Netflix picks up Ottoman-era Israeli drama ‘Beauty Queen of Jerusalem’
First ten episodes drop May 20, with star Michael Aloni dubbing own character into English for international audience
Jessica Steinberg, The Times of Israel's culture and lifestyles editor, covers the Sabra scene from south to north and back to the center
Netflix will screen the Israeli historical melodrama “The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem,” dropping the first ten episodes on May 20.
The streaming platform will air the first half of the series in selected territories, including the US, UK, France and Spain, with the second ten episodes of the first season coming out on July 29.
In a local first, star Michael Aloni dubbed his own character on the show into English for international viewers. Aloni is known to many Netflix viewers as the lead Akiva from the hit series “Shtisel,” and from the Israeli show “When Heroes Fly,” which is also on the streaming platform.
“The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem,” adapted from the novel by the same name written by Sarit Yishai-Levi, also stars Hila Saada (“Beauty and the Beast”), Itzik Cohen (“Fauda”), Yuval Scharf (“McMafia”), Mali Levi (“The Angel”) and introduces newcomer Swell Ariel Or who plays Luna Ermosa, the titled Beauty Queen of Jerusalem.
The costume period melodrama is set from the early- to mid-20th century, telling the story of a family living in Jerusalem during the Ottoman Empire and British Mandate periods of the city.
“The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem” won four awards at the Israeli TV Academy Awards, including Best Daily Drama. Shot throughout the country, it is considered one of the most ambitious Israeli series to date.
Created by Shlomo Mashiach (“Your Honor”), and directed by Oded Davidoff, production of season two will begin in early June.
