Testament to both its quality and authenticity, SBS’s hard-hitting new crime drama East West 101 has been sold to both the Middle East and Israel.
Set to hit Australian television screens on December 6, East West 101 is an authentic portrayal of a multicultural crime squad of detectives based in Sydney’s western suburbs.
The SBS series is produced by Knapman Wyld Television with support from the Film Finance Corporation and the New South Wales Film and Television Office.
Its central character is Muslim detective Zane Malik played by Don Hany who struggles to balance work with his cultural and religious beliefs.
Pitted against the other detectives in the squad played by (among others) William McInnes, Aaron Fa’aoso and Susie Porter, East West 101 shows an authentic tension between cultures, egos and workmates.
‘East West 101 is going to be one of the most exciting drama series to hit Australian television screens in a long time,’ SBS Managing Director Shaun Brown said.
‘It demonstrates SBS’s commitment to producing quality content that reflects the real multicultural Australia – there is no tokenism here. The fact that overseas markets are picking up on that only reinforces our desire to continue to create great content for the local market.’
‘It is extraordinary that the first two deals to distribute East West 101 have been done in the Middle East and Israel,’ East West 101 Producer Steve Knapman said.
‘The comment came back from Israel that the Zane Malik character was the most authentic portrayal of a Muslim character they had ever seen on television.
“This is not surprising considering our whole-hearted commitment to ensuring East West 101 provides credible and balanced portrayals of multicultural characters.’
East West 101 premieres on SBS on December 6 at 8.30 pm.
[release from SBS]