Oscar winner Danis Tanović, Argentina’s Daniel Burman, behind ‘Iosi, the Regretful Spy,’ and International Emmy winners Cláudio Torres and Hernán Caffiero also have new series at a talent-packed, lively Berlin Series Market, with a strong focus on Europe and Latin America

Berlinale Series Market Selects will welcome 17 scripted shows and three docu-series this year, including Ken Burns’ latest offering “The American Revolution,” co-directed with Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt.

Other potential highlights include Globo’s “Emergency 53,” starring Fernanda Montenegro, who scored a best actress Oscar nomination for “Central Station.”

Amid the BSM’s Co-Pro Series projects, to be presented on stage at the Berlin Series Market, one of its biggest traditions,  “A Phone Rings in the Middle of the Night” marks the first fiction series from Plattform Producktion, the Swedish production outfit co-headed by Cannes Palme d’Or winning director Ruben Östlund (“The Square,” “Traingle of Sadness”).  Further projects are set to be directed by “Andor” helmer Alonso Ruizpalacios, one of Mexico’s younger go-to cineastes, and Oscar winner Danis Tanović (“No Man’s Land”).

The Berlinale Series Market is also launching two new initiatives this year: the Studio Babelsberg Production Excellence Award, awarded to an outstanding series in Berlinale Series Market Selects, and Series Match, Germany & Ibero-America, organized with Spain’s Iberseries & Platino Industria market. Latter aims to connect Ibero-American and German production companies. Put this together with the six series announced Wednesday as selected for the Berlin Film Festival and it looks like series, after a period of uncertainty, are back with a bang at Berlin, one of the first A-List festivals to sense their importance, screening its first series in 2010. Declarations made to Variety by Tanja Meissner, director of Berlinale Pro, in his same article leave little room for doubt as to this regard.

Detailing the events that grew into a struggle engaging more than two dozen nations, “The American Revolution” is narrated by Peter Coyote and includes the first-person voices of nearly 200 individual historic figures, read by – among many other starry names – Josh Brolin, Claire Danes, Morgan Freeman, Paul Giamatti, Tom Hanks, Ethan Hawke, Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Keaton, Edward Norton and Meryl Streep. 

It has already been sold to France and Germany (Arte), and Australia (SBS).

“We are delighted that ‘The American Revolution’ has been selected for the Berlinale Series Market. This recognition reflects the series’ universal relevance, bringing to life a story that continues to resonate across cultures and generations. It is an honor to share this deeply human exploration of one of history’s defining moments on an international stage,” said Joe Barrett, Vice President of Global Sales at PBS Distribution.

“As we approach the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, ‘The American Revolution’ offers a cinematic journey into the founding of a nation, voiced by an extraordinary cast who bring first-hand historical accounts to life,” he added. “The series combines meticulous scholarship, immersive storytelling, and visual artistry to present history with immediacy, depth and resonance for viewers around the world.”

“In Pursuit of the True Shaman” and Canada’s “The Struggle for Mother Water” will round up the Docuseries section.  

“‘In Pursuit of the True Shaman’ is a journey into a vanishing world where ancient knowledge continues to resist modern oblivion – while, amidst the endless steppes, a Turkish director wanders in search of his own shaman, tracing ancient rituals. This journey also unfolds as a feature-length documentary, allowing the same search to breathe in a different cinematic rhythm, at a time when humanity is urgently seeking new ways to understand itself,” said creator Talha Berkay Baş.

“The Struggle for Mother Water” is an eight-part docuseries about the global water crisis and the women who are waging a “courageous, inspiring, determined” fight to protect and conserve it, said its writer-director-editor Michael Zelniker, an actor (“The Terry Fox Story”) turned climate action activist and filmmaker with 2021’s “The Issue with Tissue – a Boreal Love Story.”

“James Baldwin said: ‘Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed unless it is faced,’” Zelniker told Variety. “Being selected to screen as part of the Berlinale Series Market Selects program provides us with a potent opportunity to illuminate the disturbing realities of the global water crisis, how far we are on the ground from realizing the United Nations declaration that access to clean, safe drinking water is a human right.”

Apart from two Canadian shows, this year’s edition marks another strong showing for Germany, Chile and especially Spain, with five titles. One, “La Frontera” shows a captain of the Spanish Civil Guard uncovering an ETA terrorist attack in Paris. His partner is a French police officer. “In a desperate race against time, they confront shifting loyalties, criminal networks and impossible moral choices that blur the lines between duty and betrayal,” a description runs.

