The future of Spanish television was on display at Cadiz in Anadarcia. With nearly 13,000 attendees, the South International Series Festival marks a key shift, including pushing towards global reach, the rise of identity-driven storytelling, new awards and Andalusian industry push. If the festival is anything, there are seven takeaways on where the business is heading.
Internationalization: the next major challenge
Festival Director Carls Montiel called internationalization the festival’s next “obsession.” With nearly 13,000 attendees, the South already feels like a rather heavy addition to the Fest Circuit. Montiel sees further growth potential by turning Cadiz into a true crossroads in the Global Series. The festival has steadily attracted international attention. Last year, he welcomed David Shore, creator of “House,” and the edition drew Diane Kruger (“Little Disaster”, “Troy”, “Troy”) and Chris Blancart, creator of “Narcos.”
Gender and identity shape conversation
Rather than just a winner, the British series What It Feeling for a Girl has become a shorthand for Cadiz about how gender and identity translate the scripted drama. Parisirez’s YA blend, genre and social realism resonates strongly with ju umpires and audiences, demonstrating how personal storytelling can move globally when surrounded by genre lens. South has confirmed that identity-driven narratives are not niches, but important drivers of international television.
“Invisible” emphasizes production partnership
Produced by Seville Arran and Madrid’s Morena films, Disney+ original “Invisible” was screened south as part of the Sur sidebar. The project, the top Spanish content performer on the platform since its release in December, shows that an alliance between global streamers and local producers is reshaping Spanish drama economics. Al Lalan and Morena first joined forces in Benito Zambrano’s Goya Award-winning “Open” (“Intemperie”), and their updated partnership demonstrates how local know-how and global platforms can create sustainable pipelines.
Spain’s own Emmy style award
The launch of the Womack Group-backed Círculo de Profesionales de Las series Españolas (CPSE) sets the stage for the new Premios Anilos de Oro. Sold as the first award dedicated solely to the Spanish series and its experts, they aim to become a national benchmark with global forecasts. “These awards were born to bring fame to every Spanish series,” said Joan Alvarez, director of the first two editions of the South and former head of the Spanish Academy of Film. If successful, this initiative can give the Spanish series much of the dedication that they have long enjoyed in films.
A bigger bet on Andalusian production
The Andalusian regional government tripled audiovisual funds from 2 million euros ($2.1 million) to 6 million euros ($6.4 million) starting from the spring, strengthening the appeal of the regional film and television industry for potential partnerships. Andalusian driving force Canal Sur Televisión returns to television drama production – teaming up with Womack Studios with another entertainment to develop “The Rock” developed “The Rock,” a historic thriller from the 1960s, closing the borders of Gibraltar Lalinea under Franco.
Industry conversations map the future
South’s specialized programme has now turned to zero for the forces that form the audiovisual sector. In “The Future of Series,” executives from Mediaset España, 3cat and Atresmedia pointed to consumer change and the hunt for sustainable models. While the Legal Specialists discussed the challenge of adapting real events, author-director Borja Coveaga (“Spanish Events”) discussed a comedy unleashed as a balance of satire and kindness. In “The Growth Value of the Series,” creators, including Jorge Coila (“Hiero”) and Marina Efron (“Rachica’s Invisible”), highlighted how the rise of showrunners and the universal power of local storytelling redefines Prestige television.
Popular appeals pinned to local icons
South celebrated Andalusia himself in tribute to actor-director-producer Pacoleon, one of Spain’s most bank-loved figures. His awards portrayed one of the festival’s warmest receptions, following the screening of the classic episode of “Ida,” a Spanish free broadcast television landmark in which he starred. The moment revealed how South Bridges is honorable with its massive charm, strengthening their bond with their audience at home.
Diane Kruger Credit: Reina
Reynafotografo
