Berlinale Series Market Selects has revealed its lineup. The European Film Market’s “boutique market for serial content from all over the world” will welcome Spanish shows in Berlinale Market Selects, its screening showcase, from “Internal Affairs,” focusing on one of the first female police officers in Spain, starting her first post, to “Honor” – yet another take on famous Israeli show which sees a judge covering his son’s crime.
Produced by Alex de la Iglesia, AtresmediaTV and Alex de la Iglesia and Carolina Bang at their Banijay-backed Pookepsie Films, “Sanctuary” turns to post-climate disaster future where women spend their pregnancies in a dome protecting them from pollution. It is not all they think, however.
Meanwhile, “City of God” director Fernando Meirelles and “Borgen” writer Maja Jul Larsen will bring projects to the BSM’s Co-Pro Series strand.
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Spain has been chosen as the Country in Focus at this year’s EFM.
Other featured countries include Australia-U.S, Brazil, Estonia/Ukraine, France, Greece, Iceland, Canada, Norway, Portugal/Poland, South Africa, South Korea and New Zealand.
In “Broken Spies,” it’s all about “glamorous casinos, hotels and secret hideouts” which are full of female spies trying their best to change the outcome of war. In “Crows,” a series of murders shakes up a community and it’s up to a novice investigator to uncover the truth. Protagonist of “My Dear Mother” also needs to answer some unpleasant questions when her mother is suddenly found murdered on the beach.
“Concrete Market” portrays a post-apocalyptic universe following a massive earthquake, where there is only one building left standing, and Brazil’s “Oxygen Masks Will (Not) Drop Automatically” goes back to the 1980s, when a group of flight attendants sets up a scheme to smuggle AZT in an attempt to save the lives of people living with HIV and AIDS.
In “A Night to Live,” two misfits are ready to jump off a building in Paris. After their chance encounter, they actually decide to wait – at least for one night. The protagonist of “Reincarnate” is also contemplating suicide on the day of his release from prison, where he spent 18 years for murdering his partner, Caio. But then he meets someone who claims to be Caio’s reincarnation. Another proposition from Brazil, “Suture,” follows a medical student and a surgeon as they are forced to work for a criminal organization.
“Sunny Nights” will bring more light to the selection, as a brother and sister venture to Sydney to start up a spray tan business. But soon, darkness descends on them as well: they are faced with the city’s criminal underworld. In “The Morning After,” young people deal with relationships and fear of the future, all the while forging their own paths. New Zealand’s “n00b” shows a popular boy who is outed. Once he joins other misfits, he discovers a new world online.
“This year, the Berlinale Series Market focuses on the complex, multi-layered portrayal of women and emphasizes stories that reflect the diversity of the human experience,” said Tanja Meissner, director at Berlinale Pro.
Among interesting female protagonists, Icelandic drama “Vigdís” will trace the path of the very first woman in the world to be elected president. Norway’s “Heajastallan – A Sámi Wedding” introduces a woman whose son’s upcoming wedding might finally change her social standing, while “Maria: The Unknown Callas” introduces the girl before she became world-famous diva and one of the best opera singers of all time.
Among interesting female protagonists, Icelandic drama “Vigdís” will trace the path of the very first woman in the world to be elected president. Norway’s “Heajastallan – A Sámi Wedding” introduces a woman whose son’s upcoming wedding might finally change her social standing, while “Maria: The Unknown Callas” introduces the girl before she became world-famous diva and one of the best opera singers of all time.
During the 11th edition of the Co-Pro Series, ten additional projects will be selected, starting with “The Best of Families,” presented by Apple Tree Productions. Writer and creator Maja Jul Larsen, known for “Borgen,” and director Charlotte Sieling are behind the Danish drama which talks about the impact of a chemical factory on the lives of various families and nature in the 1950s. “Miami Wildlife” (Brazil and the USA), which will be directed also by Fernando Meirelles, is all about “an unusual drug lord” – so is Austrian “Shit Happens,” based on a true story, where a single mother becomes the boss of a large hashish ring.
Emmy-winner Julian Pörksen adapts Merle Kröger’s novel in “Die Experten,” about German rocket scientists in Egypt in the 1960s, espionage and the politically tense situation in the region. Swiss proposition “The Guard” is a crime series set in the Vatican about members of the Swiss Guard, and it will be joined in Berlin by Slovakian-Czech-German project “Our People,” already awarded at Series Mania, and “Ruth’s Ghosts”: a dystopian story about abortion, self-determination and jurisdiction in the USA. Book lovers will be thrilled to hear about “Lucy. Maud.” dedicated to the life story of L.M. Montgomery, behind beloved classic “Anne of Green Gables.”
Other famous personalities will be referenced in “Recipes of a Nervous Breakdown,” telling the true story of successful chef and author Sophie White, who has to learn to deal with a sudden mental breakdown, and “Sk8 or Die” about barefoot skateboarder Lee Ralph, written and produced by award-winning creators Tom Hern and Halaifonua Finau.
