The Italian Global Series festival is gearing up for its second edition, promising a star-studded celebration of international television. This year's event, taking place in Rimini and Riccione from July 3 to 11, will showcase a diverse range of series, with a special focus on the 60th anniversary of Star Trek. The festival aims to bring together a global audience with a taste for diverse storytelling, featuring renowned stars, writers, and producers from across the industry.
One of the highlights of the festival is the celebration of Star Trek's 60th anniversary. The iconic series, which has captivated audiences for decades, will be honored with a special preview screening of an episode from its spin-off, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. This is a testament to the enduring legacy of Star Trek and its impact on science fiction as a whole. The festival also aims to explore the broader implications of Star Trek's influence, inviting discussions on contemporary female role models in TV and science fiction, with actress Jeri Ryan joining the conversation.
The festival's International Competition is a key feature, showcasing a diverse range of series from around the world. The competition is divided into three sections: Drama, Comedy, and Limited Series. The Drama section features a mix of international productions, including Benidorm Is Murder, a U.K./Spanish production, and The Terror With Devil in Silver, an anthology series produced by Scott Free. The Comedy section showcases a range of international humor, with highlights including Riot Women from the U.K. and Leonard and Hungry Paul from Ireland. The Limited Series section features adaptations of classic novels, such as Le Rouge et Le Noir, and original productions like The Widow Killer and Raza Brava.
The festival's jury is composed of renowned industry professionals, including U.S. producer Marti Noxon, director and screenwriter Nicholas Meyer, and French actor and playwright Bruno Gouery. These experts will be tasked with evaluating the submissions and awarding the Maximo Awards for best series, best lead actor, best lead actress, and best creator/director. The festival also includes a range of conversations and events, featuring industry professionals such as Carlton Cuse, David W. Zucker, and Steve Stark, discussing the future of international production and the creative process behind some of the most acclaimed series.
The Italian Global Series festival is a testament to the power of international television and the diverse range of stories being told around the world. By bringing together a global audience and a diverse range of creators, the festival aims to celebrate the art of storytelling and inspire new generations of creators. As the festival unfolds, it will be fascinating to see the impact it has on the industry and the future of international television.