Swell Ariel Or, an Israeli actress and advocate, is making waves in Hollywood with her latest project, the film 'Tankistas'. This war drama, inspired by true events, showcases the IDF's first all-female tank unit during the deadly Oct. 7 Hamas attacks. Or's involvement in the film is not just an acting role but a personal mission to advocate for Israeli women and Jews. Her journey to Hollywood is fueled by a desire for authentic storytelling and meaningful narratives that accurately represent her people.
What makes Or's approach unique is her rejection of traditional Hollywood pursuits. While many rising actresses chase award nominations and lucrative brand endorsements, Or prioritizes her mission. She believes that the industry's focus on awards and elite circles can be detrimental to the art of storytelling. "I think that, of course, the Oscars matter and Hollywood, but I've seen what it does to the industry," she says. "I just feel as a storyteller that it hurts — that's not what we're telling stories for."
Or's commitment to her cause is evident in her viral Instagram post for ARISE for Israel, an alliance dedicated to reinforcing Israel's security and economy. She emphasizes her disregard for Hollywood's elite circles and her focus on honest representation. "I don’t care about the Oscars. I don’t care about Hollywood. I don’t care about doing the biggest, greatest career... I care about honest representation of who we are," she asserts.
'Tankistas' stands out in the combat film genre due to its unique approach. It is a feminist film written by women, based on a true story, and set in Israel. Or's character, a captain leading an all-female tank unit, is a departure from typical war films that often portray female heroes from a distance. "The world is obsessed with female heroes, but so often, I feel like it's from the wrong reasons," she says. "This film is very unique because if it was an American film about an all-female team company in World War II, it would check all the boxes. But this is Israeli."
Or's personal connection to the story is profound. She served in the IDF before pursuing her acting career, and she spent time with the real-life women of the combat unit on which the film is based. This experience adds depth to her portrayal of Israeli women in combat, a community she believes is often misunderstood. "I feel like this community is so misunderstood," she says. "You don't have a lot of stories that portray so many layers at the same time of a woman who's a commander in combat."
Beyond 'Tankistas', Or is actively involved in various podcasts and media commentary, addressing antisemitism and advocating for authentic representation of Jewish and Israeli women in entertainment. Her efforts have earned her recognition as one of the most powerful voices for Israelis and Jews in Hollywood, according to ARISE for Israel. Or's passion for storytelling and her commitment to representing her homeland have made her a prominent figure in the industry, despite facing backlash and concerns about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Or's dedication to her craft and her advocacy work has made her a notable figure in Hollywood. Her ability to balance her acting career with her mission to represent Israeli women and Jews is a testament to her passion and dedication. As she continues to make her mark in the industry, Or's impact on the world of entertainment and her advocacy for her people will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.