Furthermore, the showcase “Up Next: Germany” will present promising local series for the coming year, including “Parallel Me,” about the magical journey of a young woman through different versions of her own life, “Euphorie,” based on the original format “Euphoria” by the Israeli cable channel HOT, “All In,” which follows a young Muslim woman pursuing of becoming an astronaut, and investigative documentary co-production “The Nazi Cartel” about the founding of the first narco-state in Bolivia in 1980.
Finally, during the festival, Brazilian “Underage” will be presented in Berlinale’s Generation section, while “Other People’s Money” (Germany, Austria, Denmark) was chosen for Panorama. “The Narrow Road to the Deep North” (Australia, USA) will be a part of the Berlinale Special.
The Berlinale Series Market will take place from 16-19 Feb. You can find the full lineup here:
“As Espias” (“Broken Spies”)
Portugal, Poland
The world is at war. While Portugal seems like a quiet oasis on the edge of the Atlantic, its glamorous casinos, hotels, and secret hideouts become the stage for a network of daring women spies, exchanging vital information that could turn the tide of the conflict.
Creator: Pandora da Cunha Telles
Showrunner: Pandora da Cunha Telles
Directors: João Maia, Laura Seixas
with Madalena Almeida, Maria João Bastos, Ana Vilela da Costa
Production company: Ukbar Filmes, Krakow Film Klaster
Broadcaster: RTP
World Sales: TBD
“Asuntos Internos” (“Internal Affairs”)
Spain
Clara, one of the first female police officers in Spain, starts her first post in a dangerous Madrid neighborhood. She uncovers a heroin trafficking network and, with the help of two women affected by the drug issue, risks her life to expose it. A cop drama marking a big play by Spanish public broadcaster RTVE, which produces with Mediacrest, set in 1979.
Creators: Pedro García Ríos, Rodrigo Martín Antoranz
Showrunners: Alberto Macías, Winnie Baert
Directors: María Togores, Samantha López Speranza
with Laia Manzanares, Silvia Abascal, Nacho Fresneda
Production company: Mediacrest El Clasico, AIE; Mediacrest Entertainment and RTVE
Broadcaster: RTVE
World Sales: RTVE
“Corbeaux” (“Crows”)
Canada
A series of gruesome murders shakes the city. Gabrielle, a young rebellious investigator newly settled in the city’s surrounding area, must team up with Clémence, a veteran investigator on the verge of retirement, to solve these murders.
Creator: Pierre-Louis Sanschagrin
Director: Stéphane Lapointe
with Mylène Mackay, Pascale Bussières, Lou Thompson
Production company: Encore in collaboration with Illico +
Broadcaster: Illico + (TVA)
World Sales: Encore Television-Distribution
“Heajastallan – Bryllupsfesten” (“Heajastallan – A Sámi Wedding”)
Norway
Garen, at the bottom of her Sámi community’s hierarchy, sees her son’s upcoming wedding as a chance to lift her status. But can she unite her dysfunctional siblings to plan the perfect traditional Sámi celebration or will it just be a countdown to disaster?
Creator: Åse Kathrin Vuolab
Directors: Pål Jackman, Åse Kathrin Vuolab
with Sara Margrethe Oskal, Ánte Siri, Inga Márjá Utsi, Ivan Aleksander Sara Buljo
Production company: Tordenfilm, Mer Film, Forest People
Broadcaster: NRK
World Sales: REinvent Studios
“Honor” (“Your Honor”)
Spain
In this adaptation of the Israeli series “Kvodo,” Judge Daniel Romero’s son Alex accidentally kills a motorist, then panics and flees the scene. When the victim turns out to be the son of a dangerous gangster, Romero decides to cover up the crime, risking everything to protect his son.
Directors: Chiqui Carabante, Luis Prieto
with Dario Grandinetti, José Luis García Perez, Paco Márquez
Production company: Atresmedia TV in collaboration with Portocabo
Broadcaster: Atresplayer, Antena3
“Konkeuriteu Maket” (“Concrete Market”)
South Korea
In a post-apocalyptic world from a catastrophic earthquake, one apartment building that didn’t collapse becomes a bartering market.
Creator: Byun Seung-Min
Showrunner: Kwak Jae-Min
Director: Hong Ki-Won
with Lee Jae-In, Hong Kqung
Production company: Climax Studio
World Sales: Lotte Cultureworks
“Maria: The Unknown Callas”
Greece
The untold story of a common girl during WWII in Athens, who later became a world-class diva. This biopic explores Maria Callas’ early transformation, focusing on her relationships with key figures that shaped her future.
Creator: Olga Malea
Director: Olga Malea
with Eleni Radou, Renia Loizidou, Cleopatra Eleftheriadou, Carmen Rouggeri
Production company: ERT S.A., the Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation
Broadcaster: ERT S.A. / ERTflix & ERT 1
World Sales: ERT S.A., the Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation
“Minu Kallis Ema” (“My Dear Mother”)
Estonia/Ukraine
When the brutally murdered mother of drug addict Alina (30) is found on the beach one day, the question arises whether Alina is a cold- blooded manipulator or a lifelong victim of abuse.
