Unifrance showcases French content power at MIPTV 2024

MIPTV once again witnessed a robust presence from French production and distribution companies under the Unifrance umbrella. With a staggering array of participants, Unifrance showcases the diversity and quality of French content to international buyers and industry insiders.

The event, held annually in Cannes, France, serves as a pivotal platform for networking, deal-making, and highlighting upcoming projects. This year’s edition see a notable turnout, with a total of 39 companies representing France’s vibrant audiovisual landscape.

Among the prominent attendees were stalwarts like Gaumont, known for its rich history in film and television production, and Pathé Films, a powerhouse in European cinema. These industry giants were joined by a host of other established players such as Mediawan Kids & Family, renowned for its engaging children’s programming, and Cyber Group Studios, a leader in animated content production.

However, it wasn’t just the established names that commanded attention. Emerging companies like Dandelooo, gaining recognition for its innovative approach to animation, and Folivari International, specializing in unique and compelling storytelling, added a fresh dynamic to the event.

Furthermore, the presence of distribution companies such as APC Kids, PGS Entertainment, and Terranoa highlights France’s role as a key player in the global content market. These companies play a crucial role in connecting French creators with international audiences, facilitating the export of cultural products beyond France’s borders.

The full French selection at Series Mania 2024

International Competition
● Dans l’ombre / In the Shadows, France 2
● Rematch, ARTE / Disney+ / HBO Europe

French Competition
● Homejacking, OCS
● Le monde n’existe pas / The World Does Not Exist, ARTE
● Machine, ARTE / Prime Video
● Murder Club, M6
● Ourika, Prime Video
● Une amitié dangereuse / A Dangerous Friendship, France Télévisions

Short Forms Competition
● Bouchon, ARTE
● Ceux qui rougissent / Those Who Blush, ARTE / RTS

Comedy Competition
● Extra., OCS

Special Screenings — Out of Competition
● HPI — Saison 4 / HIP — Season 4, TF1

Documentary Series
● Insoupçonnable, France 2

Discover the flagship programmes:

A Dangerous Friendship

Original title: Une amitié dangereuse
Format: 4×52’
Distributor: Mediawan Rights
Production company: Storia Television
Co-production company: FIT Production
Writers: Alain Tasma, Ève de Castro, Henri Helman, based on the novels by Juliette Benzoni
Director: Alain Tasma
Starring: Eloïse Rey Kafui, Stéphanie Gil, Jérémy Gillet, Margherita Buy, Vassili Schneider, Samuel Jouy
French broadcaster: France 2

Synopsis: Two young, beautiful women form a strong friendship. Marie de Rohan, Duchess of Chevreuse, is a lively, playful, free-spirited woman with a string of adventures, and Anne of Austria, Queen of France, a shy, prudish woman who suffers from neurasthenia after being married too young and abandoned by her husband, King Louis XIII. Marie sets out to bring together the royal couple. By introducing laughter and gallantry into the stiff and staid atmosphere imposed by the shy young King of France, her arrival will be both disturbing and scandalous…

Ça, c’est Paris

© Christophe Brachet – France Télévisions – Mon Voisin Productions – Federation Studio France Original title : Ça, c’est Paris
Format: 6×52’ Distributor: Federation Studios
Production companies: Mon Voisin Productions, Federation Studio France
Writers: Edgard F. Grima, Jérôme Bruno
Director: Marc Fitoussi (showrunner)
Starring: Alex Lutz, Nicolas Maury, Charlotte de Turckheim, Fadily Camara, Monica Bellucci
French broadcaster: France 2

Synopsis:  The director of the famous cabaret Tout-Paris is considering selling the theater to Carrefour to live in the countryside with his wife. However, the cabaret holds sentimental value as a family heritage, and the director ultimately decides to keep it instead. The cabaret’s success depends on the hardworking and big-hearted family of performers and staff, including three dancers with their personal struggles. Despite conflicts, their job requires them to entertain their audience with smiles and festivities.

