Trailblazing Women and Visionary Auteurs Converge as Series Match Ignites Global Co-Production Scene
The global television landscape is buzzing with anticipation following the inaugural Series Match, a groundbreaking initiative uniting top-tier German, Latin American, and Spanish producers. This high-powered event, orchestrated by Iberseries & Platino Industria in collaboration with the prestigious Berlinale Series Market on February 16, serves as a crucial nexus for international collaboration, spotlighting projects poised to redefine cross-cultural storytelling. From the masterful lens of “City of God” director Fernando Meirelles and cinematographer Cesar Charlone, to the narrative prowess of Angela Chaves, the creative force behind Netflix’s Spanish-language sensation “Desperate Lies,” and the nuanced writing of “Sissi” co-head writer Robert Krause, the featured series demonstrate an undeniable ambition and a profound commitment to impactful narratives.
The current golden age of television is characterized by an insatiable global appetite for diverse, authentic stories, pushing production companies beyond national borders. Series Match emerges as a timely platform, fostering a vibrant ecosystem where geographical and linguistic barriers dissolve in the pursuit of shared creative visions. The event showcases a curated selection of series that, while often rooted in specific genres, transcend conventional boundaries through their thematic depth and meticulous industry-level planning. These are not merely escapist tales; they are productions designed to provoke thought, explore complex human conditions, and resonate with a diverse international audience.
The participating companies reflect this forward-thinking approach. Berlin-based SKP, for instance, known for its German adaptation of Spain’s “Poquita Fe,” is strategically expanding its focus. The company articulated its clear intent to venture into “premium genre-driven limited series with international ambition and event-scale storytelling.” This strategic pivot underscores a wider industry trend towards high-concept, globally appealing productions capable of captivating viewers across continents. Gala Souvignier, a producer at Zeitsprung, echoed this sentiment regarding their project, stating emphatically, “‘Monika’ is built as a premium international event series.” This commitment to event-level production signals a new era for content creation, where quality, scale, and global resonance are paramount.
A recurring theme among the presented projects is the intricate relationship between individual identity and the broader historical or geographical context. Paula Taborda dos Guaranys, a producer involved in “Assassins in Paradise,” offered a poignant observation that encapsulates this thematic thread: the series, she noted, “plays with the idea that you can escape geography, but not yourself.” This introspective exploration of self and circumstance is a powerful draw for audiences seeking more than superficial entertainment. Similarly, Chilean director-producer Juan Ignacio Sabatini and producer Juan Pablo Sallato of Villano articulated their vision for “Scorched Earth,” explaining, “Through the lens of a psychological thriller, we explore how inherited myths shape identity and how the past persists within contemporary Europe and Latin America. ‘Scorched Earth’ seeks to combine genre tension with emotional and historical depth.” Such statements reveal a concerted effort by creators to weave intricate psychological and historical layers into their genre narratives, elevating them beyond mere entertainment to profound cultural commentary.
The burgeoning collaboration between Germany, Latin America, and Spain is particularly noteworthy. Each region brings a distinct flavor to the table: Germany, with its robust funding structures and technical precision; Latin America, with its rich tapestry of history, vibrant cultures, and burgeoning talent; and Spain, a bridge between European and Latin American sensibilities, boasting a dynamic creative industry and a strong track record of international hits. The synergy forged at Series Match promises to unlock unprecedented storytelling opportunities, creating content that is both locally authentic and universally resonant. The success of Spanish-language productions like “Money Heist” and “Desperate Lies” has proven the immense global appeal of non-English content, further fueling the demand for such cross-border ventures.