Creators: Raoul Suvi, Toomas Ili, Tiina Lokk
Director: Doris Tääker
with Doris Tislar, Elina Reinold, Indrek Ojari
Production company: Zolba Productions
Broadcaster: Elisa Estonia
World Sales: Film.UA Distribution
“Máscaras de Oxigênio (não) cairão automaticamente” (“Oxygen Masks Will (Not) Drop Automatically”)
Brazil
In the vibrant Rio de Janeiro of the late 1980s, a group of flight attendants from Fly Brasil, led by a gay and HIV-positive flight attendant, sets up a scheme to smuggle AZT in an attempt to save the lives of people living with HIV and AIDS.
Creator: Thiago Pimentel
Director: Marcelo Gomes and Carol Minên
with Johnny Massaro, Ícaro Silva, Bruna Linzmeyer
Production company: Warner Bros. Discovery, Morena Filmes
Broadcaster: MAX
World Sales: Morena Filmes
“n00b”
New Zealand
When high school king and party animal Nikau is outed, he faces a social downfall, from popular to outcast. Joining other misfits, he discovers a new world online. Together, they navigate high school and the digital world, seeking love, friendship, and self-acceptance.
Creators: Victoria Boult, Rachel Fawcett
Director: Josh Frizzell, Victoria Boult
with Max Crean, Jaxson Cook, Shervonne Grierson, James Sexton, Felicia To’a
Production company: Great Southern Television
Broadcaster: Three / ThreeNow (Warner Bros. Discovery New Zealand)
World Sales: Oble
“Nos vies en l’air” (“A Night to Live”)
France
Mina, a bullied teen, and Ocean, a wealthy, broken-hearted boy, meet on a Paris roof, both ready to jump. They make a pact: explore life overnight and decide at dawn. Can this night give them the courage to choose life over death?
Directors: Anthony Jorge, Jonathan Cohen-Berry
with Inès Kermas, Anthony Goffi
Production company: Wanda Productions
Broadcaster: francetv slash
World Sales: France tv distribution
“Reencarne” (“Reincarnate”)
Brazil
After 18 years in prison for murdering his partner Caio, Tulio plans to end his life on the day of his release. But Veronica, 19, interrupts, claiming to be Caio’s reincarnation. Together, they must solve Caio’s murder and find the real killer.
Director: Bruno Safadi
with Taís Araújo, Welket Bungué, Julia Dalavia,
Production company: Estúdios Globo
Broadcaster: Globoplay
“Santuario” (“Sanctuary”)
Spain
In a post-climate disaster future, women spend their pregnancies in the Sanctuary, a dome protecting them from pollution. Pilar’s arrival uncovers the dark truth behind the peaceful, isolated facility and the secrets it’s been hiding.
Directors: Zoe Berriatúa, Rodrigo Ruiz Gallardón
with Aura Garrido, Lucia Guerrero, Alba Ribas, Anna Canepa, Jaime Ordoñez
Production company: Atresmedia TV in collaboration with Pokeepsie Films
Broadcaster: Atresplayer
“Sutura” (“Suture”)
Brazil
Ícaro, a gifted medical student, and Dr. Mancini, a surgeon with hand tremors, are forced to work for a criminal organization. Living double lives, find themselves on a treacherous path where escape may be impossible.
Creator: Fabio Montanari
Showrunners: Zasha Robles, Gustavo Mello
Director: Diego Martins, Jéssica Queiroz
with Cláudia Abreu, Humberto Morais, Juliana Paiva
Production company: Boutique Filmes, Spiral International
Broadcaster: Amazon Prime Video
World Sales: Zasha Robles, Spiral International
“Sunny Nights”
Australia/U.S.
An American brother and sister venture to Sydney to start up a spray tan business. But when they get caught up in the city’s criminal underworld, they must figure out how to stay alive, out of prison, and in the black.
Creators: Nick Keetch, Ty Freer
Showrunner: Trent O’Donnell
Director: Trent O’Donnell
with Will Forte, D’Arcy Carden, Rachel House
Production company: Jungle Entertainment, Echo Lake Entertainment, in association with Cineflix Rights
Broadcaster: Stan (Australia)
World Sales: Worldwide exc Australia
“The Morning After”
South Africa/France/Germany
Life’s a beach! With humor and subtlety, The Morning After explores the timely themes of alcohol, relationships, and creating your own path in life.
Directors: Cindy Lee, Karen Jeynes
with Amara Okereke, Tarryn Wyngaard, Gaosie Raditholo
Production company: Paradoxal, Both Worlds
Broadcaster: Amazon South Africa and sud-Saharan
World Sales: Federation Studios
“Vigdís”
Iceland
Four-part drama about Vigdís [Finnbogadóttir], a young woman in the 1940s who, despite insecurities, runs for president in 1980 and becomes the first woman in the world to be elected. Her story highlights courage, hope, and the fight for equality.
Creators: Ágústa M Ólafsdóttir, Rakel Garðarsdóttir, Björg Magnúsdóttir
Showrunner: Ágústa M Ólafsdóttir
Directors: Björn Hlynur Haraldsson, Tinna Hrafnsdóttir
with Nína Dögg Filippusdóttir, Elín Hall
Production company: Vesturport
Broadcaster: RÚV
World Sales: REinvent Studios