Carpe Diem

Original title: Carpe Diem
Format: 6×52’
Distributor: Newen Connect
Production company: Escazal Films
Writers: Julien Guérif, Pierre Isoard, based on an original idea by Samuel Le Bihan
Director: Pierre Isoard
Starring: Samuel Le Bihan, Barbara Schulz
French broadcaster: TF1

Synopsis: At 48, Tom Villeneuve is finally free. Wrongly accused of murdering his wife, Tom has just spent 17 years in prison. A fighter, he studied law in jail and became a lawyer upon release. Back in his hometown of Nice, he’s determined to find out who the real murderer is. He opens his own practice as a «young» lawyer, defending those he believes have been unjustly accused of a crime, like he was. His style is surprising, as he is always smiling and relaxed, with a certain flair. Having been robbed of 17 years of his life, he follows one golden rule: Carpe Diem. Seize the day.

The Eclipse

Original title: L’Éclipse
Format: 6×52’
Distributor: About Premium Content
Production company: Carma Films
Writers: Hélène Duchateau, Cécile Lorne, Baptiste Filleul
Director: Franck Brett
Starring: Anne Charrier, Claire Keim, Victor Poirier, Hubert Delattre, Aymeric Fougeron, Eloïse Kafui, Justine Lacroix, Armelle Deutsch, Thomas Jouannet, Valentin Campagne, Patrick Rocca
French broadcaster: France 2

Synopsis: Aubrac high plateau, harsh and windswept country.
During an evening eclipse, Luca, 17, accidentally shoots his girlfriend, Nour. When he leaves to seek help, the young girl disappears. Manue and Johanna, two female local police officers, are dispatched to an investigation whose stakes will come to impact their own families.

The Black Widow

Original title: Au-dessus de tout soupçon
Format: 4×52’
Distributor: Film & Picture
Production company: Episode Productions
Co-production company: France Télévisions
Writer: Franck Ollivier
Director: Philippe Dajoux
Starring: Odile Vuillemin, Joyce Bibring, Yann Sundberg, Paul Le Bourdon
French broadcaster: France 2

Synopsis: Who is Isabelle? A murderer or a housewife? That’s what Captain Mathilde Delboscq, in charge of the investigation into Isabelle’s husband’s death, wants to understand… It’s the beginning of an inquiry, and then a dive into the life of a woman with a unique destiny.

Sea Shadows

Original title: Rivages
Format: 6×52’
Distributor: France tv distribution
Production companies: Mintee Studios, Thalie Images
Writers: Jonathan Rio, Monica Rattazzi
Director: David Hourrègue
Starring: Fleur Geffrier, Guillaume Labbé, Thierry Godard, Jean-Marc Barr, Younès Boucif, Jonas Bloquet
French broadcaster: France 2

Synopsis: Abigail, a marine scientist, has been sent to her hometown of Fécamp to research a mysterious shipwreck. When she arrives, she must deal with the tensions that pit the authorities against both fishermen and environmental activists. But the danger lies elsewhere: a mysterious and menacing creature seems to be haunting the seabed.

Zetwal Caraïbes

Original title: Zetwal
Format: 8×26’
Distributor: Trace Studios
Production companies: Trace Global, Monde & Media
Coproducer: France Télévisions
Writers: Brice Massée, Florence Combaluzier, Dinah Effoudou, Sarah N’Diaye, C’drick Fremont
Director: Luccio Di Rosa
Starring: Angelyna Danabe Mignot, Mathew Bazile, Axelle Laurent, Youri Lauriette
French broadcasters: France Télévisions Pôle Outre-Mer, then TV5MONDE

Synopsis: Four young Caribbeans, whose daily lives are marked by constraints and challenges, decide to take drama classes. Soon, they will discover common ground in an insular society where the future remains their primary concern.

About Unifrance

Founded in 1949, Unifrance is the organization responsible for the promotion of French film and TV content worldwide.

Based in Paris, Unifrance employs around fifty staff members, as well as representatives based in the United States, China, and Japan. The association currently counts over 1,000 professionals in the French movie and TV sectors (including production companies, directors, actors, talent agents, and sales companies), who work together to promote French film and TV productions to foreign audiences, industry professionals, and media organizations.

 

Unifrance is supported in its activities by the French state, the CNC, the PROCIREP, and many other public and private partners.