Full Breakdown
Series Mania Forum 2026: Showcasing Global Talent and Diverse Narratives
3/25/2026, 7:11:09 AM
Major Winners at Series Mania Forum
The Series Mania Forum 2026, held in Lille, France, recognized three standout series: the French thriller R91, the Kyrgyz drama Red Pants, and the Canadian dramedy Chachachá!. These projects were awarded for their unique storytelling and broad audience appeal, reflecting popular genres such as crime, comedy, and action-adventure. R91, set aboard the French nuclear aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, begins with the mysterious murder of a crew member, evolving into a military crisis narrative. This six-part series, created by Henri Debeurme and directed by Julien Despaux, is positioned as a significant title for international buyers.
Red Pants, which received a €50,000 ($58,000) prize, is set in 1970s Soviet Kyrgyzstan and follows Aisha, a military officer's daughter who forms an all-female gang to avenge her father's death. The series, based on true events, explores themes of power and female agency within a patriarchal society. Creator Tilek Cherikov emphasized the emotional depth and cultural significance of the story, highlighting the transformation of a moment of shame into a symbol of strength among the characters.
Chachachá! centers on a Gen X woman whose health crisis leads her to embrace Latin dancing, igniting chaos within her family. This eight-part series, produced by Alison Fairweather Murray and Jennifer Weiss, was praised for its authentic and humorous approach to universal themes.
African Voices at the Forum
The Series Mania Forum also spotlighted emerging African talent, featuring four screenwriters, including Kenyan Mona Ombogo, who pitched her romantic thriller Kanaan. Ombogo, recognized for her work on Netflix's Volume, is part of the AuthenticA Series Lab, which supports African writers in developing competitive television projects. The lab, in partnership with the Realness Institute, aims to provide a platform for diverse narratives from Africa, showcasing the potential of these writers on an international stage.
Francesco Capurro, Director of the Series Mania Forum, expressed pride in championing these voices, emphasizing the importance of providing a safe space for African writers to tell their stories. The other participants included Reem Morsi from Egypt/Canada, Gamel Apalayine from Ghana, and Joladé Olusanya from Nigeria/UK.
Broader Implications for Global Television
The recognition of these diverse projects at Series Mania Forum underscores a growing trend in the television industry towards inclusivity and representation. The festival serves as a crucial platform for creators from various backgrounds to connect with international partners, financiers, and audiences. As the global appetite for unique and culturally rich narratives expands, events like Series Mania play a pivotal role in shaping the future of television storytelling.
Official Statements & Responses
The Series Mania Forum highlighted the importance of diverse narratives in contemporary television. Mehret Mandefro, Creative Producer at the Realness Institute, noted, “Providing African writers a safe space to develop the stories they want to tell is still a rare intervention.” This sentiment reflects a broader commitment to fostering inclusivity within the industry.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Charles de Gaulle is the most powerful warship in the French arsenal, and a floating city operating by its own laws, hierarchies and power dynamics,” — Henri Debeurme, Creator of R91
- “What matters to me in this story isn’t just the crime plot: it’s the deeper exploration of power, identity and female agency within a rigid, patriarchal and controlling system,” said creator Tilek Cherikov.” — Tilek Cherikov, Creator of Red Pants
- “Chachachá won us over with its light hearted, authentic, and sincere tone,” — Ferdinand Dohna, Head of Content & Co-Production at Beta Film
The Series Mania Forum 2026 not only celebrated innovative storytelling but also reinforced the significance of diverse voices in shaping the future of global television.
