The highly anticipated international television festival, Series Mania, has just announced its star-studded lineup for 2024. Set to take place in Lille, France from March 19-21, this year's festival promises an exciting array of world premieres that are sure to captivate audiences.
One of the highlights in the competition category is Peacock's family drama, 'Apples Never Fall,' which is set in Australia and features the talented Annette Bening and Sam Neill as a dysfunctional couple. The series delves into the complexities of family dynamics and promises to offer a compelling narrative.
Another thrilling entry in the lineup is MGM+'s 'Hotel Cocaine,' a crime thriller from the renowned showrunner of 'Narcos,' Chris Brancato. Set in the booming cocaine scene of Miami during the late 1970s and early 1980s, this series stars Michael Chiklis, known for his role in 'The Shield,' and is bound to keep viewers on the edge of their seats with its gripping storyline.
'So Long Marianne,' a Canadian-Norwegian co-production by Crave and Norway's NRK, is another intriguing addition. This series revolves around the legendary singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen, portrayed by Alex Wolff, and explores his tumultuous relationship with Norwegian writer Marianne Ihlen, played by Thea Sofie Loch Næss from 'The Last Kingdom.'
Fans of chess and gripping historical events won't want to miss 'Rematch,' a co-production between French-German public network Arte, Disney+, and HBO Europe. This series tells the captivating story of the 1997 chess battle between Russian grandmaster Garry Kasparov and IBM's supercomputer Deep Blue, promising a thrilling exploration of human versus artificial intelligence.
Additionally, France 2's political thriller, 'In the Shadows,' starring Melvil Poupaud and Swann Arlaud, is set to make its mark at the festival. Poupaud is known for his role in 'Coup de chance,' while Arlaud has impressed audiences with his performance in the Oscar-nominated film 'Anatomy of a Fall.'
The festival will see the presence of esteemed guests including Suzy Bemba from 'Poor Things,' Bérénice Bejo, who starred in 'The Artist,' Oliver Masucci from 'Dark,' Niels Schneider from 'Heartbeats,' Kelly Rutherford from 'Gossip Girl,' and Zal Batmanglij, the showrunner of 'The OA.' The event will also host industry figures such as Kate Oates, the drama head of BBC Studios, Bruno Patin, the president of Arte, and renowned novelist Douglas Kennedy.
The international competition at Series Mania 2024 promises a diverse and exciting assortment of series that cover a wide range of genres and themes. From the intense family drama of 'Apples Never Fall' to the gripping crime thriller of 'Hotel Cocaine,' there's something for everyone in this impressive lineup.
In addition to the competition category, the festival will also showcase a French competition and an international panorama competition, adding even more variety and depth to the program. With entries from countries like Sweden, Germany, New Zealand, and Spain, among others, viewers can expect a rich cultural experience.
Series Mania continues to be a platform that celebrates exceptional storytelling, highlighting the creativity and talent of the television industry. As the festival unfolds, audiences eagerly await the opportunity to discover these new series and experience the magic of television at its finest.
