Iberseries and Platino Industria Unveils Selected Projects for the Sixth Edition of the Coproduction and Financing Forum in Madrid

The sixth edition of Iberseries & Platino Industria (I&PI) has officially announced the selection of Ibero-American projects for its highly anticipated Coproduction and Financing Forum. This year, the forum will feature twenty projects—ten feature films and ten series—all currently in an advanced stage of development. The primary objective of this initiative is to facilitate the search for financing, identify strategic partners, and secure international distribution agreements through a rigorous schedule of one-to-one meetings with global producers, streaming platforms, distributors, sales agents, investment funds, and private investors.

As the Ibero-American audiovisual sector continues to experience a period of unprecedented expansion, driven by the global demand for Spanish and Portuguese language content, the I&PI forum has positioned itself as a critical bridge between the creative talent of Latin America and the industrial infrastructure of Europe. The event is scheduled to take place from September 29 to October 2 in Madrid, a city that has rapidly emerged as a central hub for the Spanish-speaking media industry.

A Strategic Selection of Feature Films and International Coproductions

The selection of feature films for the 2024 forum highlights a significant trend toward multilateral international coproductions. Of the ten selected films, seven are structured as collaborations between European and Latin American entities, reflecting the industry’s reliance on shared resources and cross-border storytelling to reach global audiences.

Among the notable selections is "Hotel Nacional," a project involving Cinescalas from Spain, i4Films from Cuba, and TV Zero from Brazil. This tripartite agreement underscores the growing interest in narratives that bridge the Caribbean, the Iberian Peninsula, and the South American giant, Brazil. Similarly, the project "Los inexpertos" brings together Quijote Films from Chile and Gentil Cine from Argentina, two nations with a long history of cinematic synergy.

The complexity of modern financing is further evidenced by "Malmirada," a project involving Inercia Películas and Continente Pictures from Colombia, Ringo Media from Spain, and Dibona Films from France. This four-way collaboration suggests a narrative with high international potential, capable of meeting the artistic standards of European cinema while maintaining the cultural authenticity of Colombian storytelling. Other key film selections include "Por qué volvías cada verano" from Argentina’s Mostra Cine; "Preso por amar," a Belgian-Uruguayan venture between Saga Film and BFS Producciones; and "Tres mujeres," which involves a consortium of Spanish (Las Hormigas Negras, Damita Joe), Italian (Ginevra Film), and Argentinian (Sombra Cine) producers.

The Mexican-Spanish connection remains robust with "Vuelve siempre, Sebastiana," produced by Gatodrácula Cine, The Maestros Cine, and Argia Films. Rounding out the film selection are three domestic Spanish projects: "Asalto" by Intemperie Films & Theatre, "Carro seco" by Los Hermanos Polo Films, and "Los ciegos" by The Aurora Project. Additionally, the film "1999" by Anonymous Content (Spain) will participate as a guest project through a strategic agreement with the BIF Market.

High-End Series and the Shift Toward Episodic Narratives

The series category of the forum reflects the ongoing "Golden Age" of episodic television in the Ibero-American region. Four of the ten selected series involve regional participation, emphasizing the collaborative nature of high-end television production. These include "Allegados" (Chile-Mexico), "Escuelas de las Américas" (United States-Panama), "Historias de espías" (Mexico-Spain), and "Maestro del engaño" from Colombia’s Red Collision Studios.

The inclusion of "Escuelas de las Américas" is particularly noteworthy, as it represents a collaboration between the United States and Panama, signaling the expanding footprint of the Ibero-American market into the U.S. Hispanic sector and the growing importance of Central American production hubs. Furthermore, the project "Canten P*tos" by Uruguay’s Criatura Cine has been invited to participate via the Ventana Sur Series agreement, reinforcing the ties between I&PI and other major industry markets.

The selection of these series indicates a preference for genres that travel well across borders, including political thrillers, historical dramas, and character-driven narratives that leverage the unique cultural landscapes of the participating countries.

The Selection Committee and Evaluation Criteria

The responsibility of curating this year’s selection fell to a committee of esteemed industry professionals, ensuring that the chosen projects met high standards of commercial viability and artistic merit. The committee included Joanna Lombardi, a renowned showrunner with extensive experience in regional production; Karina Dolgiej of TV Film International; and Bernardo Bergeret, a foundational figure in the Latin American film industry and the creator of Ventana Sur and BloodWindow.

