Producer David Kaplan Sets 'Triumph of the Will' With 'Unorthodox' Star Shira Haas

The sprawling WWII period film is written and directed by Gabriel Nussbaum.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Independent producer David Kaplan, known for the award-winning film 'Josephine,' has set his next project 'Triumph of the Will' with a cast led by Shira Haas of 'Unorthodox' fame. The film, currently in post-production, is a sprawling period drama set during World War II and written and directed by American filmmaker Gabriel Nussbaum. Haas plays 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 track record of producing acclaimed independent films, combined with the star power of Shira Haas and the timely World War II setting, make 'Triumph of the Will' a highly anticipated project that could garner significant attention on the festival circuit and in the awards season conversation.

The details

In addition to Haas in the lead role, the film's cast includes Samuel Levine, Tony-nominated Betsy Aidem, Simon Helberg, John Carroll Lynch, and Philip Ettinger. 'Triumph of the Will' is written and directed by Gabriel Nussbaum, an American filmmaker.

  • The film is currently in post-production.

The players

David Kaplan

A Brooklyn-based independent producer whose latest film 'Josephine' won awards at Sundance and will compete at the Berlinale.

Shira Haas

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

Gabriel Nussbaum

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

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The takeaway

With an acclaimed producer, a rising star in Shira Haas, and a timely World War II setting, 'Triumph of the Will' is poised to be a festival favorite and awards contender that could bring increased attention to independent cinema.