Ventana Sur Founder Bernardo Bergeret, Showrunner Joanna Lombardi and TV Film Exec Karina Dolgiej Comprise First Selection Team of Iberseries Co-Production Forum

For the first time in the five-year history of the Iberseries & Platino Industria’s Co-Production and Financing Forum, a selection committee has been formed, comprising Ventana Sur/BloodWindow founder Bernardo Bergeret, showrunner Joanna Lombardi and TV Film International partner Karina Dolgiej. According to the forum’s general coordinator Rodrigo Ros, the new committee “shortlisted 40 projects based on viability, international potential, solid financing plans with at least 30% financing secured, international partner appeal, co-production potential, relevant team experience and distinctive market appeal.” Looking back at the forum’s past five years, Ros pointed out that nearly 20 feature and series projects presented in the past have secured financing, been produced and released across Ibero-American territories. Popular on Variety Among the TV projects are Rodrigo Susarte’s “Patagonia” (Chile-Spain), premiering in Spain on Movistar Plus+ with international distribution by ZDF Studios; “Past Waters” (Portugal-Spain); and Katherina Harder ‘s Chilean period drama “The Danger of Loving You,” produced by Parox and which premiered on TVN Chile in August. Feature successes include Lucia Puenzo’s “Pepita, the Pistolera,” which will have its world premiere at Iberseries; Uruguayan survival thriller “Hunting and Fishing”; “The Stories” from Spain’s Aquí y Allí Films and Sideral and “Red Hangar,” directed by Juan Pablo Sallato, which premiered at the Berlinale and was selected as Chile’s Goya entry. Last April, it swept the 41st Guadalajara Film Festival. This year’s crop presents a diversity of genres, “spanning true stories, horror, folk horror, comedy, family and sports dramas, historical stories and thrillers, reflecting a deliberate commitment to variety rather than a single market direction,” Ros said. Perhaps the dominant genre is the mystery crime thriller, led by Anonymous Content Spain’s exorcism thriller “1999” which already has a berth at Sitges, followed by social thriller “Carreau” (“Carro Seco”) where a vigilante attacks crooked property owners and “The Blind” which explores unseen supernatural threats. Chile’s Emmy-winning Hernán Caffiero directs “The Unwelcome,” a supernatural thriller series starring Alfredo Castro (“The Prince”) and Benjamin Vicuña. Animated series “Archipelago” stands out as the clearest world-building project, combining dystopian science fiction, adventure, piracy and supernatural powers. It also reflects animation’s strong international co-production potential. Docu series “Sign You Bastards!” is the outlier, using music and football culture to explore a highly specific but internationally adaptable phenomenon. The Co-Production Forum will take place Sept. 30–Oct. 1, with private one-to-one meetings for features on Sept. 30 and series on Oct. 1. Feature Films: “1999” (David Casademunt, Spain) Produced by Anonymous Content España and Coming Soon Films, the thriller follows Abel, a Barcelona man investigating a childhood exorcism who spirals into paranoia and madness. Backed by an ICEC/GAC script grant, it has attracted distributor and platform interest. Selected for Sitges’ Fantastic 7, Eurogenre and BIF Market, the film draws on real events. Casademunt calls it “a fast-paced story of suspense and terror” exploring the unsettling reality of exorcisms in Catalonia. “Carreau” (“Carro Seco,” Javier Polo, Spain, France) The dark thriller follows two detectives investigating a serial killer targeting wealthy property speculators with heavy-metal pétanque balls, as Barcelona’s housing crisis divides public opinion over justice and vigilantism. French company Halley Production joins Spain’s Los Hermanos Polo Films and Lastcrit as a co-producer. Supported by ICAA, IVC and TV3, pic combines social urgency with dark humor. Polo calls it “a film that challenges the viewer with an uncomfortable moral dilemma.” “Hotel Nacional” (Diego Corsini, Spain, Cuba, Brazil) Diego Corsini’s drama follows a grieving Brazilian and a Spanish doctor who meet at Havana’s iconic Hotel Nacional, where veteran bartender Rubén becomes their confidant. Jorge Perugorría, star of “Strawberry and Chocolate,” and Brazilian star Thiago Lacerda are confirmed to join the cast. Backed by ICAIC, with distribution confirmed in Brazil and Spain, the film explores loneliness, guilt and redemption. Corsini describes it as “a film about lonely souls seeking to heal their wounds.” “Last Round: I Want It All” (“Asalto: Lo Quiero Todo,” Emilio Martínez-Borso, Spain) Emilio Martínez-Borso’s sports drama is in active financing from Fosca Films and Intemperie Producciones. Newly crowned European Muay Thai champion Lydia discovers she is pregnant after being offered a world-title fight, forcing her to confront motherhood and her career. Ángela Cervantes, Carlos Cuevas and Luis Zahera lead the confirmed cast. The project is seeking streaming partners, international co-production opportunities and distribution. “Red Card: A Dream on Hold” (“Preso por amar,” Beatriz Flores Silva, Uruguay, Belgium)Drama follows Rodrigo, a 17-year-old undocumented Uruguayan in the U.S., sentenced