Let’s delve deeper into some of the captivating titles that generated significant buzz at Series Match:
“El Abuso” (Alterna Media, Federation Spain, Ojo Films)
One of the most highly anticipated projects reunites two titans of cinematic storytelling: director Fernando Meirelles and cinematographer Cesar Charlone, the creative duo behind the critically acclaimed, Oscar-nominated “City of God.” Their latest endeavor, “El Abuso,” plunges into the gripping true story of a dramatic jailbreak in 1971, where 101 political prisoners from the Tupamaros, Uruguay’s legendary urban guerrilla movement, orchestrated a daring escape. Among those who broke free was Pepe Mujica, a figure who would later rise to international prominence as the beloved President of Uruguay, known for his humble lifestyle and progressive policies. The series, penned by L.A.-based Mariana Santangelo of Ojo Films, draws from a meticulously researched historical account to bring this pivotal moment to life. Adding to its allure, the cast features Enzo Vogrincic, fresh off his acclaimed performance in the Oscar-nominated “Society of the Snow,” signaling a commitment to high-caliber talent. “El Abuso” is presented at Series Match by Uruguay’s Alterna Media, spearheaded by Maria Laura Berch, who has a notable track record as co-director of “La Noche Sin Mí” and collaborations with talents like Natalia Oreiro and Joaquín Romero Vercellino. The project promises a thrilling narrative steeped in political history, human resilience, and the enduring legacy of revolution.
“Assassins in Paradise” (Movioca, Ginga Stories)
This project offers a unique blend of action, dark humor, and spiritual introspection, set against the vibrant backdrop of Bahia, Brazil. The story centers on a German married couple, both professional hitmen, who arrive in Bahia for what they intend to be their final job. However, the intoxicating allure of the tropical paradise, coupled with an unexpected spiritual awakening, tempts them to abandon their violent past and reinvent themselves as restaurant owners. Yet, the shadows of their former lives are long, and as local law enforcement closes in, their deeply ingrained instincts threaten to pull them back into the world they desperately wish to escape. Creator Bruno Bloch, known for “B.O.,” describes the series as “a sun-drenched action thriller, seasoned with humor, spirituality and the unmistakable flavor of Bahia.” Produced by Brazil’s Movioca, renowned for its flagship format export “Drag Me as a Queen” (co-produced with NBC Universal for E!), and Barcelona-based Ginga Stories, a specialist in premium Europe-Latin America co-productions, “Assassins in Paradise” is set to deliver a culturally rich and exhilarating viewing experience that explores themes of redemption, identity, and the inescapable past.
“Callback” (Funicular Films, Left Tackle Films)
In a project that directly addresses one of the most pressing cultural conversations of our time, “Callback” comes from the visionary minds of Joana and Mireia Vilapuig, who garnered acclaim for their semi-autobiographical series “Selftape.” This marks Funicular Films’ second project at the Berlinale Series Market, demonstrating their consistent commitment to compelling narratives. For “Callback,” Funicular teams up with the recently launched Left Tackle, headed by industry veterans Esther Cabrero and Albert Quintela. The series centers on Fran, a 30-year-old director whose debut feature is about to premiere at a prestigious European film festival. However, the celebratory atmosphere shatters when Fran publicly accuses her producer and lead actor of abuse. The Vilapuig sisters, through this narrative, pose a profound question to the audience: “We question the purpose of public shaming and cancellation when the goal is to build a fairer, more equal world.” This series promises to be a timely and unflinching examination of the #MeToo movement’s complexities, the mechanisms of accountability, and the delicate balance between justice and retribution in an increasingly polarized society. It’s a narrative that resonates deeply with a women-focused audience, inviting critical reflection on power dynamics within creative industries and beyond.
“Monika – Victory and Death” (Zeitsprung Pictures, Mariawood Producciones, Fine Time Filmproduktion)
This extraordinary dramatized true story delves into the life and death of Monika Ertl, a figure as enigmatic as she was controversial. The daughter of Leni Riefenstahl’s lover – a connection that alone sparks curiosity given Riefenstahl’s complex legacy – Monika transformed from an affluent German expatriate in Bolivia into a committed guerrillera and avenger. Her radicalization led her to undertake audacious acts, including shooting dead Che Guevara’s killer in what was both a political and deeply personal vendetta, and later attempting to kidnap Klaus Barbie, the infamous “Butcher of Lyon.” This project boasts a robust production and talent package, bringing together Cologne-based Zeitsprung Pictures, Peter Lohner of Beta Film co-established Fine Time, Verónica Triana (co-creator of Netflix’s “Delirium”), María Elena Wood (creator and producer of “News of a Kidnapping”), and “Sissi” co-head writer Robert Krause. “Monika – Victory and Death” promises a compelling exploration of a woman driven by conviction, navigating the treacherous political landscapes of Cold War-era South America, and challenging conventional notions of heroism and justice. It’s a story of a woman who defied expectations and forged her own path, however perilous.
