Category: TV Shows

Bodhitree Multimedia’s Gunaah season 2 to premier on Disney+Hotsstar on 3 Jan

MUMBAI: Come 3 January and Bodhitree Multimedia’s second season of drama Gunaah is going to premier on Disney+Hotstar. This new season takes the intensity up a notch, delving deeper into a gripping tale of revenge, betrayal, and love. With more twists, emotional drama, and shocking revelations, it promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. It stars Abhimanyu (Gashmeer Mahajani), Tara (Surbhi Jyoti), Shiva (Zayn Iqbal Khan), JK (Darshan Pandya) and Michael (Shashank Ketkar) amongst others,

Director Anil Senior said, “I’m beyond excited to bring Gunaah Season 2 to our audience. After the overwhelming success of Season 1 on Disney+ Hotstar, we knew we had to raise the stakes even higher. This season isn’t just about revenge and betrayal; it’s about exploring the raw, unfiltered emotions of each character. Their journeys are more complex, and I believe viewers will truly connect with the depth of their struggles. It’s been a thrilling challenge to push the boundaries of storytelling and create an even more intense and immersive experience. I can’t wait for everyone to see what we’ve put together.”

Bodhitree Multimedia producer & managing drector Mautik Tolia added, “The return of Gunaah with its second season is a reflection of the incredible response and love the audience has given to this series. At Bodhitree Multimedia, we strive to create stories that resonate deeply and Gunaah is no exception. This season delves into the complexities of human relationships, blending intense drama with emotions that are both raw and real. It has been an awarding journey bringing this story to life and we are thrilled to take audiences on another unforgettable ride.”

Surbhi Jyoti, who plays Tara, expressed, “Season 1 introduced everyone to Tara’s world—her struggles, her relationships, and the weight of her choices. But Season 2 is on a whole new level. Tara is thrown into situations that challenge everything she stands for, pushing her strength and emotions to their very limits. The twists in her relationship with Abhimanyu are heart-wrenching and raw, and I think anyone who has ever wrestled with love, guilt, or redemption will deeply connect with her story. I’m so excited for audiences to see this side of her—it’s emotional, intense, and full of surprises!”

Gashmeer Mahajani, who plays Abhimanyu, shared, “Abhimanyu’s journey in Gunaah Season 2 is nothing short of extraordinary. This time, his choices are more difficult, his struggles are more profound, and his vulnerabilities are laid bare. It was both challenging and rewarding to portray his evolution, especially as he navigates the tumultuous relationships and high-stakes decisions that define this season. I’m confident that viewers will resonate with the complexities of his character and the emotional depth of his story.”

January 1, 2025
Mumbai’s local trains, women commuters and Zee TV’s Bas Itna Sa Khwaab

MUMBAI: Zee TV’s 7 pm show Bas Itna sa Khwab has women navigating the challenging tug of war between duty calls at work and home as its central premise. What better way can there be to bring out this central theme than branding trains which commuters (in this case, women) hop on to daily to get to their workplaces.

Which is what the Zee TV marketing team has done. In a first of its kind tactic for Hindi general entertainment channels, multiple Mumbai local AC trains and the Delhi metro have been plastered with the show’s key visuals, turning them into moving billboards. The branded trains beautifully captured the essence of Bas Itna Sa Khwaab, which celebrates women who strike a fine balance between their work and family responsibilities.

To top that, the show’s protagonist Rajashree Thakur who plays the role of Avani Trivedi, stepped from reel to rail and took this message into the heart of Mumbai—aboard the city’s bustling local trains. Rajashree’s journey on the train became the heart of the campaign. She connected with fellow commuters, heard their inspiring stories, drew parallels between her own life and her character of Avani and brought joy to the crowd with a lively game of antakshari. Her presence transformed an everyday commute into a celebration of the unsung multitasking heroes of Mumbai.

