Defying the current industry trend of cost-cutting and scaled-back market events, Turkish distributor ATV hosted an exclusive VIP gala dinner at the Carlton Hotel in Cannes during MIPCOM 2026. The high-end, in-person event successfully evoked the glamour of traditional television markets, gathering approximately 200 international buyers from across all regions. Accompanied by live percussion musicians, the evening served as the official global launchpad for the network’s two highly anticipated premium dramas: Land of the Sun and Different Lives.
The showcase was spearheaded by the CEO and key executive members of ATV, who presented exclusive trailers for both productions. Amplifying the event’s profile, lead actors from both series were in attendance to address the international buyers directly, sharing insights into their roles and the creative processes behind the new properties.
The first focal point of the night was Land of the Sun (Güneşin Doğduğu Yer). Produced by TIMS&B Productions—with Timur Savcı and Burak Sağyaşar serving as producers—and penned by Yıldız Tunç, the series is headlined by Burak Özçivit and Beyza Gümülcine. Set against the backdrop of 1989 Berlin and Adana, the drama follows Leyla, a warm-hearted young woman who falls in love with Kenan, the charismatic heir to the powerful Kozan dynasty. As she navigates this new world, Leyla uncovers dangerous secrets that threaten to tear apart both the Kozan and Atahanlı families.
The second major presentation was Different Lives (Altı Üstü İstanbul), a contemporary drama that recently delivered a strong summer premiere performance in Turkey. The story centers on Emir, a talented young footballer from a working-class Istanbul neighborhood desperate to lift his family out of poverty. When dark secrets surrounding his brother Bahtiyar’s death emerge, Emir discovers that the people he now works for are his greatest enemies, forcing a high-stakes choice between his professional ambitions and a perilous quest for justice.
By investing in a premium, talent-led experiential event, ATV reinforced its commitment to the global market, positioning its newest titles as top-tier acquisitions for international broadcasters and platforms.
