French Festival Series Mania Announces Co-Pro Projects

Series Mania has announced the 15 new projects selected for its Co-Pro Pitching Sessions, set to take place on March 24 as part of the Series Mania Forum from March 24-26. The winner will receive a prize of €50,000 ($59,000) and will be chosen by a panel of esteemed judges including Alexandre Piel, Laura Mae Harding, Alon Aranya, and Johanna Gårdare. Leading the jury as president is Jorge Pezzi, the head of fiction and entertainment at Spain’s Movistar Plus+.

One project, “Gold,” was revealed on February 17 as part of the Berlinale’s Co-Pro Series Market and will not be competing for the Pitching Sessions’ Grand Prize. Among the lineup of projects, Icelandic production company Glassriver will present “Konrad,” based on the best-selling novels by Arnaldur Indriðason. The series follows a retired Icelandic detective who is forced to confront his dark past and personal demons on a journey to redemption.

Creator and writer Andri Óttarsson highlighted the global appeal of the series, stating that the show is based on a best-selling IP with an author whose work has sold over 20 million copies worldwide. Combining elements of a crime thriller with a psychological character study, “Konrad” delves into the complexities of its flawed protagonist as he navigates his moral redemption.

Another Icelandic project, “Death of a Diplomat,” produced by Truenorth Nordic, centers on the wife of the Canadian ambassador who becomes an unexpected detective after a murder at a high-profile event in Iceland. The series, based on the debut novel by Eliza Reid, offers a unique blend of diplomacy and crime, promising a wickedly fun and thrilling narrative.

From Germany comes “Ignition,” a female-led action series about a car mechanic who becomes entangled in the criminal underworld. Co-creator and producer Sebastian Herbst described the show as a high-octane drama set in East Germany, exploring themes of survival and family legacy in the face of late-stage capitalism.

“Fit,” a series about the residents of a suburban high-rise exposed by viral security footage from the building’s gym, offers a mix of satire and heart as it delves into societal roles and secret passions. Spanish production company Brutal Media presents “The Glacier Murders,” adapted from a novel by Cristian Perfumo, which follows a young Spaniard who inherits a remote hotel in Patagonia and discovers a frozen corpse in a glacier.

With a diverse range of projects from various countries, Series Mania’s Co-Pro Pitching Sessions promise to showcase innovative and compelling storytelling from around the world. Growing up, I heard stories of the women who challenged societal norms and fought for their rights. Their bravery and resilience inspired me to create ‘Red Pants’ and shed light on this important part of our history. I hope that through this series, we can honor their legacy and continue the conversation about gender equality and empowerment in our society.”

Overall, the lineup of new series presented by Haut at Court TV showcases a diverse range of stories from around the world, each exploring unique themes and perspectives. From personal stories of survival and resilience to political dramas and thrilling mysteries, these series promise to captivate audiences with their compelling narratives and powerful performances. Viewers can look forward to a fresh take on familiar genres and a deeper understanding of the complex issues facing our world today. As these projects demonstrate, the stories being told in the world of television are diverse and complex, touching on themes that resonate with audiences around the globe. In “Aurora.Newsroom.,” we see a journalist uncovering a plot of digital energy terrorism, exposing Russian-backed interference. This story highlights the power of investigative journalism and the impact it can have on society.

“Death of a Diplomat” takes us into the world of international diplomacy, where a murder sets off a chain of events that reveal buried secrets and diplomatic deceit. The story delves into the complexities of relationships and the lengths people will go to protect their own interests.

“Dejima” transports us to 1828 Japan, where a French doctor and a Japanese noblewoman must navigate a changing world as the country plunges into turmoil. Their differing desires and the constraints of society create a compelling narrative that explores themes of love, duty, and sacrifice.

“Dark Moors” introduces us to Sarah, a young woman living on the edge of a military base in Belgium’s Little Siberia. When she discovers a box of stolen weapons and her brother goes missing, she is thrust into a dangerous world where she must confront her past and fight for her future.

