Seven European series share $2.4m funding to ‘strengthen cultural dialogue’

Animated project My Little Heroes has received €300,000

The results of the fourth call for projects under the Council of Europe’s Pilot Programme for Series Co-Productions have been announced.

Following evaluations carried out by independent experts, the Council of Europe has decided to support the coproduction of seven series for a total of €2.1m (US$2.4m).

Of the seven series supported during the session, women account for 42% of creators, writers and directors, while 10 national, regional or minority languages are represented.

The live-action projects selected are:

Charlatan – €300,000
Created by: Kris Gaens, Rutger Beckers
Coproduced by: Sputnik BV TV (BE), Horizon Film BV (NL)

Dead Women Talking – €300,000
Created by: Tua Harno, Johanna Holvikallio
Coproduced by: Helsinki-filmi Oy (FI), Cuba Films OÜ (EE)

Red Light Empire – €300,000
Created by: Tim Oliehoek
Coproduced by: Lemming Film (NL), Lemming Film Belgium (BE),
Nukleus Film (HR)

The Boy Who Could Listen to the Soil – €300,000
Created by: Neritan Zinxhiria
Coproduced by: Foss Productions (GR), Art Film (AL)

The Disappearance of Sara Lindert – €300,000
Created by: Kateřina Šardická, Miro Šifra
Coproduced by: Barletta (CZ), Truestory (SK)

Yesterday’s Girl/Ar Ais Arís/Órfãs d’el-rei – €300,000
Created by: Cal McGhee
Coproduced by: Tailored Films (IE), BeActive (PT)

One animated project has also been supported:

My Little Heroes – €300,000
Created by: Javier Galán
Coproduced by: Peekaboo Animation SL (ES), Fabrique Production BV (BE)

The Council of Europe said several of the projects foreground “underrepresented perspectives and encourage reflection on contemporary social issues, while also embedding inclusive production practices, gender-balanced leadership and concrete sustainability measures.”

“Together, the slate reflects a European audiovisual landscape that values diversity, cultural dialogue and stories that resonate across generations and borders,” it added.

The Council of Europe Pilot Programme for Series Co-Productions is a cultural funding programme by the Council of Europe, home of Eurimages, to support high-quality series made as international copros.

The programme is currently supported by ministries of culture and national agencies across numerous European countries.

A political organisation set up in 1949, the Council of Europe works to promote democracy and human rights across the continent. It also develops common responses to social, cultural and legal challenges in its 46 member states