(You can watch the reel about the marketing initiative here:)

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A post shared by Zee TV (@zeetv)

“ Branding Mumbai’s AC locals and having our show’s protagonist, Avani, travel with daily commuters is a heartfelt initiative to bridge reel and real,” said Zee TV chief channel officer Mangesh Kulkarni. “Through this unique experience, we wanted our Avani to meet the countless Avanis of the city—women whose strength lies in juggling myriad responsibilities and striking a balance between home and work, often without the acknowledgment they truly deserve. It’s a celebration of their resilience, and a reminder that the story of ‘Bas Itna Sa Khwaab’ is, in many ways, their own story too.”

“Meeting women on the train who live similar lives was incredibly humbling,” expressed Rajashree Thakur. “Their stories of juggling long commutes, demanding jobs, and family responsibilities turned out to be truly inspiring. I hope my portrayal encourages women to dream big while finding their balance in life.”

The marketing initiative helped build an emotional connect with women commuters. Now let’s wait and watch how much the buzz generated around it will help its ratings climb.

December 27, 2024
NewsX & Legally Speaking organise third law & constitutional dialogue

MUMBAI: ITV Network’s NewsX’S Legally Speaking, televised legal platform, hosted the Third Law & Constitution Dialogue 2024 on 13 December 2024. Marking 75 years of the Indian Constitution, it brought together prominent legal experts, lawmakers, jurists, and thought leaders for insightful discussions on pressing legal and constitutional matters.

Union minister of law & justice Arjun Ram Meghwal spoke about the importance of the Indian Constitution and discussed the concept of “One Nation, One Election.” Meghwal traced the origins of Constitution Day, initiated by prime minister Narendra Modi in 2015, to honor Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s legacy and celebrate the constitution’s foundational role in India’s democracy.

In his keynote address, chief guest supreme court judge Surya Kant highlighted the changes introduced by the 2018 Amendment to the Specific Relief Act, 1963. Justice Kant discussed the legal and economic implications of the amendment, emphasizing its role in strengthening India’s position as a global economic powerhouse.

Key Panels and Discussions

Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul addressed the long-standing tragedy of the Kashmiri pandit genocide, calling for official acknowledgment and a healing process. He stressed that while the community does not seek a return to the past, they expect recognition of the wrongs committed against them.

Veteran lawyer and Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal joined editor-in-chief Rishabh Gulati for a thought-provoking discussion. Sibal advocated for global protection of minorities, specifically highlighting the plight of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.

A session on the Places of Worship Act, 1991, witnessed a spirited debate among experts like former Patna high court chief justice Iqbal Ansari) and former union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi. The panel deliberated on whether the act aligns with India’s secular fabric or hinders historical justice.

The issue of ‘bulldozer justice’ was addressed by BJP leader Sudhanshu Mittal, political analyst Tehseen Poonawalla and former Delhi DCP SN Srivastava. The question of whether the act of demolition is unconstitutional was addressed in a heated discussion, with the panelists concluding that justice delayed is justice denied.

The event featured a thought-provoking panel discussion titled “Will Delimitation Create a North-South Imbalance in Parliament?” Panelists, including DMK’s Kalanidhi Veeraswamy, BJD’s Sasmit Patra, and senior advocte P.P. Chaudhary explored the socio-political implications of delimitation.

Another session with member of parliament Karti Chidambaram, examined whether India requires more MPs in parliament. Chidambaram stressed, “Representation should reflect economic and social realities, not merely religion or caste. Pragmatic reforms are needed for effective governance.”

In a heated panel discussion, former chief election commissioner S.Y. Quraishi, Congress’ Supriya Shrinate and BJP member G.V.L. Narasimha Rao debated the implications of simultaneous elections.

A dialogue on Challenges to Women’s Reservation featured influential voices such as Swati Maliwal, Iqra Hassan, Jebi Mathers and Shubhrasthra. The panelists discussed the Women’s Reservation Bill’s implementation hurdles and its potential to transform Indian politics.

The growing menace of cybercrime was addressed in a panel featuring former DGP Goa Muktesh Chander, and cyber law expert Pawan Duggal .Discussions focused on balancing cybersecurity and constitutional freedoms.

