Cinema’s Bruno Hoffmann and Dan Lacey recently spent some time in Israel shooting, filming, and experiencing life in a war zone. We hit them both up with a couple of questions to see what it was really like.
You guys just got back from Tel Aviv, Israel. That must have been pretty insane being that close to a war zone? You guys were Tweeting about hearing missiles hit close by. That must have been pretty crazy?
Lacey: It was an experience to say the least. Nothing has kicked off in Tel Aviv for 20 years, we’re there half an hour and the air raid siren kicks off. It was scary as fuck man, you could never predict when it was gonna’ happen. We just had to hit spots when we could.
Bruno: Yeah, it felt pretty crazy in the beginning for sure. After hearing the sirens go off and rushing to the shelter room a couple times it wasn’t as bad anymore. Also, because we were aware of the fact that Israel had a really strong army and the so-called “Iron Dome” that shoots down almost every Rocket from the Gaza Strip. I was kinda scared of the suicide attacks, which could happen almost anywhere and anytime…
What was Israel like for riding? Seems like there’s been more videos popping up this year from Israel. What are the spots like and would you ever go back?
Lacey: It is unbelievable for riding. Seriously, the spots are completely ridiculous. And they’re everywhere. You can find almost any kind of set up you could think of riding. Yeah, a bunch of guys been out there before, AK and Simone most recently droppin’ an edit, which was fucked up from start to finish. I’d debate goin’ back on the condition is WASN’T gonna kick of at all. Fuck that shit.
Bruno: The spots are crazy good! Weather wise it felt like Barca or Malaga and also the spots reminded me a little bit of those cities, but then on the other side it has it’s own vibe. Because of the conflict we didn’t really get to go around the country, so I’d definetly go back there. I guess it was just bad timing for us and everything is quite and nice for another 10 years.
Where will all the footage and photos be going from your Israel trip? Lacey’s Albion interview?
Lacey: I shot the last photos for my Albion interview while I was there filming for my latest Chain Reaction edit. I got all the photos I needed and I got a copy of it as write this e-mail. So stoked on how it came out.
Bruno: I guess I’m about to do some sort of Federal video, but I’m not sure yet. Picture wise I’m not sure either. I just kinda went along!
What’s your plans for 2013? Lacey, you’re getting surgery on your foot soon right?
Lacey: I think I might hold off surgery until I’ve finished filming for my Dub section. In March. I’ve filmed most of my enders for my part so it should be sound gettin’ the rest done. So yeah, once I finished filming that then I’m gonna’ get surgery.
Bruno: So far I haven’t really planned anything yet. Probably stay around home and then try to hit Barca to film some with DUB Crew. Other than that I will try to make it out to America around January/February.