Beyond that Spanish production-distribution giants The Mediapro Studio and Movistar Plus+ both have two titles at this year’s Berlinale Series Market.   

One, “A 100-Million Reward,” – created and directed by Nacho G. Velilla, and sold by Movistar Plus+ Internacional – will see three mechanics kidnap a soccer star in order to finally get out of debt.

Movistar Plus+ is also behind espionage thriller “The Center.” Fast-paced, fulsomely budgeted and ranging from Strasbourg to El Salvador, it is created by rising Spanish scripted star David Moreno whose “The Immortal” played Canneseries. It lifts the lid on the hidden world of Spain’s National Intelligence Center (CNI) as it races to unmask a traitor and counter a Russia-led conspiracy. It has been renewed for a second season.

Other unlikely protagonists will prove that “All Heroes Are Bastards” – in this new German show, a hapless trio suddenly gains superpowers. 

“We wanted to take the superhero genre and use it to tell a story about our people, our pain and the real power structures. Straight from our neighborhood, for audiences everywhere,” creators Esra and Patrick Phul told Variety. 

Reinvent Yellow brings Denmark’s “The Pushover” and “Conviction”. In the first, following a woman’s drowning, investigator Morten Stark tries to expose a suspect. Meanwhile, journalist Nora Sand uncovers multiple past fraud cases against him as well. 

“Based on Lone Theils’ novel, ‘The Pushover’ is fantastic because it delivers classic, gripping Nordic noir with a dark, realistic atmosphere,” said Helene Aurø, CSO of sales, marketing & acquisition at Reinvent Yellow.

“The story feels authentic and grounded, driven by human flaws, moral ambiguity, and quiet tension rather than flashy twists. It keeps you hooked until the very end, with an unpredictable conclusion you simply can’t guess in advance.”

According to Aurø, “Convictions” – where a woman needs to deal with a shocking tragedy – is a “compelling psychological thriller where you can truly relate to the protagonist’s worst nightmare unfolding: Her partner and child disappear with no explanation, dragging her into a tense, emotional search that keeps you on the edge of your seat.”

She added: “The show carries a noir-like tension as moral lines blur, personal stakes rise and every clue deepens the mystery rather than resolving it.” 

Mysteries and crime stories show no sign of slowing down also beyond “Convictions,” with the likes of “Cold Haven” and “Komar” from Bosnia and Herzegovina also about to celebrate their Berlin premieres in Berlinale Market Selects.

A slice of Icelandic Noir from Glassriver (“Black Sands”) and Portugal’s SPi, “Cold Haven” probes the immigration experience and the conflict between career ambition and family ties and a deep-felt sense of guilt.

In “Komar,” its protagonist looks for answers – this time about her boyfriend, who vanishes alongside his fellow travellers. 

Chile’s “Hidden Island” has a detective looking for clues following the disappearance of an archaeologist in search for the mythical place. “It’s inspired by a legend, which talks about the human being, and its connection with the universe. With Chilean DNA for global audiences,” assured showrunner Pablo Díaz del Río. 

More investigations will come courtesy of Switzerland’s “The Palm Line,” where a journalist needs to take a closer look at the biggest art theft of the 20th century – and find out who murdered her father. The series was presented at the BSM’s Co-Pro Series, now returns completed in BSM Selects.   

True Colours’ Managing Director Elliot Gustin-Hollman noted: “The Berlinale Series Market has long been a benchmark for exceptional series, and we’re proud to be part of its selection. We’re confident that buyers will recognize the distinctive quality and international potential of ‘The Palm Line,’ just as we did from the very first scripts.”

Female characters to remember will dominate in “The Marquise,” focusing on pioeneering feminist Leonor de Almeida Portugal. Best known as the Marquise of Alorna, the 18th-century poet proved unbound by social conventions. The series has screened in Portugal on broadcaster RTP and Netflix.

Pandora Da Cunha Telles, its creator and producer, noted: “Inspired by true events, but sprinkled with lots of pop music, this series is a deep dive into a colorful world, filled with masks, books, fandangos, watercolors, and piles of macarons. It’s a story about a fierce writer ahead of her time, told in a youthful tone.”

Zuzana Kirchnerová-directed “Monyová” will also delve into the life of a writer: Simona Monyová who became a household name in the Czech Republic. Kirchnerová recently directed Cannes premiere “Caravan.” 