Abhishek Singhvi examined the fundamental tenets and underlying principles of the Indian constitution, emphasising its resilience and adaptability in safeguarding democracy.

Former chief justice of the Punjab & Haryana high court Mukul Mudgal delved into the progress and challenges of sports governance in India.

Lok Sabha member Manish Tewari reflected on the success and shortcomings of the Indian Constitution over decades, exploring its impact on governance, citizens’ rights, and evolving societal needs.

In a discussion with senior advocate Vivek Tankha and Former ASG Aman Lekhi, experts examined the changes in Indian criminal law, evaluating whether recent reforms address historical gaps in the system.

A panel featuring cyber technology expert Subimal Bhattacharjee, the Esya Centre’s Meghna Bal, former union minister K.J. Alphons, and member of parliament Kartikeya Sharma explored the potential risks and challenges AI poses to governance, politics, and the judiciary.

The day-long event featured 22 sessions, each addressing critical legal and constitutional issues. Topics ranged from “Bulldozer Justice” to “The Constitutionality of the Waqf Act”. The dialogue delved into the evolving nature of India’s justice system and the need for judicial and policy reforms.

December 14, 2024
For the love of cinema, DocuBay unveils Fanatics by Studio 9

MUMBAI: What drives a fan to worship their cinematic idols with the fervor of a devotee? Is it the larger-than-life stories, the charisma of the stars, or something deeper – a bond that transcends the screen? For South Indian cinema lovers, it’s all of this and more. Come 7 December 2024, DocuBay, the global documentary streaming platform from IN10 Media Network, invites you on an exhilarating journey with Fanatics – a stirring original feature that peels back the curtain on the extraordinary world of South Indian film devotion.

From Tollywood to Sandalwood, this documentary delves into the heartfelt, and sometimes overwhelming, passion of fans who turn theaters into temples and actors into deities. Fanatics isn’t just a film; it’s a celebration of an emotion that millions live and breathe – a spectacle that promises to move, inspire, and leave you in awe. Mark your calendars, because this is one cinematic story you won’t want to miss.

Through in-depth storytelling, Fanatics journeys into the cultural heartlands of south India to showcase the acts of devotion and reverence that redefine fandom. From building temples in honour of their idols to life-altering sacrifices, the documentary portrays not only the admiration fans hold but also the darker consequences of such passion. Beginning with Tamil actor-politician MG Ramachandran’s era, the film traces the evolution of fan culture to the present day, including figures like Rajinikanth and Allu Arjun.

The documentary features candid interviews with Indian cinema icons such as Allu Arjun, Kichcha Sudeep, and Vijay Sethupathi, highlighting their perspectives on fan loyalty and the influence it wields on society. The film also examines the risks of fanaticism, including violent rivalries between fan groups.

Arjun reflects in the documentary, “Cinema has become a very strong, integral part of the culture—it’s no longer just a source of entertainment. Stars are highly idolised in the South, more than anywhere else I have seen in the world. Many fans do wonderful charity work, and that is great energy being put to the right cause.”

Sudeep shares his perspective, saying, “When I see people building temples for me or getting tattoos, it honestly scares me because I am a man of flaws. Over time, you begin to understand the purity of their emotions and the immense love they have for you. It teaches you responsibility and makes you a better human.”

IN10 Media Network, managing director, Aditya Pittie expressed the vision behind Fanatics, “At DocuBay, our mission is to curate and deliver intriguing narratives that resonate with global audiences. With Fanatics, we aim to provide an in-depth look at the unparalleled devotion of South Indian cinema fans. This first-of-its-kind documentary reflects our commitment to diverse and impactful storytelling that drives engagement worldwide.”

Fanatics delves into the symbiotic relationship between fan loyalty and the business of cinema, highlighting how this devotion directly influences the box-office success of south Indian films. By presenting stories of fans piercing their tongues, tattooing their bodies, and dedicating their lives to their idols, the documentary balances the awe-inspiring and cautionary tales of fandom.

