Israeli Dramedy Fifty Sells to ARTE

Banijay Rights has licensed the International Emmy-nominated Israeli dramedy Fifty to the French and German broadcaster ARTE.

The Hebrew-language dramedy tells the story of 49-year-old widowed screenwriter Alona Nachmias, who is struggling to raise her three children: 22-year-old Carmel, 17-year-old Yali and 11-year-old Shira. Alona has two important goals to achieve before she turns 50: to sign a development deal for a comedy series and to have sex—by the end of the season, she will achieve one of these.

Produced by Endemol Shine Israel for Israeli broadcaster Yes TV, the eight-part series is created by novelist and screenwriter Yael Hedaya (Betipul/In Treatment). Directed by Daphna Levine (Euphoria), the comedy-drama stars Ilanit Ben-Yaakov (Your Honor).

Isabelle Queme, senior VP of sales for French-speaking EMEA at Banijay Rights, said: “Fifty is a witty take on the life of a 49-year-old widow as she navigates family responsibilities with attempts to land a script development, and the desire to have sex again. Along with the emotional rollercoaster she faces going through menopause, this story has all the elements that make life interesting, and we expect Fifty will resonate strongly with audiences across France and Germany.”

Hedaya, creator and screenwriter, added: “Fifty is inspired and fueled by the charged particles of my life as a writer and a single mother by choice, of three children. The single part was not by choice, but the kids were. Everyone admires me for my courage, but the truth is I was probably just exploring new methods of self-destruction. When I turned 50, I decided to let nature do the job, so that I can sit back and enjoy being an aging dysfunctional parent.”