The Cadiz South International Series Festival in Andalusia, a breakout hit of 2023 and integrated into last year’s Top Tier TV event, will prepare a third edition and solidify the location as a rice hub for international serialized storytelling.
For just two years, the festival has established itself as a celebration of both the industry’s showcase and public display. This year’s edition, which will be held from September 11th to 17th, organizers are leveraging Cádiz’s unique setting to boost international influence.
“There are many TV festivals, but few focus on the series, and rarely connect the industry with the audience like this,” said Carls Montiel, newly appointed festival director, who was promoted after leading and programming the industry in the first two editions.
This year, the festival celebrates Andalusian multi-hyphenate pacoleon with its 2025 Honorary Awards. We also pay tribute to my beloved sitcom “Ida.”
Leon lends continuity to the franchise with its “IDivruta,” a feature that includes partners such as TeleCinema, GloveMedia, MediaPro Studio, MediaSet Espania, Mediterraneo, Prime Video and more.
The industry’s heavyweights will also descend on Cadiz, including Chris Blancato, creator of Narcos, who leads the masterclass moderated by Alejandro Flores, director of 100 Ballas, part of the Media Pro Studio.
“Last year, I did the same thing at David Shore (‘house’). It’s a very motivating experience,” says Flores.
Chris Blancat and Paco Leon
Provided by South International Series Festival
Growing global and local connectivity
Programming plays another programming in the booming pipeline of Spain and international premiere. Movistar Plus+ Drama-Thriller “El Centro” will launch an official fiction section, while Lucía Puenzo’s “Futuro Desierto” will begin the competition as a deadline series for the section.
The new initiative will be further strengthened. Decided by a local non-professional series enthusiast ju-san, Premio Ciudad de Cádiz aims to embed the event deeply into the urban cultural fabric. Internationally, the festival sealed off a content exchange agreement with China’s Golden Panda Festival in Sichuan Province and Cadiz enemies, one of Spain’s longest-running documentary showcases.
El Centro
Provided by South International Series Festival
Industry support and strategic support
Strategic institutional and private sector support supports the expansion of the South. Cadiz city and state councils remain the main supporters, joined by the Cadiz Bay Port Authority. Media sponsorship is provided by the Mediterraneo Mediaset España Group, and the festival’s organization and production is overseen by Womack.
“Priorities for this edition include expanding industry connections, increasing profiles for the Spanish series overseas, and a combination of market functions and public engagement,” explained Montiel.
Fascinated by South’s hybrid formulas, key players from Spain and abroad use Cadiz as their launchpad.
Ana Bustamante, general director of Mediterráneo, highlighted why the event is unique. “I point to three reasons why it is essential. First, solid support from public and private partners. Second, the fact that it was held in Cadiz at the end of the summer: there are many TV festivals, and there are series festivals dedicated to the series, but in a place of dreams, at such a major time, and at the number one festival.
Mediterráneo announces three world premieres. “Ella, Maldita Alma” was filmed at Plano a Plano at Cádiz. “Romi”, Joko TV-Producciones Mandarina and Prime Video and team. Doc “La Húngara. TomaQue Toma”, Lyomedia production by Mediaset Infinity.
Lomi
Provided by South International Series Festival
Womack Studios is taking on the role of a producer and leads progress with Sneak Peaks for “Bajani. Elge Deadier Guitarra.”
He also advances and bows include the Las 3000 Celebran La Vida (Proamagna) and Los Chorys, with support from Canal Sur.
“The South Festival is a great opportunity to engage with partners such as Movistar+ and HBO and showcase the new international series that will be launching in the fall,” said Al de Azpiazu, Senior Vice President of Distribution & Co-Production at Fremantle International.
He adds: “The South Festival location is an ideal pinpoint to bring together both Spanish and international partners to discuss the latest trends in the industry ahead of the upcoming programming season.”
Fremantle brings international muscle to Cadiz with highlights such as “Little Disaster,” starring festival-attending Diane Kruger. “Bardot” was inspired by “The Song of the Nibelung” RTL’s Constantine film production “The Kingdom War” and “Bardot,” a documentary about the international icons that will be performed at Spotlight South Sidebar.
According to the general director of Alea Media (Entrevías, Patria, Vivir Sin Permiso) “The South is a hub for welcoming the world in our country, welcoming the world, making deals, and most importantly discovering new stories and learning new ways.
Cadiz as the Southern Bridge in Europe
“The goal is to create diverse festivals with content and scope, integrate them as industry references, and boost Cadiz’s role as a shooting locale for international productions,” summarises Montiel.
With international power players being deeply involved, the South is set to continue to surpass its weight. Three years later, Cadiz is no longer just a promising newcomer.
