Berlinale Series Market to Screen Spanish Crime, Kiwi Comedy, and Korean Apocalypse Show

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The Berlinale Series Market has revealed its selection for the year 2025, showcasing a total of 17 international TV shows as part of their Market Selects program.

13 productions hail from a variety of locations, spanning geographically from Brazil to South Africa and all the way to New Zealand. These films cover different genres, including crime thrillers, biopics, and even some dark comedies (for a complete list, see below).

In this version, I’ve attempted to make the sentence more conversational and less formal while maintaining the original meaning and structure.

The small-screen industry event, which is a part of the European Film Market (EFM) during the Berlin Film Festival, takes place from February 16th to 19th. Selected projects will be showcased in theaters at CinemaxX in Berlin and the EFM’s Gropius Bau venue.

Simultaneously with the screenings, the EFM will also stage the 11th iteration of its Co-Pro Series pitch event, featuring ten fresh projects seeking production partners. Some notable entries include “The Best of Families,” penned by Maja Jul Larsen, writer for “Borgen,” and directed by Charlotte Sieling, as well as “Miami Wildlife,” with Fernando Meirelles (known for “City of God” and “The Constant Gardener”) set to direct. Emmy-nominated director Jennifer Fox (“The Tale”) will be in Berlin to present her dystopian tale, “Ruth’s Ghosts,” focusing on abortion rights. A new Canadian project, “Lucy. Maud.,” will explore the life story of L.M. Montgomery, the beloved author of “Anne of Green Gables,” while the New Zealand project, “Sk8 or Die,” about legendary barefoot skateboarder Lee Ralph, will be seeking financial support.

In the spotlight as the Featured Country, Spain will showcase four television series that are still in production to prospective collaborators.

Full list of Berlinale Series 2025 Market Selects

In the midst of global turmoil, Portugal appears as a tranquil sanctuary nestled on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Yet beneath its glamorous façade of casinos, luxurious hotels, and hidden retreats lies a web of audacious women who use these settings for covert operations, passing on crucial intelligence that could significantly impact the outcome of the war.

Amidst worldwide conflict, Portugal seems like a peaceful haven by the Atlantic shore. However, beneath its glossy exterior of casinos, upscale hotels, and secret spots, there exists a clandestine network of bold women who carry out espionage activities in these locations, sharing vital information that could sway the battle’s direction.)

Topic: Internal Affairs (Spain)

Translation: Clara, one of Spain’s earliest female police officers, embarks on her initial assignment in a perilous Madrid district. She discovers an intricate network dealing in heroine and, with the aid of two women who have been impacted by this drug problem, she bravely works to bring it to light.

Crows (Corbeaux) – Canada
A string of grisly killings sends shockwaves through the city. Gabrielle, a fresh yet defiant detective recently moved to the outskirts, finds herself partnered with Clémence, an experienced investigator nearing retirement, to crack these cases.

In a small Sami community in Norway, Garin, who ranks low in the societal hierarchy, sees her son’s upcoming wedding as an opportunity to elevate her standing. However, the challenge lies in convincing her troubled siblings to work together and organize a magnificent traditional Sami celebration. Will they manage to pull it off, or will this event only serve as a prelude to chaos?

In the Spanish adaptation of the series Kvodo, Judge Daniel Romero finds himself in a predicament when his son Alex unintentionally kills a motorist and subsequently flees the scene. The victim happens to be the son of a dangerous criminal figure. To shield his child from the repercussions, Judge Romero takes a risky step and decides to conceal the crime.

In the aftermath of a devastating earthquake in South Korea, an undamaged apartment complex serves as a trading hub for survivors, exchanging goods and services.

Maria: The Untold Callas Story – Greece
This film delves into the life of an ordinary girl from Athens during World War II, who eventually rose to international fame as a renowned diva. The biopic offers insights into Maria Callas’ early years and her significant relationships that played crucial roles in shaping her destiny.

In this narrative, we find ourselves delving into the enigma surrounding Alina, a 30-year-old woman whose mother, tragically murdered and discovered on the beach, sparks an intriguing dilemma: Is Alina a calculating manipulator or a longstanding victim of abuse?

In the lively Rio de Janeiro of the late 1980s, a band of Fly Brasil flight attendants, spearheaded by a gay and HIV-positive steward, concoct a plan to illicitly transport AZT as an effort to save the lives of individuals afflicted with HIV and AIDS.

“In vibrant Rio de Janeiro during the late 1980s, a team of Fly Brasil flight attendants, headed by an HIV-positive gay flight attendant, devised a plan to secretly transport AZT with the intention of saving the lives of those living with HIV and AIDS.”)

Newcomer – New Zealand
In the life of high school king and party enthusiast Nikau, being outed triggers a social decline, from popular to ostracized. Finding solace among other social outcasts, he ventures into an unfamiliar online world. This group embarks on a journey through their high school experience and the digital realm, in search of love, companionship, and self-acceptance.

On a fateful evening in Paris, Mina, a tormented adolescent, and Ocean, a wealthy yet shattered young man, find themselves on a rooftop, contemplating suicide. They strike a deal: they’ll spend one night living fully, and by dawn, they’ll decide whether to embrace life or end it. Will this single night be the catalyst that gives them the strength to choose life over death?

Tulio intends to take his own life upon being released from prison after serving 18 years for killing his partner Caio. However, Veronica, a 19-year-old woman, steps in, asserting that she is the reborn spirit of Caio. Tulio and Veronica then embark on a journey to uncover who truly murdered Caio and bring the real killer to justice.

In a future impacted by climate catastrophe, pregnant women seek refuge in the Sanctum, a protective dome that shields them from pollutants. However, the tranquil, secluded Sanctum conceals a sinister reality and its hidden secrets, which are eventually unveiled upon Pilar’s arrival.

In the land of Brazil, we find two extraordinary individuals: the brilliant medical student, Ícaro, and the skilled-yet-trembling surgeon, Dr. Mancini. Circumstances have them bound to an illicit organization, compelling them to walk a dangerous tightrope where freedom could prove elusive.

Evenings Under the Sun’s Radiance – Australia/USA
A pair of American siblings embark on a journey to Sydney, aiming to establish a spray tanning enterprise. However, their lives take an unexpected turn as they become entangled in the city’s shady criminal network. They find themselves grappling with the challenges of survival, avoiding imprisonment, and maintaining financial stability.

The Day Following – South Africa/France/Germany

Life’s like a sunny coastline! With wit and finesse, The Morning After delves into the contemporary topics of drinking, bonds, and carving out one’s destiny.

The four-part drama “Vigdís” tells the inspiring tale of a young Icelandic woman named Vigdís. In the 1940s, she overcomes her doubts and decides to run for president in 1980, ultimately becoming the first female leader ever elected worldwide. This story showcases bravery, optimism, and the struggle for equality.

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2025-01-17 15:55