The Israeli mastermind behind some of Netflix’s most successful shows of all time, including Fauda, Shtisel, The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem, and The Devil Next Door, will provide an exclusive briefing to community members in Southern New England on Sunday, June 25, at the Mark Twain House & Museum.

Selected twice as one of Variety’s “Top 500 Global Media Leaders,” Danna Stern, the founder and managing director of In Transit Productions and Founder of the Israeli-based yes Studios, has played a crucial role in securing Israelis a place as an international television powerhouse. 

Stern will headline Jewish National Fund-USA’s community-wide event, “From Blue Box to Netflix,” co-chaired by Eric Berg and Robin Santiago, where she will dive into the “secret sauce” of the popularity of these shows worldwide. In addition, she will discuss the magic behind the Israeli television industry and its impact on entertainment across the globe.

“At this point, I would even say they are beyond television shows, I think they are brands,” Stern said in an interview on Jewish National Fund-USA’s IsraelCast podcast. “You don’t keep that level of excitement going if it’s just a TV show…it resonates more than that and it slowly raises constant discussion, debate, scholarly studies, gossip — just a whole world [beyond the show].”

Attendees will also learn about Jewish National Fund-USA’s game-changing initiatives in Israel’s Negev and Galilee regions and the various ways in which residents in Southern New England can be part of the exciting developments happening for the land and people of Israel. 

“We are looking to bring everything that’s positive and uplifting about Israel to our Southern New England community. The meteoric success of the Israeli television industry is yet another miraculous story,” said Event Co-Chair Eric Berg. “This is a rare opportunity that we don’t usually get in our region — to hear from a renowned industry expert, responsible for bringing Israeli hits Fauda, Shtisel, Your Honor, The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem, and The Devil Next Door to Netflix. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from this incredibly talented and accomplished industry insider,” added Event Co-Chair Robin Santiago.

For more information or to register for the event, visit jnf.org/SNEbluebox or contact Dar Nadler, JNF-USA Israel Emissary, New England & Capital Region at dnadler@jnf.org.

PHOTO: Danna Stern