Produced by Studio 9, Fanatics offers an unfiltered view into the world of extraordinary devotion. The documentary premiered exclusively on DocuBay on 7 December 2024.

December 9, 2024
Bharat Hain Hum goes big with cross-platform promotions push on radio, satellite & OTT

Mumbai: Krish, Trish, and Baltiboy: Bharat Hain Hum returns, rewriting the playbook with cross-platform rollout. The celebrated animated series, which first gained immense popularity for highlighting the untold stories of India’s lesser-known freedom fighters, is set to expand its reach even further with an innovative distribution strategy.

The ministry of information and broadcasting officially launched Season 2 of the animated series at the ongoing International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, with Nagarjuna gracing the occasion. This season continues the series’ mission to spotlight unsung heroes like Taji Dele and Ponge Dele from Arunachal Pradesh, Wazir Ram Singh Pathania from Himachal Pradesh, and Birsa Munda from Jharkhand, among others.

As with the first season, Season 2 has premiered simultaneously across three major platforms—Doordarshan, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video in 12 Indian languages (including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Punjabi, Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali, Assamese, and Odia) and seven international languages (French, German, Spanish, Russian, Korean, Chinese, and Arabic), making it accessible to audiences in over 150 countries worldwide.

As per the press release in a historic first for Indian animated content, the series has also extended its reach through a Krish, Trish, and Baltiboy: Bharat Hain Hum radio series, which airs on All India Radio (AIR). The radio series, broadcast in 12 languages, is scheduled at 10:30 AM on Sundays—just 30 minutes before the animated series airs on Doordarshan at 11 AM. This synchronised scheduling ensures that the audience can easily transition from radio to television, effectively merging traditional and modern forms of media consumption.

Additionally, a podcast featuring episodes from the animated series will be available on Spotify across 180 countries. The podcast will not only promote the series but will also encourage listeners to tune into the show on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, further amplifying its global outreach.

“We are proud to bring Krish, Trish, and Baltiboy to the world in a way never done before in Indian content,” said Munjal Shroff, the creator of the series. “This cross-platform promotion is a first-of-its-kind strategy that will connect with audiences across generations and geographies, giving them multiple entry points to engage with the series. It’s about making the stories of our unsung heroes accessible and inspiring on every platform possible.” Shroff added.

Graphiti Studios co-creator and director Tilak Shetty echoed these sentiments: “This initiative reflects our commitment to creating a series that resonates globally while staying true to its roots. The radio series and podcasts provide an innovative way to build excitement for the animated episodes, ensuring that audiences on all platforms can experience the magic of Krish, Trish, and Baltiboy together. It’s about breaking new boundaries for Indian animation and telling our history in ways that have never been done before.”

December 3, 2024
Saregama partners with MTV Hustle 4 to elevate India’s rap game

Mumbai: MTV Hustle is teaming up with Saregama to elevate Indian hip-hop and provide emerging artists the spotlight they deserve. As per the press release music label gains exclusive audio-video rights to all music from MTV Hustle Season 4: Hip Hop Don’t Stop and the first opportunity to sign any of the 15 talented contestants. This strategic alliance marks a key moment in the evolution of Indian hip-hop, pushing rap culture into the mainstream while offering a powerful platform for artists to break into the music industry.

A press release states that with this partnership, MTV Hustle 4: Hip Hop Don’t Stop is set to elevate Indian rap to new heights, ensuring wider visibility for contestants across major platforms. It further strengthens MTV Hustle’s reputation for nurturing fresh talent and expanding the boundaries of Indian rap within a rapidly evolving musical landscape.

FilterCopy, a sister concern of Saregama, joins as an Associate Sponsor for MTV Hustle Season 4: Hip Hop Don’t Stop. As part of this collaboration, FilterCopy will feature a segment, ‘FilterCopy Freshly Brewed Bangers’, showcasing standout rap performances from each episode. Popular FilterCopy talent will collaborate with contestants to create engaging content, leveraging the platform’s audience to amplify the rap movement. Fans can also contribute lyrics through user-generated content (UGC), fostering a community-driven celebration of rap culture.