to 32 years after turning 18 over a relationship with a 14-year-old. After surviving prison by replacing violence with leadership and dialogue, he is transferred to Uruguay, where a Kafkaesque legal trap keeps him imprisoned for 19 years. Produced by BFS Producciones and Saga Film, the project is selected for Un Ticket para Cannes, Platino Go To AFM and Ventana Sur. “Stink Eye” (“Malmirada,” Cristina Sánchez Salamanca, Colombia, Spain, France) This dark coming-of-age story follows 13-year-old Nina, who moves in with her father and stepmother after her mother’s breakdown, becoming obsessed with her stepmother and her own emerging identity. “Elite” star Ester Expósito is circling the project, with Goya-nominated DP Gris Jordana attached. Supported by Colombia’s FDC and multiple development awards, the film explores “dark comedy body horror” through a young girl’s fractured relationship with femininity and desire. “The Amateurs” (“Los Inexpertos,” Felipe Solari Yrigoyen, Chile, Argentina) Felipe Solari Yrigoyen’s ensemble crime comedy is in development from Chile’s Quijote Films and Argentina’s Gentil Cine. Set at an eccentric film convention in Patagonia, the film follows eight interconnected chapters after a prized Maltese Falcon statuette and a mysterious Russian guest disappear. Selected for the Venice Gap-Financing Market and Iberseries, the feature debut has received Argentina’s first-time directors fund and Chile’s production film fund, with shooting planned for 2028. ‘The Amateurs’ Courtesy of Quijote Films “The Blind” (“Los Ciegos,” Horacio Alcalá, Spain, Mexico, Belgium) 12 blind people are abandoned in a remote forest after their elderly priest-guide dies, while a mysterious presence begins claiming those who seek help. Written by Horacio Alcalá, Yolanda Barrasa and Joaquin Meneses, the sensory thriller is produced by The Aurora Project, Spectrum Films and Ginger Pictures. In development, it has Creative Europe MEDIA Slate Development support. Alcalá describes it as “a sensory thriller where genre and Maeterlinck’s poetry meet.” “Three Women” (“Tres Mujeres,” María Eugenia Lombardi & Viviana Calò, Spain, Italy, Argentina) Set on El Hierro, family drama follows 65-year-old Mirta, who travels from Argentina with her two daughters and grandson, only for decades of tensions and unspoken desires to surface. Produced by Las Hormigas Negras, Damita Joe, Sombra Cine and Ginevra Films, the project is in advanced development and financing, with support from RTVC and the Emilia-Romagna Film Commission. Lombardi says the film explores motherhood, ageing and desire as family roles begin to collapse. ‘Three Women’ Courtesy of Sombra Cine “Vuelve Siempre Sebastiana” (Alessandro Pederzoli, Mexico, Spain) Alessandro Pederzoli’s folk-horror feature debut is in pre-production from Mexico’s Gatodrácula Cine and The Maestros Cine, with Spain’s Argia Film co-producing. Starring Raúl Briones as José Leaño, the 90-minute film follows a 14-year-old girl who turns to a mirrored carnival costume after a sexual assault. Principal photography is set for March 2027 in Chihuahua. Producer Regina Blandón says the film asks audiences to watch Sebastiana “take something back and build her own armor.” “Why Did You Come Back Every Summer?” (“Por qué volvías cada verano,” Lorena Muñoz, Argentina, Spain) Lorena Muñoz’s adaptation of Belén López Peiró’s autobiographical bestseller follows Lourdes, who returns years after childhood abuse by her respected uncle-in-law to seek justice. Backed by Mostra Cine, CT Producciones and Atrece Creaciones, the film stars Lorena Vega and Dolores Oliverio. It has received Ibermedia development support and won Sanfic’s Best Fiction Project award. Mostra’s recent credits include “The Virgin of the Quarry” and “The Woman in the Line.” TV Series: “Archipelago” (“Artxipielagoa,” Oier Aranzabal & Aythami Castellano, Spain) Produced by ULU Media, Sumendi Uhartea and Double Duck Animation, the dystopian adventure series is set in 2103, after rising seas have fragmented Europe. Jare, a young woman from the Basque Archipelago with hidden powers, uncovers a dangerous plot and must forge alliances to survive. Eneko Sagardoy and Aitziber Garmendia headline the cast. Originally an award-winning podcast, it became a graphic novel and is in talks with international sales agents. “A fast-paced adventure filled with pirates and extraordinary powers.” ‘Archipelago’ Courtesy of Sumendi Uhartea “Creep” (Joana Areal, Portugal) Ukbar Filmes’ six-part crime noir miniseries, based on a real 1990s Lisbon case, follows Police inspector Ana on the trail of serial killer while battling toxic masculinity in the police force. The production is seeking 30% of financing, key crew and talent for 1–2 co-protagonists, including international investigators. Created by Mário Cunha and directed by Joana Areal, the series targets global true-crime and Scandi-noir audiences, with strong female-led appeal and international market potential. “Madre Mía” (Marina Seresesky, Spain) 55-year-old nail technician Dolores teams up with her son’s best friend, Sara, after discovering he may be in serious danger. Created and written by Emmanuelle Kesch and Mauricio Cuffaro, the dark comedy thriller series is produced by Apnea Films and is in