Each of these projects offers a unique perspective on power, identity, and female agency within the context of a patriarchal and controlling system. The characters in these stories face challenges and obstacles that force them to question their beliefs and make difficult choices. Through their journeys, we see the strength, resilience, and unity that can emerge when women come together to support each other.

The stain of menstrual blood on their leader’s jeans becomes a symbol of defiance and empowerment, a reminder that women can overcome societal expectations and restrictions to forge their own path. In a world where women’s voices are often silenced, these stories serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of female representation and agency in the media.

As these projects continue to make their mark on the television landscape, they offer a glimpse into the future of storytelling, where diverse voices and perspectives are celebrated and amplified. By exploring themes of power, identity, and female agency, these stories challenge traditional narratives and pave the way for a more inclusive and empowering media landscape. The young sergeant, still recovering from his injuries, was assigned a daunting task by the base commander. He was tasked with recovering a cache of weapons that had gone missing, causing great concern for the future of the base.

The arsenal of weapons, vital for the protection and security of the base, had mysteriously disappeared. The base commander feared that the missing weapons could fall into the wrong hands and pose a serious threat to the safety of the base and its personnel.

As the young sergeant embarked on his mission to recover the weapons, he faced numerous challenges and obstacles. He had to navigate through a web of deceit and betrayal, uncovering a complex network of individuals involved in the theft of the weapons.

With his determination and resourcefulness, the young sergeant embarked on a dangerous journey to retrieve the weapons and restore order to the base. He encountered unexpected allies and dangerous adversaries along the way, testing his skills and courage to the limit.

As he delved deeper into the investigation, the young sergeant uncovered a sinister plot that went far beyond a simple theft of weapons. He discovered a conspiracy that threatened the very foundation of the base and the lives of everyone within it.

Despite the odds stacked against him, the young sergeant persevered and eventually succeeded in recovering the weapons. His bravery and dedication to duty saved the base from a potentially catastrophic threat and earned him the respect and admiration of his fellow soldiers.

As the dust settled and the base returned to normalcy, the young sergeant was hailed as a hero for his valor and determination. His actions had not only saved the base but had also ensured the safety and security of all those who called it home. Blaise Agresti, a 34-year-old man, finds himself in the midst of a challenging situation in the Chamonix Valley in 1999. As the newly appointed leader of the PGHM, the High Mountain Rescue Unit, he faces a massive avalanche that leaves numerous people missing. This disaster sets off a race against time and death for Blaise and his team as they embark on the largest rescue operation in PGHM history.

Meanwhile, in a thrilling drama series titled “Power Couple,” a prominent presidential candidate discovers that her husband is a Russian sleeper agent who has been reactivated. Together, they must navigate the dangerous secret that threatens to destroy their lives.

In another gripping drama series, “Red Pants,” set in late 1970s Soviet Kyrgyzstan, Aisha, a young woman, rises from a vocational school outcast to the leader of an all-female gang called Red Pants. What starts as petty extortion soon escalates into control of the local drug trade, leading to a showdown with the authorities, including the KGB.

“The Transfer of the Century” tells the true story of a man who risks everything to buy Maradona, a legendary football player, amidst financial struggles and debt. This drama-comedy series follows the high-stakes journey of the man who seizes a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a historic purchase.

In “Twisted Vines,” Tamsin Hope, a crime novelist with writer’s block, is forced to return to her hometown in South Africa after her father’s mysterious death and her brother’s arrest for murder. Teaming up with her ex-boyfriend, now a police detective, Tamsin delves into a web of secrets and crimes along the picturesque South African wine route.

Lastly, “Without Standing” is a thrilling drama set in 1981 Madrid, where a blacklisted secretary capitalizes on the legalization of divorce by opening a one-woman “law firm” for desperate wives. Her survival tactics turn into a dangerous hustle that attracts enemies and threatens to unravel her carefully constructed world.

As these captivating and intense stories unfold, the characters must confront their pasts, navigate treacherous situations, and ultimately seek redemption in the face of darkness inherited from their predecessors. Each series offers a unique and compelling narrative that explores themes of sacrifice, resilience, and the complexities of human nature.