The Siena Film Foundation, an Israeli boutique film investment fund led by filmmakers and producers Dorit Hakim and Lee Shira, is broadening its scope to include major international film projects, marking a significant step into the Hollywood market.

The foundation’s initial foray into Hollywood is the upcoming crime thriller *By Any Means*, directed by Elegance Bratton and featuring Mark Wahlberg and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II in leading roles. Set in the 1960s, the film follows a Mafia hitman and a Black FBI agent as they investigate a series of civil rights-era murders in Mississippi. The movie is slated for release in the United States in September.

Following this, the Siena Film Foundation is preparing to back *The Housewife*, a psychological thriller centered around a New York Times journalist who uncovers the identity of a suspected former Nazi officer living in Queens, forming an unexpected bond with his polished wife. The film’s cast includes Naomi Watts, Tye Sheridan, and Michael Imperioli.

Founded by Dorit Hakim, whose credits include *Moon in the 12th House*, *Savoy*, and *Due West*, and Lee Shira, known for her work on *Footnote*, *Our Boys*, and *Scenes from a Marriage*, the foundation has an established record of supporting acclaimed documentaries and feature films. Its portfolio includes productions such as *Kafka’s Last Trial*, *Taboo: Amos Guttman*, and *Outsider. Freud*.

Siena Film Foundation’s expansion into high-profile international projects reflects a strategic effort to elevate Israeli filmmaking participation on the global stage by collaborating in financing and production of notable films beyond the local industry.