development/financing. It won development awards at Torino Film Lab and Ventana Madrid. Producer Francisco Carrasco says the series puts “a mother who understands nothing but refuses to quit” at its center. “Master of Deception” (“Maestro del Engaño,” Deivis Cortés Pulido, Colombia) Red Collision Studios and Breaking Entertainment’s seven-part legal drama is in advanced development, with the bible, season outline and pilot completed and 31% of financing secured. The series follows Mónica, a newly qualified lawyer who learns to defraud clients, manipulates her family to secure an inheritance, then betrays her mentor. The project seeks an international co-production partner and OTT investor, plus international cast and distribution partners to expand its global footprint. “Not Girls” (“Noies no,” Celia Giraldo, Spain) Fasten Films’ first original series follows Marina, a member of struggling Barcelona pop-rock band Guspira, who secretly plans a solo career after years of disappointment. When the band lands a major festival slot, she gives them one last chance, setting ambition, jealousy and desire against friendship and creative dreams. Adrià Monés produces, with Indigo Carbajal, Jana Jubert and Tomàs Bayo writing. 3Cat has joined the dramedy, which is targeting 2027–28 production. “School of the Americas” (“Escuela de las Américas,” Óscar Godoy, Abner Benaim, Panama, U.S./ Spain) Co-directed by Panama’s Abner Benaim, a Panamanian-American investigator probes a 1983 massacre linked to the U.S. Army’s School of the Americas in this political thriller series from Seedling Media Productions and La Panda Productions. Daniela Vega and Alfredo Castro lead the cast. In advanced development, the series, written by Guillermo Escalona, is completing financing. Godoy’s credits include “Bala Loca” and “Ulises.” “We are making one about a curriculum: violence isn’t born. It’s taught,” says Godoy. “Sing You Bastards!” (“Cantén P*tos,” Manuel Soriano, Uruguay) Produced by Criatura Cine, the docu series explores football chants by tracing how popular songs are transformed into stadium anthems, with each episode following a different song. Jaime Ross and Emiliano Brancciari are attached. The project has won Ventana Sur and Cultural Incentive Fund support and seeks gap financing. “Stadium chants exist from Uruguay to China, but each region expresses its political history, language and humor in distinctive ways,” says producer Martín Almada Tomeo. “Spy Stories” Season 1: “The Obedient Assassin” (“Historias de espías,” Horacio Alcalá, Mexico, Spain) Season 1 of the anthology series is a six-part period thriller in advanced development and packaging at Mexico’s The Maestros Cine and Spain’s The Aurora Project. Based on John P. Davidson’s book, it dramatizes Operation Utka and the 1940 assassination of Leon Trotsky in Mexico. Pre-production is planned for Q1 2027, with multilingual filming in Mexico City, Barcelona, Paris and Moscow. The Maestros CEO Enrique Nava calls it “an international-facing premium drama.” “The Bends” (“A 200 Metros,” Julio Soto Gúrpide, Spain) Bilbao-based The Thinklab Media’s live-action thriller is set 200 meters beneath the Bay of Biscay, where nine divers uncover a Soviet freighter carrying enriched uranium. “There is literally no escape,” says director Julio Soto, describing a claustrophobic thriller grounded in the little-known world of saturation diving. The project seeks financing, co-production, sales and broadcast partners, with Basque tax incentives offering a strong financing perk. Adriana Malfatti Chen and Eneko Gutiérrez Sola executive produce. “The Inspector” (“O Inspector,” Fernando Vendrell, Portugal) Produced by David & Golias, the crime series follows Porto homicide inspector Jaime Ramos, who asks “Who were they?” rather than simply “Who did it?” Each case becomes a moral inquiry into memory, guilt and dignity, while Porto itself emerges as a character. Nuno Lopes leads the cast. Based on Francisco José Viegas’ acclaimed literary universe, the series blends detective drama with rich character exploration. “Porto… [is] a protagonist in its own right.” “The Primal Horde” (“La Horda Primitiva,” Natacha Caravia, Tatiana Mereñuk, Spain, U.S) Day Dream Entertainment and NonStop’s eight-part dark comedy thriller is in development, with 30% financing secured and a 10–20% Spanish tax rebate guaranteed. When a patient of Julia’s daughter is murdered and her medical file disappears, the family becomes prime suspects. Two grandmothers investigate alongside their granddaughter and a police officer. The project is seeking international partners or platforms to close 60% of financing and expand its European, U.S. and Latin American reach. “The Unwelcome” (“Allegados,” Hernán Caffiero, Juan Ignacio Sabatini & Andrés Martínez-Ríos, Chile, Mexico) Set in Chile in 1988, the supernatural thriller series follows 16-year-old Ernesto, who discovers his powers as a deadly virus drives a vampire elite toward South America. As drawings and visions reveal a dystopian future, he joins friends and a mysterious time-traveling vampire to confront an impending invasion. Alfredo Castro and Benjamín Vicuña headline the cast. The 8 × 45” series, based on Ernesto Garratt’s award-winning trilogy, has secured U.S. private investment.