'Pini' takes part in Ireland film festival
Ynet's Web series screened in Dublin alongside Israeli films 'Beaufort', 'Jellyfish'. 'Pini represents Israel's smiling face,' says Jewish state's ambassador to Ireland
The 10 episodes of the first season were presented during the festival alongside selected Israeli productions, including critically acclaimed films like "Jellyfish", "A Matter of Size," "Once I Was," "Noodle," "Beaufort," "Five Hours from Paris" and others.
The series was screened at a cultural center in Dublin's Temple Bar district, and viewers were served with Israeli dishes from Chef Pini's "kitchen".
Carla, Pini and Tom. Here comes second season (Photo: Tom Bradley)
Israeli Ambassador to Ireland Boaz Modai said the festival's aim was to present "the Israel we know and love", and Pini's character as a sharp, witty and direct person who characterizes today's Israeli society.
"Israel is perceived in Ireland only through the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and with a one-sided and pro-Palestinian bias. We hope the Israeli films, including the 'Pini' episodes, are able to present a different face of Israel – a face with a smile, humor and love for fellowman."
"Pini" is a comedy series which follows Pini Ben Tovim, an Israeli who completed his military service as a cook in and travels to London to become a successful chef, using his personal charm and chutzpah.
The differences in mentality, the language barrier and the cultural differences create comical situations typical of Israelis traveling abroad.
The series includes a mixture of English, Hebrew and French. It was shot in London and Paris.
The show's producers are Udi Shadmi and Tomer Barzide, who also plays the lead role of Pini.
Following the success of the first season, which was viewed by more than two million people, Ynet has decided to purchase two more seasons. The second season will be aired on Ynet in early 2012, and is expected to be greater, longer and even more surprising.
More than 60 actors from 12 different countries have been cast for the second season, which was shot with an unprecedented budget for an Israeli Web series.
The new season will star model Tal Berkovich, who will play Pini's cousin; Miss London's first runner-up Naomi Young, who will break Pini and Tom's hearts; Stéphane Cornicard, who played the role of Jean in Steven Spielberg's "Saving Private Ryan"; David Chrysanthou, who starred in British film "The Inbetweeners"; and Steven Ho, who starred in many BBC productions.
Click here to watch the first season