“The Runaway” (SKP Ent.)
Helmed by Josef Rusnak, director of the cult sci-fi thriller “The Thirteenth Floor” from Roland Emmerich’s Centropolis, “The Runaway” brings to the screen the astonishing real-life saga of Detlef Kowalewski. Kowalewski, an 1980s German heavy metal guitarist, became a legendary prison breakout artist, eventually fleeing to Brazil. Producer Alexander Keil articulated the profound appeal of Kowalewski’s story: “I’ve always been drawn to great adventure stories. But when I read Josef’s take on Detlef Kowalewski’s memoir – especially the prison dialogues and the way he builds loyalty from inside – I realized this wasn’t just a prison-break story.” Keil continued, “It’s about a man turning himself into a legend and the cost of believing his own myth. That’s when I knew I was in.” This series delves into the psychology of a man who masterfully manipulates his environment, creating his own narrative of defiance and escape, while grappling with the ultimate price of self-mythologizing. It promises a gritty, character-driven drama that transcends the typical prison break genre, exploring themes of identity, freedom, and the power of narrative.
“Scorched Earth” (Villano)
From Chile’s Villano, the production company behind “The Red Hanger,” a film recently featured in Berlin’s prestigious Perspectives strand, comes “Scorched Earth.” This psychological noir drama embarks on a journey into the dark heart of inherited trauma and colonial legacies. The narrative follows a young photographer who travels to southern Chile to unravel the origins of her family’s wealth, built upon the contentious history of German colonization in the region. As she confronts the chilling legend of her great-aunt, infamously known as “The Nero Woman,” long-buried violence and secrets begin to violently resurface, threatening to consume her. The synopsis reveals a powerful narrative: “‘Scorched Earth’ is a psychological noir drama that explores how private family myths conceal collective historical trauma.” Created by Paula del Fierro and Enrique Videla, key writers on the acclaimed series “La Jauría” (The Pack), this project offers a timely and incisive examination of how historical injustices ripple through generations, shaping individual and collective identities. With a completed first draft of the pilot and an expanded series bible, “Scorched Earth” is poised to be a compelling and thought-provoking addition to the psychological thriller genre.
“Seven Women” (Boutique Filmes, Brazil)
This ambitious project unites two formidable forces in global television: creator Angela Chaves, whose “Desperate Lies” soared to become Netflix’s Non-English global No. 1 in 2024, and Boutique Filmes, the Brazilian powerhouse behind “3%” (2016), Netflix’s groundbreaking first major non-English international breakout hit. “Seven Women” is a reimagining of Letícia Wierzchowski’s beloved 2002 novel, which previously inspired Globo’s internationally successful series “A Casa das Sete Mulheres,” sold to over 80 countries. The story is set against the tumultuous backdrop of Brazil’s 1835-45 Ragamuffin Revolution, focusing on the women relatives of the rebel leader Bento Gonçalves, who are dispatched to the secluded family ranch for safety. However, this new adaptation promises a fresh, “contemporary perspective in which the voices of the female protagonists are highlighted, as well as their journeys of freedom,” as explained by Mariana Coelho of Boutique. This reinterpretation aims to empower these historical figures, bringing their resilience, struggles, and aspirations to the forefront, making their experiences resonate with modern audiences, particularly those interested in strong, complex female narratives from history. Angela Chaves’ involvement ensures a compelling, character-driven drama that will undoubtedly captivate and inspire, celebrating the strength and agency of women in times of profound upheaval.
