RAZ DEGAN
DIRECTOR
WRITER
CINEMATOGRAPHER
ACTOR
SHOW HOST
OVERVIEW
Versatile film actor Raz Degan worked with acclaimed directors Oliver Stone, Julie Taymor, Robert Altman and Italian maestro Ermanno Olmi, among others.
As a cinematographer he was involved with the documentary "The Green Prince", which won the Audience Award for World Cinema at Sundance Film Festival.
Raz’s feature documentary “The Last Shaman” was executive produced by Leonardo di Caprio and is currently available on Netflix globally.
EARLY CAREER
Discovered in New York in the 90’s, Raz’s career commenced as a model featured in international publications and campaigns for brands such as Jägermeister, Pepe Jeans, and Loreal to mention a few. His popularity rocketed across Europe where he became a mainstream celebrity, particularly in Italy, appearing regularly on TV shows and series.
Life in the limelight paved the way to acting opportunities in theaters and TV films, and later he landed roles in international feature films.
ACTING
Raz earned a cameo role in Robert Altman's film ”Prêt-à-Porter”. In 2004, he secured the role of Darius III in Oliver Stone's film “Alexander” alongside A-list cast members Colin Farrell, Angelina Jolie and Anthony Hopkins . In 2005 Degan played the lead role in Ermanno Olmi's film “One Hundred Nails” which opened the 2007 Cannes Film Festival. In 2008-2009, he continued to star in various Italian films playing different roles including hero and villain. In 2009 he co-starred in Barbarossa, starring Dutch actor Rutger Hauer in the title role.
After years spent in front of the cameras, Raz turned the camera 180 degrees in search of his own artistic expression. This brought him back on the road, traveling the world in search of human stories that were bigger than fiction. His passion for photography and film-making led to a vast body of works that include commissioned and self-produced works.
BEHIND THE CAMERA
“MISTERO” WRITER/HOST
In 2010 Degan developed content and hosted a documentary TV series, “Mistero” that aired primetime for the leading Italian national broadcaster. The show investigated topics related to the paranormal, mysticism, conspiracy theories and pseudo-science in general. Degan collaborated on the show for two seasons (over 20 episodes).
WORLD TRAVELER
Born and raised in an Israeli Kibbutz at the borders of Lebanon, Syria and Jordan, and thereafter serving in the Israeli military forces, Degan developed a natural propensity for action from a young age. He fuelled his passion for adventure and discovery traveling to over 100 countries including some of the most dangerous territories in the world. From Tajikistan through Afghanistan toward Tibet and Nepal, he crossed the Silk Road on foot. Degan also ventured across Africa, Asia and South America where he lived extended periods in the Peruvian Amazon.
Through his travels, Degan honed his survival skills that later helped him win the Italian edition of “Survivor” in 2017. In 2018 SKY Network Italia commissioned Degan his own TV series ”Raz and the Tribe” in the roles of executive producer, writer, co-director and host.
PERSONAL
PERSONAL LIFE
Raz Degan was born on August 25, 1968 on an Israeli kibbutz to American mother and Israeli father. He speaks English, Italian, and Hebrew fluently.
HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS
Through his extensive travels, Degan honed an acute ability to relate with the lesser fortunate. An active humanitarian, Degan has been involved with Fondazione Telethon Italia since over 10 years, and with UNHCR since 2017 with the Educate a Child in Syria Project.
OTHER PASSIONS AND PROJECTS
Following extensive travels to India, Raz dedicated much time to becoming a Yogi and learning the Hindu philosophies. Raz also supported various emerging artists in his art gallery in Milan, Italy. Between his travels and creative projects, Raz is growing his organic farm on his property in the south of Italy.
Pret-a-Porter, 1994
Sorellina e il principe del sogno, television, 1996
Squillo, 1996
Uncut 1996
Coppia omicida, 1998
Le ragazze di piazza di Spagna, television miniseries 1998
Titus, 1999
Giravolte, 2001
Alexander, 2004, in the role of Darius III
Film Privato, television, 2004
Centochiodi, (One Hundred Nails) 2007
Albakiara, 2008
Barbarossa, 2009, in the role of Alberto da Giussano
Deauville, 2010
Omamamia 2011 as Silvio
Forces spéciales, 2011 in the role of Ahmed Zaief
The Green Prince, 2014 - cinematographer
The Last Shaman, 2016 - director, cinematographer, writer, producer
Raz and the Tribe, 2017-18
The Lost Sadhu, in production - director, DOP, writer, producer