kinor David" award. In 1964, he directed "Dalya and the Sailors" and began collaborating with his cousin, Yoram Globus.

Together, they established the film company "Sirtei Noah," named after Golan's father. Throughout the 1960s and '70s, they produced dozens of films, some of which became Israeli cinematic favorites. Their film "Operation Yonatan" gained international acclaim, earning Oscar and Golden Globe nominations.

Hollywood Domination

In 1978, Golan and Globus relocated to Hollywood and acquired the modest Cannon Group. In 1980, they released "The Apple," a science fiction film infamously included in lists of the worst movies ever made. Despite initial setbacks, they eventually solidified their status as Hollywood producers.

Later Years

After selling Cannon Group, Golan and Globus parted ways. Menachem Golan founded "21st Century Films," producing films such as "Captain America" (1990). After the company's closure, he reunited with Globus. In the late 1980s, Golan and Globus established a cinema chain in Israel.