Hall of Fame: Sam Firstenberg

Director Sam “Shmulik” Firstenberg may not have set out to become a filmmaker synonymous with the action genre, but when Cannon impresarios, Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus, tapped Firstenberg to direct 1983’s Revenge of the Ninja the wheels were set in motion.

Sam Firstenberg would become one of Cannon’s “go to guys” during the company’s heyday, helming no less than five of Cannon’s action classics from the 1980’s… the aforementioned Revenge of the Ninja, the 1984 follow up Ninja III: The Domination, the first two American Ninja movies with Michael Dudikoff and Steve James. And last but not least, 1986’s Avenging Force, also starring Dudikoff and James. These five movies alone are enough to earn Sam a Hall of Fame spot, but he wasn’t done yet…

In the early 90’s, Firstenberg would work for Cannon for the final time directing American Samurai starring David Bradley and Mark Dacascos. The film was an attempt to start another action franchise for a company that built their reputation on action franchises… but Cannon was not long for this world at that point and Firstenberg would soon find a new home… Nu Image.

Firstenberg’s Nu Image directorial credits include Cyborg Cop and Cyborg Cop II, Blood Warriors, The Alternate and Operation Delta Force. While these films may not be as beloved as Firstenberg’s work from a decade prior, they did beef up Firstenberg’s already impressive action resumé and proved Firstenberg was a master at delivering the best product he could and under budget.

Firstenberg was also the director of Riverbend featuring Steve James’ in a rare starring role. Firstenberg would reunite with Michael Dudikoff one last time for 2002’s Quicksand. Sam even directed Hulk Hogan and Robert Vaughn in 1998’s McCinsey’s Island.

Sam has not directed a movie since 2003, but he’s kept busy. Thanks to Sam’s participation in various documentaries and Blu-ray commentary tracks in recent years, fans have had the opportunity to see and hear from the man who helped bring so many beloved action movies to life.

Sam “Shmulik” Firstenberg has been honored at various film festivals around the world for his contributions to the action entertainment genre and rightfully so. Now I would like to bestow one more well deserved honor upon Mr. Firstenberg by officially inducting director Sam Firstenberg into the Bulletproof Action Hall of Fame.