What Cádiz’s South Series Festival Said About the Future of TV

The future of Spanish television was prominently showcased at the South International Series Festival held in the vibrant city of Cádiz, attracting nearly 13,000 participants. This year’s festival highlighted significant trends in the industry, emphasizing the importance of global outreach, identity-centric storytelling, new awards initiatives, and Andalusia’s ambitious objectives within the film and television sector. Here are seven key takeaways from the festival that signal the direction of the business.

International Expansion: A Prominent Initiative

According to Carles Montiel, the festival director, pursuing internationalization is the next critical goal for the South International Series Festival. With its considerable attendance, the event is poised to become a key player on the global festival circuit. Montiel envisions Cádiz as a central hub for worldwide series. The festival has worked diligently to attract international talents, featuring prominent figures such as Diane Kruger and Chris Brancato, underscoring the event’s growing prestige on a global platform.

Gender and Identity in Storytelling

Rather than simply being a prize contender, the British series “What It Feels Like for a Girl” became a focal point at the festival, encapsulating how gender and identity are reshaping scripted dramas. This series by Paris Lees elegantly merges young adult themes, genre elements, and social realism, resonating with judges and attendees alike. It showcases that personal storytelling can reach a wide audience when couched within genre frameworks, affirming that identity-driven narratives are not merely a niche but a decisive factor in international television.

Production Collaborations Highlighted by “Invisible”

The Disney+ original titled “Invisible”, produced by Áralan Films and Morena Films, was showcased at South as part of their Sur sidebar. Since its release in December, it has emerged as one of the top Spanish content pieces on the platform, thereby exemplifying the transformative effects of partnerships between global streaming services and local producers on the economy of Spanish drama. Having previously collaborated on the award-winning Out In The Open (“Intemperie”), their ongoing partnership indicates a promising trend of local expertise being merged with global resources to forge sustainable content pathways.

Emergence of Spain’s Emmy-Style Awards

The introduction of the Círculo de Profesionales de las Series Españolas (CPSE), supported by Womack Group, is paving the way for the newly established Premios Anillos de Oro. These awards, dedicated exclusively to Spanish series and their creators, aim to set a standard on both a national and international scale. “These awards are intended to elevate the honor associated with Spanish series,” stated Joan Álvarez, the director of South’s first two editions. If these efforts succeed, Spanish series may finally receive the dedicated acknowledgment they deserve, akin to that enjoyed by the film industry.

Andalusia’s Commitment to Local Production

Recently, the Andalusian government’s commitment to audiovisual funding saw a significant increase, boosting its budget from €2 million ($2.1 million) to €6 million ($6.4 million). This escalation heightens the regional film and television industry’s allure for potential joint ventures. The resurgence of Canal Sur Televisión in producing television dramas, in collaboration with Womack Studios and Different Entertainment on “The Rock,” — a historical thriller set during post-war closures — exemplifies how Andalusian narratives and industrial ambitions are being harnessed for both local and global audiences.

Insightful Discussions at South

The professional program at the South festival focused on the evolving dynamics within the audiovisual industry. In a session entitled “The Future of Series,” executives from Mediaset España, 3Cat, and Atresmedia discussed shifting consumer preferences and the necessity for sustainable business models. Legal analysts examined the complexities surrounding the adaptation of real events into series, while writer-director Borja Cobeaga investigated how comedy can harmonize elements of satire and heartfelt narratives. Sessions such as “The Growing Value of Series” featured creators like Jorge Coira and Marina Efrón, discussing how the rise of the showrunner and the inherent value of local tales are reshaping expectations for prestigious television.

Local Icons Reinforce Popular Appeal

In a heartfelt moment, the festival honored iconic actor-director-producer Paco León, a cherished and commercially successful figure in Spanish cinema. The acknowledgment he received, along with a screening of a classic episode from “Aída” — a hallmark of Spanish television — drew one of the festival’s most enthusiastic receptions. This tribute exemplifies South’s successful fusion of high artistic merit and wide appeal, fortifying its relationship with local audiences.