“It was a privilege to bring to the screen such a powerful and emotionally charged female story. I believe the series has strong international potential and the ability to resonate with audiences beyond cultural boundaries, while offering strength and reassurance to those who may recognize their own experiences within it,” she noted. 

“For me, in-depth preparation with the actors was essential, particularly with Tereza Ramba in the role of Simona. She committed to the character with remarkable courage and sensitivity, immersing herself completely in the role and giving everything she had.”

According to Kirchnerová, in the early 2000s Monyová was one of the most widely read female authors in the Czech Republic. 

“Writing popular romantic fiction, she captivated women across generations, even as literary critics often dismissed her work. She lived in a luxury home, owned high-end sports cars, and appeared to embody personal success.” But while her work felt “bold and liberating,” she endured years of psychological and later physical abuse by her husband.

“When she finally attempted to leave the marriage and filed for divorce, her husband murdered her. Her death shocked the nation and received extensive media coverage. In its aftermath, public discussion of domestic violence in the Czech Republic intensified, leading to greater awareness and a significant increase in reported cases.” 

“K-1,” created by Khadija Alami, will follow a group of highly skilled members as they “occasionally collaborate with Interpol agents and counter-terrorism teams.” “Alongside the high-stakes action of their professional lives, the team members also confront personal struggles – dealing with loss, anger, and feelings of abandonment – which ultimately shape them into deeply human and empathetic characters,” Variety found out. 

“Phoenix,” sold by Mediawan, will also flirt with socio-political issues, showing a group that decides to fight against climate change in a rather unorthodox way: they kidnap children of those who are in power. 

“It’s a bold pan‑European eco‑thriller that combines high‑stakes suspense with urgent contemporary relevance. Conceived as a true Franco‑German co‑production, it features a standout young cast from across Europe and delivers a gripping, premium series with strong international appeal. I’m delighted to present it in Berlin,” admitted Maze Pictures’ CEO Philipp Kreuzer.

“Raza Brava” also hails from Chile, a country with a bullish trio of series selected for the Berlinale this year, including Isabel Allende adaptation “The House of the Spirits,” from Andrés Wood, announced Wednesday in Berlin Special.  

Created and directed by Hernán Caffiero, whose “The Suspended Mourning” scooped an International Emmy Award, “Raza Brava” follows a boy from a working-class neighborhood in Santiago de Chile who rises to lead the hardcore fan group of Colo-Colo, one of the most popular soccer teams in Latin America. Erik Barmack’s L.A.-based Wild Sheep Content produces with Chile’s DeCulto, Caffiero’s label, and Atómica, Wild Sheep and Atoómica also being behind Chilean Netflix hit “Cromosoma 21.”

“‘Raza Brava’ is a story that, although set against the backdrop of football, speaks to who we are as a society: our loyalties, contradictions, and dreams. It is a tale born in Chile, yet it resonates anywhere that sport and popular identity become a mirror of life itself,” Caffiero told Variety.

Featuring Fernanda Montenegro, Oscar-nominated for Walter Salles’ Oscar-winning “Central Station” and Valentina Herszage, another star of Salles’ “I’m Still Here,” “Emergency 53,” reunites Brazil’s Globo, top independent Conspiraçao and Cláudio Torres, another International Emmy Award winner (“The Invisible Woman”) and Andrucha Waddington (“House of Sands”), all behind ER drama “Under Pressure,” one of Globo’s most succesful series in recent times. 

“So Far, So Good” equally yokes two Latin American powerhouses, Oficina Burman and Cimarrón, both parts of The Mediapro Studio. Created by Daniel Burman – who “Yosi, the Regretful Spy” was commonly regarded as the best series at Berlin in 2022, it sees a cartoonist who, to put it bluntly, finds everyday life a tad overwhelming. But then a hernia “sparks a comedic journey to discover what truly weighs him down.”

“Middle age doesn’t bring certainty, only more weight: aging parents who depend on us, children who never leave home and expect guidance, while we’re completely lost. ‘So Far, So Good’ emerges in this context,” shared Burman.

The series is “the story of Ariel, a newly minted fifty‑year‑old navigating this stage with sharp humor and humanity. A story that aims to connect not only with audiences going through the same thing, but also with older generations and with younger ones, who still have no idea what awaits them,” he adds.