The new Italian Global Series Festival debuts in Rimini and Riccione from 21 to 28 June with two world premieres: “Bookish” by Mark Gatiss and the Italian series “strangers”. An exclusive masterclass of Sherlock’s screenwriter is also scheduled
An advertisement was enough to put the newborn Italian Global Series Festival (IGSF) on the map of major international events dedicated to seriality. During Canseries, the artistic director Marco Spagnoli revealed the first two highly anticipated World Premiere scheduled in June in Rimini and Riccione: “Bookish”elegant crime drama written and interpreted by Mark GatissAnd “Strangers”Italian series set in the heart of an Sikh community in Northern Italy.
To embellish the debut of the IGSF, not only the presence of Gatiss to the world projection of his series on June 24, but also one Masterclass of television screenplay held by the British author himself, already signing of “Sherlock”, “Doctor Who” and “Dracula”.
“I am enthusiastic about having been invited to the first Italian Global Series Festival. Return to Rimini, where I spent a holiday in 1980, and be able to reveal Bookish To a new audience and keeping a masterclass on the creation of TV is a real delight! “Gatiss said.
“Bookish”, mystery and melancholy in post-war England
Set in London of 1946, “Bookish” tells the story of Book (Gatiss), a former military spy who became detective and owner of a bookstore in the Archangel Lane district. With a modern aesthetic and an exceptional cast, the series – six episodes of an hour – explores identity, love and loss themes. Next to Book, his wife Trottie (Polly Walker), energetic and independent, manages the adjacent wallpaper shop. Theirs is a facade wedding, aimed at protecting the true nature of books in an era in which homosexuality was criminalized.
The entry into their life as Jack (Conner Finch), a young man with a mysterious past, will bring secret ties to the surface and hidden truths. The direction is entrusted to Carolina Giammettawhile production is treated by Eagle Eye Drama for UKTV and PBSwith global distribution of Beta Film.
“Strangers”, Italy that tells itself
Against the background of a quiet Italian town where the local population and one of the largest Sikh communities in Europe coexist in harmony, “strangers” explores the underground tensions that emerge after the disappearance of two young lovers, Camilla and Manraj. Modern Romeo and Giulietta, their disappearance becomes the catalyst of a series of dark events, involving the whole community.
To lead the investigations is Laura Macchi (Elena Radonicich), who returned to the hometown to assist the sick father, mayor and key figure in maintaining the whole balance. Between dormant rivalries and unconfessable secrets, the series – directed by Cosimo Alemà and produced by Eagle Original Content, Rai Fiction and Raicom – He promises to be one of the most intense titles of the season.
“With Strangerswe could not have a better series for our first Italian World Premiere, since it perfectly shows the local talent and the ability of Italy to offer engaging stories, “says Marco Spagnoli.
Masterclass and prizes, a festival to tell the future of seriality
In addition to the projections, the IGSF will offer Masterclass, Industry events and a competitive selection that embraces three categories: drama, comedy and limited series. At stake, i Maximo Awardswhich will reward the best international productions, with a special recognition for Italian fiction and a Silver tape assigned by film journalists.
“It is difficult to believe that, in our first year, we received Submission from over 28 countries,” comments Spagnoli. “IGSF is proud to be an event that gives space to creativity and encourages the birth of new collaborations and ideas for projects capable of telling unforgettable stories.”
The Festival represents the natural evolution of the RomaFiction Fest, stopped since 2016, and finally reports a great event entirely dedicated to seriality in Italy. The complete program will be announced on May 18 at the Cannes Film Festival, while tickets for the public – free – and accreditation for printing and industry will be available starting from late May.
