Heart Thieves
The Story Behind the Story
"Heart Thieves" began not as a planned documentary, but as one friend's desire to help another during an unthinkable time.
Rotem Sivan and I first connected through our shared passion for guitar. Over the years, our friendship deepened through conversations about music, creativity, and the endless pursuit of artistic expression. So when the holiday season of 2024 passed without our usual exchanges, I assumed Rotem was simply caught up in the typical chaos of new parenthood with his twins.
It wasn't until January 2025 that I learned the devastating truth: six-month-old Eden had been diagnosed with a rare brain tumor, and the family was living in a New York hospital. My immediate instinct was to help in whatever way possible—perhaps creating a fundraising video or some other practical support.
But as Rotem and I talked more, something profound emerged. Here was a jazz musician whose album celebrating his newborn twins had suddenly taken on entirely new meaning. The songs he'd written in joy were now being played in hospital rooms, transformed from celebration into medicine. I realized we weren't just looking at a family in crisis—we were witnessing the most powerful demonstration of music's capacity to heal, adapt, and sustain us through our darkest moments.
What started as an offer to help became a recognition that this story needed to be preserved and shared. Not just for Rotem's family, but for the countless others who would find strength in seeing how creativity responds when life takes its most unexpected turns.
"Heart Thieves" documents this transformation with intimate access and observational storytelling, capturing moments that reveal music's true purpose: not just as entertainment, but as medicine, connection, and hope when we need it most.
Through careful, respectful filmmaking, we're creating both an artistic document and a resource for families navigating similar journeys—showing that even in our most vulnerable moments, the human spirit finds ways to create, connect, and heal.
Partner With Us
We believe this story has the power to reach and help families around the world. If your organization shares our vision of supporting resilience, creativity, and healing through storytelling, we'd love to explore partnership opportunities.
Contact us: contact@portlandpictureworks.com
Follow Rotem's Musical Journey
Experience Rotem Sivan's artistry and follow his ongoing story across his platforms: