Producer David Kaplan Sets WWII Drama 'Triumph of the Will' with 'Unorthodox' Star Shira Haas

The film, written and directed by Gabriel Nussbaum, follows a woman who flees Amsterdam for Berlin in 1937 to start a new life with her daughter.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Independent producer David Kaplan, known for the Sundance-winning film 'Josephine,' has set his next project, the WWII drama 'Triumph of the Will,' with 'Unorthodox' star Shira Haas in the lead role. The film, written and directed by Gabriel Nussbaum, follows a woman who leaves her husband in Amsterdam in 1937 to start a new life with her daughter in Berlin, where she becomes involved with a firebrand rabbi on a mission to help Jews escape the country.

Why it matters

Kaplan's decision to produce 'Triumph of the Will' in New York, rather than filming on location, highlights the growing trend of filmmakers choosing to shoot in their home cities to support local crews and economies. The film also explores the moral dilemmas faced by those trying to flee Nazi Germany, with a child at the center of the story.

The details

In 'Triumph of the Will,' Haas plays a woman who takes up with a firebrand rabbi in Berlin as they try to help Jews escape the country. The film also stars Samuel Levine, Tony-nominated Betsy Aidem, Simon Helberg, John Carroll Lynch, and Philip Ettinger. Despite the period setting, the producers were able to re-create Amsterdam, Berlin, Lisbon, and Oklahoma entirely in New York, where Kaplan's company is based.

  • The film is currently in post-production.
  • It is set during World War II, with the main events taking place in 1937.

The players

David Kaplan

An independent producer whose latest film, 'Josephine,' won awards at Sundance. He founded production company Kaplan Morrison three years ago.

Shira Haas

An Israeli actress best known for her roles in the Netflix series 'Unorthodox' and 'Shtisel.'

Gabriel Nussbaum

An American filmmaker who wrote and directed 'Triumph of the Will.'

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This good man is trying to help people get out of Berlin, but he is perhaps more focused on doing good work than he is on saving himself or his new family. It starts as a romantic drama about somebody trying to find happiness, have the life they want, even if it's slightly irrational.”

— David Kaplan, Producer (Variety)

“We're all New Yorkers and we wanted to shoot there for casting and also for the crew. If you can make a movie in the place you live, it's great because then you're spending money on your friends, on your community, on your tax base. I understand the economic argument of going somewhere else, but we got to spend money and it goes right back into our city.”

— David Kaplan, Producer (Variety)

What’s next

The film is currently in post-production and is expected to compete at upcoming film festivals.

The takeaway

Kaplan's decision to produce 'Triumph of the Will' in New York, rather than filming on location, highlights the growing trend of filmmakers choosing to support their local crews and economies by shooting in their home cities. The film also explores the moral dilemmas faced by those trying to flee Nazi Germany, with a child at the center of the story.