Crime drama “Bookish,” created by Mark Gatiss and directed by Cosimo Alemà, is set to make its world premiere at the Italian Global Series Festival. The festival, organized by artistic director Marco Spagnoli, will take place from June 21-28 in Rimini and Riccione, Italy.
Gatiss serves as the executive producer, creator, and lead actor of “Bookish,” a six-episode limited series set in London in 1946. Produced by Eagle Eye Drama for UKTV and PBS, in association with Happy Duck Films and supported by the Belgian Tax Shelter, the show follows the story of Book, a former military spy turned detective who helps solve complex murder cases.
Living with his wife Trottie, played by Polly Walker, Book navigates a world where his homosexuality is illegal. Despite his happiness at home, he carries a lingering sadness from losing the love of his life in the war. When a young ex-convict named Jack joins the bookshop, suspicions arise about their intertwined pasts.
Mark Gatiss will attend the IGSF for the “Bookish” premiere on June 24 and will also present a television screenwriting masterclass.
Another series making its debut at the festival is “Estranei,” an eight-episode drama produced by Eagle Original Content, Rai Fiction, and RaiCom. Starring Elena Radonicich, Kelum Giordano, Ricky Memphis, Marco Cocci, Giulio Scarpati, and Isabella Ferrari, the show takes place in a small town in Northern Italy where the disappearance of two young lovers sets off a chain of events uncovering dark secrets.
Investigating the case is local law enforcement agent Laura Macchi, played by Elena Radonicich, who must navigate the delicate balance between the town’s Sikh community and the local population. As she delves deeper into the mystery, she unravels a web of hidden truths that implicate the entire town.
IGSF, a revamped version of the RomaFiction Fest, promises screenings, masterclasses, and fan events with both Italian and international talent. The festival will also showcase first looks of new series in production, presented by cast and creatives for public audiences.
The full festival lineup will be unveiled at the Cannes Film Festival on May 18. Stay tuned for more updates on these exciting new series premiering at the Italian Global Series Festival.
