Get ready for a star-studded celebration as the Italian Global Series (IGS) festival returns to the stunning coastal cities of Rimini and Riccione next month. This year's edition promises to be an extraordinary event, with a special focus on the iconic 'Star Trek' franchise as it marks its 60th anniversary. But that's not all - the festival will also honor other significant milestones, including the 50th anniversary of Franco Zeffirelli's groundbreaking TV production 'Jesus of Nazareth' and the 30th anniversary of Italy's longest-running soap opera, 'Un posto al sole'.
One of the highlights of the festival will undoubtedly be the presence of renowned British actors John Hannah and Bertie Carvel. Hannah, known for his roles in 'Benidorm Is Murder' and 'The Mummy', will be a key figure at the event. Carvel, who has starred in 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' and the highly anticipated 'Harry Potter' series, will also grace the festival with his presence.
Under the artistic direction of Marco Spagnoli, the festival has unveiled an exciting program. The series showcase, which is open to the public, will take place from July 3rd to 10th, with a closing ceremony in Rimini on July 11th. IGS received an impressive 160 submissions this year, and the final selection for the International Competition includes 21 series from 15 countries, showcasing the best in drama, comedy, and limited series from around the world.
The International Competition will feature esteemed jury presidents, including Marti Noxon (known for her work on 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' and 'Grey's Anatomy') for the drama series, Nicholas Meyer (director of several 'Star Trek' films) for the limited series, and Bruno Gouery (star of 'Emily in Paris') for the comedy series. These industry veterans will award the Maximo Awards for best series, lead actors, and creators/directors, as well as a special jury prize.
The festival's slate of conversations is equally intriguing. Carlton Cuse will host a session titled 'Lost in Fellini', joined by Oscar-winning writer John Ridley. There will also be a discussion on the future of international production with executive producer David W. Zucker and producer Steve Stark. Additionally, Turkish stars Ozge Gürel and Serkan Çayoğlu will share insights into their work and lives in the public eye.
Among the many fascinating conversations, actress Jeri Ryan, known for her role in the 'Star Trek' universe, will delve into the topic of contemporary female role models in TV and science fiction. This session promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of representation and empowerment. Furthermore, a chat between David W. Zucker and Nicholas Meyer, director of several 'Star Trek' films, will provide an insider's perspective on the iconic franchise.
In addition to these insightful conversations, the festival will host a special preview screening of an episode from the upcoming fourth season of 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds'. This highly anticipated event will give fans a glimpse into the new season, which is set to debut on Paramount+ on July 23rd.
The International Competition lineup for the second edition of IGS is diverse and exciting. In the drama section, we have 'Benidorm Is Murder', an adrenaline-fueled medical series from Brazil, 'Secret Service', a political spy thriller starring Gemma Arterton, and 'Burden of Justice', a Swedish legal drama. The limited series section features adaptations of classic novels, such as 'Le Rouge et Le Noir', and thought-provoking family dramas like 'The Tribute', starring Elsa Pataky and featuring a cameo by her husband, Chris Hemsworth.
The comedy section offers a range of hilarious and thought-provoking series, from the generational portrait 'Boho' to the prison comedy 'Cell Block B'. These shows promise to bring laughter and a unique perspective to the festival.
As an editorial writer, I'm thrilled to see the Italian Global Series festival embracing such a diverse range of talent and storytelling. The celebration of iconic franchises like 'Star Trek' alongside emerging series from around the world showcases the festival's commitment to showcasing the best in international television. With its focus on conversations and special screenings, IGS promises to be an engaging and insightful event for both industry professionals and fans alike. Personally, I can't wait to see the creative collaborations and discussions that will unfold during this year's festival.
