Projects From Spain and Latin America Selected by Series Mania Forum 2026

Why It Matters

The selections highlight the rising commercial clout of Ibero‑American storytelling in Europe’s co‑production ecosystem, offering creators new financing pathways and broader market reach.

Key Takeaways

• 15 projects chosen from 400+ submissions worldwide
• The Glacier Murders leads with strongest regional potential
• Without Standing explores 1981 Madrid divorce legalization
• Uruguay and Panama debut in Series Mania submissions
• Winning series receives €50,000 development grant

Pulse Analysis

Series Mania’s Forum has become a pivotal gateway for European series seeking cross‑border partners, and the 2026 edition reinforces that role with a record‑high pool of entries. More than 400 projects from 65 nations vied for a spot, yet only 15 earned the coveted co‑production pitch slot, reflecting a highly competitive market where narrative originality and transnational appeal are prized. The festival’s emphasis on strategic matchmaking helps producers secure financing, broadcasters, and distribution channels that might otherwise remain out of reach.

The spotlight on Ibero‑American content is especially significant. *The Glacier Murders*, a Spain‑Chile collaboration, blends stark Patagonian scenery with a family‑driven crime mystery, positioning it for both regional and global audiences. Meanwhile, *Without Standing* taps into Spain’s recent history, dramatizing the social upheaval surrounding the legalization of divorce in 1981. Both projects align with current buyer demand for genre‑mixing series that foreground strong female leads and culturally resonant settings, suggesting they could become flagship titles for streaming platforms eager to diversify their catalogs.

Beyond the creative merits, the €50,000 development prize and the presence of a jury led by Movistar Plus+ executive Jorge Pezzi signal robust institutional support for emerging series. The inclusion of first‑time entrants from Uruguay and Panama expands the geographic footprint of the European market, offering Latin American creators a direct conduit to European investors. As Spain solidifies its influence within the forum, the upcoming pitching session in Lille is poised to catalyze a new wave of co‑productions that blend European production values with Latin American storytelling sensibilities, ultimately reshaping the continent’s series export landscape.