Draft:Rony Efrat

Rony Efrat (born in 1990) is a French artist, writer, and researcher known for her work exploring the intersections of language, crisis, and technology. She has gained recognition for her contributions to digital art, creative writing, and education and her use of artificial intelligence in artistic expression. Efrat is celebrated for projects such as Failing Forward and IGLOÙ, which have received critical acclaim for their innovative approaches.

Early Life and Education

Rony Efrat was born in Tel Aviv, Israel, to a multicultural family. Efrat began university studies at 15. She earned a Master’s degree in Theater Studies from Université Paris 8 and a dual B.A. in Political Science (focusing on Journalism) from Venice International University and in Cinema and Theatre from Tel Aviv University.

Early Career in Film and Media

Efrat began working in the audiovisual industry at 17, gaining experience across France, the United States, and Israel. Over the course of her early career, she participated in multiple productions, holding roles such as production manager, set assistant, editor, and screenwriter. This early immersion in the industry laid the foundation for her later interdisciplinary artistic practices.

Digital Art and Failing Forward

Her film Failing Forward, produced at Le Fresnoy, marks a significant milestone in her career. Blending personal narrative with digital art, the film examines the role of artificial intelligence in reshaping memory, intertwining themes of love, loss, and the boundaries of recollection. Failing Forward received the ADAGP Révélation Art Numérique award in 2024, highlighting Efrat’s innovative use of digital tools and her ability to integrate ethical considerations into artistic expression.

IGLOÙ: A Platform for Creative Communities

In 2015, Efrat co-founded IGLOÙ, an interdisciplinary creation platform supported by the City of Paris. IGLOÙ served as a creative incubator, bringing together over 150 artists and welcoming thousands of visitors. Notably, it represented France at the 2018 Venice Biennale. The platform’s success earned the Médaille de la Ville de Paris, presented to Efrat by Mayor Anne Hidalgo.

Writing and Translation

Efrat is also an accomplished writer, excelling in literary translation, language manuals, poetry, and journalism. She has contributed to literary magazines such as Flora Fiction (2022) and Mikan Ve'eylakh (2018) with her poetry. Her translation work includes contemporary novels like Guillaume Rihs’ Aujourd'hui dans le désordre (2017) and Larry Tremblay’s L’Orangeraie (2015), as well as plays and poetry anthologies like Blue Does Not Make Noise: Contemporary French Poetry (1960-2020) (2021). Beyond creative writing, Efrat authored language resources such as Démarrez l'hébreu (2017) and L'hébreu dans votre poche (2016) for Éditions Larousse. From 2009 to 2013, she worked as a journalist for Haaretz newspaper, where she wrote in both Hebrew and English.

Education and Mentorship

Efrat has a strong background in education, having served as a Graduation Project Mentor at LISAA and a lecturer at INALCO and at Paul Valéry Montpellier III University. She has also worked on innovative e-learning programs and contributed to public sector consulting through her roles in the Department of National Education and DINUM. Passionate about fostering creative communities, Efrat has expressed her commitment to teaching as a way to inspire and connect others.

Awards and Recognitions

ADAGP Révélation Art Numérique award for Failing Forward (2024) Créart'Up Award, City of Paris, for IGLOÙ (2015) Elles Ensemble Award, Est Ensemble (2020) STEP Grant, European Cultural Foundation (2014) CultureLab Grant, Institut Français (2013) Best Screenplay Award for a short film, Jerusalem International Film Festival (2008)