Keshet International & De Mensen Co-Developing Diamonds Drama

Keshet International (KI) and Belgian producer De Mensen are teaming up for the drama Diamonds, which focuses on an ultra-orthodox Jewish family working in the diamond industry.

The Flemish-, English- and French-language project is largely set in Belgium and follows the story of the Wagner family. When their youngest son commits suicide, his long-estranged brother, Noah, who has abandoned the orthodox life, returns from America shrouded in mysterious intentions. He is forced to dig deep into the dark criminal underbelly of the diamond trade.

Diamonds is based on an idea from De Mensen’s Jan Theys, who will be producing the series. it will be written by Israeli writers Rotem Shamir (Fauda, Hostages, 300) and Yuval Yefet (Stardrive7, Last of You), who are working in association with Belgian writer Paul Piedfort (Aspe, The Hell of Tangiers, The Rodenburgs, Professor T).

The companies have started talks with potential international co-producers and co-financiers.

Atar Dekel, the head of global original drama at Keshet International, said: “We are delighted to be working with our valued partners De Mensen to develop this series. We knew instantly what a brilliant idea it was when Jan Theys pitched it to us early last year. We all loved the story immediately. This co-development, brokered by Anke Stoll, our director of acquisitions and co-productions, shows the strength of KI’s ability to attach highly talented Israeli writers and directors to International projects. We want to give stories like Diamonds an organic and true co-production model.”

Theys, executive producer for De Mensen, added, “There couldn’t be a more natural combination of talent to tell this unique story about the diamond trade. KI and De Mensen are both ambitious companies, driven by creativity in content and Diamonds will be reflective of that.”