"Kugel"
Israel’s global streaming platform IZZY is set to exclusively launch "Kugel", the highly anticipated prequel to "Shtisel", on Friday, February 28th to its subscribers across more than 110 nations globally, it was announced by Nati Dinnar, Co-Founder & CEO, IZZY.
"Kugel" (8 x 45’) is written by co-creator and writer of Shtisel, Yehonatan Indursky, directed by Erez Kav-El and produced by Fremantle, Abot Hameiri (a Fremantle company) and Menuetto Film. Executive Producers are Dikla Barkai, Guy Hameiri and Eitan Abot for Abot Hameiri, Hattie Burles, Olivia Sleiter and Hilary Martin for Fremantle, Jay Ruderman for Boston Rose, Dganit Atias Gigi and Uzi Karin for YES.
The series was commissioned by Israeli Network, YES, who were also the original commissioners of the Shtisel series in Israel and is distributed by yes Studios. "Kugel" is supported by Screen Flanders and the Belgian tax shelter, in collaboration with BNP Paribas Fortis Film Finance. Fremantle handles global sales.
IZZY will be launching the title in 12 different languages, including English, Hebrew, Yiddish, French, Spanish, Turkish, Arabic and Portuguese. IZZY is already home to all three seasons of "Shtisel", the world-wide phenomenon that followed the lives of the extended Shtisel family - a warm, closely-knit, and argumentative ultra-Orthodox family in Jerusalem. "Kugel", written by Shtisel co-creator Yehonatan Indursky, marks the eagerly awaited return of father and daughter Nuchem (Sasson Gabay) and Libi Shtisel (Hadas Yaron).
Nati Dinnar, Co-Founder & CEO, IZZY explained how the announcement of the premiere boosted the arrival of new subscribers:“We are thrilled to bring 'Kugel' exclusively to IZZY subscribers across the globe starting February 28, a series that we know millions of 'Shtisel' fans have been waiting years to watch,. After we announced 'Kugel' was coming only to IZZY in 2025, we have seen record numbers of subscribers signing up for our platform from nations all over the world. And not only can subscribers enjoy 'Kugel' on IZZY, but also all three seasons of Shtisel and many more exceptional series and films from Israel’s leading storytellers," commented.
Years before her future husband, Akiva Shtisel, was even a twinkle in Libi’s eyes, she lived in Antwerp, Belgium with her father, Nuchem. Nuchem is a charming jewellery dealer, unafraid of bending the rules to make a sale. But when his wife Yides (Mili Avital) finally tires of his swindling and says she wants a divorce, their family life is thrown into disarray - Nuchem spends his days trying to save his marriage and achieve his dream of one day being a mogul, and his nights courting Pnina Baumbach, a recently-widowed woman who inherited a restaurant that specializes in fine Jerusalem-style noodle kugels. Throughout the series, Nuchem must learn to balance his ambition in business alongside the needs of the three women in his life.
In light of her parents’ crumbling partnership, and despite her age (22), Libi is yet to find a suitable match. Instead, she devotes all of her energy and resources to becoming a successful writer. But then, a chance encounter with an orthodox man on the Antwerp tram throws a wrench into her plans. Libi must decide whether the path to success for her lies in marriage, love, or pursuing her dream of being an author.
Told with the same authenticity, humor and delight that made Shtisel a worldwide hit, Kugel follows the pair as they navigate hijinks and heartbreak in Europe’s ultra-Orthodox community. The series celebrates how every person is as complex, individual, surprising, and addictive as a slice of delicious kugel.
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