The committee’s focus on "advanced development" is a strategic choice. In the current economic climate, investors and platforms are increasingly seeking projects that have already secured a significant portion of their creative and financial structure. By showcasing projects that are nearly "camera-ready," the forum maximizes the likelihood of deals being closed during the four-day event.

A Track Record of Success and Institutional Support

The efficacy of the I&PI Coproduction and Financing Forum is evidenced by the success of its alumni. Several projects selected in previous editions have successfully moved from the forum stage to production and international release. Notable examples include "Hangar Rojo" directed by Juan Pablo Sallato (Chile), "Pepita la pistolera" by Lucía Puenzo (Argentina), "Caza y pesca" by Guillermo Carbonell (Uruguay-Argentina), and "Los sueños que compartimos" by Valentina Leduc Navarro (Mexico).

The institutional framework supporting Iberseries & Platino Industria is a testament to its importance within the global audiovisual ecosystem. The event is organized by EGEDA (Audiovisual Producers’ Rights Management Association) and the Fundación Secuoya, in collaboration with FIPCA (Ibero-American Federation of Film and Audiovisual Producers). It also receives significant support from the Madrid Film Office and Madrid Film Region, alongside various other collaborating entities.

Madrid’s role as the host city is not incidental. The Spanish government’s "Spain Audiovisual Hub" plan, which aims to invest over 1.6 billion euros to increase the country’s audiovisual production by 30% by 2025, has made Madrid a primary destination for international productions. The forum serves as a localized manifestation of this broader national strategy, attracting talent and capital to the Spanish capital.

Industry Implications and Economic Context

The sixth edition of I&PI arrives at a pivotal moment for the Ibero-American industry. According to recent market reports, the Spanish-speaking audience represents a demographic of over 500 million people globally, making it one of the most lucrative markets for streaming services and traditional broadcasters alike. The rise of "global-local" content—stories rooted in specific local cultures but possessing universal themes—has become the cornerstone of international programming strategies.

By fostering coproductions, the forum helps mitigate the financial risks associated with high-budget filmmaking and series production. In an era where production costs are rising, the ability to share expenses, access various national tax incentives, and guarantee distribution in multiple territories simultaneously is vital for the survival and growth of independent production companies.

The forum also addresses the "financing gap" that often plagues projects in the Ibero-American region. While creative talent is abundant, access to private equity and international sales agents can be limited. The one-to-one meeting format democratizes access to these key players, providing independent creators with a platform that might otherwise be out of reach.

Chronology of the Upcoming Event

The scheduled activities for the 2024 edition of Iberseries & Platino Industria are designed to maximize networking and professional development. Following the announcement of the selected projects, the participants will undergo a series of preparatory sessions to refine their pitches and business plans.

• September 29: Opening of the event and initial networking sessions.
• September 30 – October 1: Primary window for the Coproduction and Financing Forum one-to-one meetings. This period will also feature panels on market trends, tax incentives, and new technologies in production.
• October 2: Closing ceremonies and the announcement of potential partnerships and future collaborations.

Throughout these four days, the forum will operate alongside other I&PI branches, including the Platino Awards activities and specialized workshops for screenwriters and showrunners. This multi-faceted approach ensures that all aspects of the industry, from the creative inception of an idea to its eventual distribution and award recognition, are represented.

Broader Impact on the Ibero-American Audiovisual Ecosystem

The selection of these twenty projects is more than just a list of upcoming films and shows; it is a snapshot of the current state of Ibero-American creativity. The diversity of the participating countries—ranging from the established markets of Spain, Mexico, and Argentina to emerging hubs in Panama and Uruguay—illustrates a decentralized and increasingly collaborative regional industry.

Furthermore, the involvement of European partners from France, Belgium, and Italy suggests that Ibero-American content is no longer viewed as a "niche" interest but as a vital component of the global cultural economy. As these projects move toward completion, they are expected to contribute significantly to the cultural soft power of the Ibero-American region, promoting its languages, stories, and landscapes to a global audience.

In conclusion, the sixth edition of the Iberseries & Platino Industria Coproduction and Financing Forum stands as a critical pillar for the future of Spanish and Portuguese language content. By bridging the gap between artistic vision and financial reality, the forum ensures that the most promising stories from the Ibero-American world find their way to screens across the globe. The upcoming meetings in Madrid will likely set the stage for the next wave of award-winning cinema and television, reinforcing the region’s position as a powerhouse in the international media landscape.