Anshul Ailawadi business head of youth, music & English, said, “MTV has a rich legacy of producing culture-shaping music. Over the years, MTV Hustle has grown to become the definitive melting pot of desi hip hop music, as extremely talented rap artists vie for glory in each edition. As we strive to build these young artists, Saregama makes for a great partner, to take this modern music format to new audiences. Personally, I am thrilled to see the Saregama team share our vision of building new talent and showcasing fresh music globally.”

FilterCopy D2C business head Vishwanath Shetty commented, “As one of the first pop culture creators on digital, FilterCopy has always championed fresh talent and created content that resonates deeply with India’s youth. Our partnership with MTV Hustle, the biggest talent discovery platform for hip hop in India, reflects this ethos, enabling us to celebrate the dynamic art of rap while crafting immersive experiences for young audiences.”

Season 4 of MTV Hustle Hip Hop Don’t Stop promises to be an unforgettable ride, with Saregama and FilterCopy’s collaboration setting the stage for unparalleled entertainment and showcasing the country’s best rap talent. Tune in and catch the latest in India’s rap revolution!

December 2, 2024
Indian imports of British TV series rise 17 per cent to £23 million: Pact report

MUMBAI: Just like the British love the curry that Indians dish out in the UK, it seems Indians can’t get enough of the TV shows that British producers offer. And this is proved by the fact that exports of British TV shows rose 17 per cent from £ 19 million in 2022-2023 to £23 in million, pushing India up from the thirteenth to the twelfth spot in 2023-2024.

A dekko at the Producers Alliance for Cinema & Television (Pact) Annual British TV Exports report for 2023-2024 (which was released on 29 November) throws up these numbers.

The report also gave a bit of a bearish trend for British TV exports all over the world as they fell two per cent in 2023-24 to £1,818 million from £1,853 million in the previous year. However, Pact, said the consolation is that 2023-24 figure is 27 per cent higher than the crash in sales British TV production industry experienced in 2020-21 in the thick of the pandemic.

Also, the report said that the good news is that despite the challenges in the US market over the past 24 months, Uncle Sam continues to be the largest destination for UK TV exports, accounting for almost one third of all sales, and it remains the region of primary focus for British distributors. TV show shipments to the US grew by 13 per cent year on year to a new high of £593 million. Together with Canada, which de-grew seven per cent to £89 million, north America accounts for 41 per cent of all British exports.

Other countries in the top 10 that experienced growth included The Netherlands (a 25 per cent increase to £35 million) and South Africa (a 20 per cent increase to £27 million). Germany and The Nordics both saw eight per cent increases, recording Britain’s highest ever total export revenues (£118 million and £104 million respectively).

Elsewhere in the top 10 countries, France (-21 per cent), Italy (-23 per cent) and Spain (-15 per cent) all saw significant decreases, with France falling out of the top five for the first time. China and Japan saw a drastic drop of 25 per cent in purchases of British content to £17 million and £8 million respectively. Mexico, however, had the highest increase of 118 per cent to £15 million.

An alarming trend according to Pact is that revenues from co-productions fell by 28 per cent to £120 million; TV and format sales too dropped eight per cent and seven per cent respectively. This is likely due to a reduction in activity (especially premium drama) by some of the large US media companies that have partnered with companies in previous years.

Finished programmes fell by eight per cent (to £1,019 million) but still remained the largest contributor by some way. International Productions grew significantly by 29 per cent, to £325 million, increasing its share of total TV exports from 14 per cent to 18 per cent.

Scripted drama continued to dominate the genre share of exports, but fell to 43 per cent from 49 per cent in the previous year, whereas entertainment saw the biggest increase of six per cent to 27 per cent.

(All data has been sourced from Pact. If you would like the full report please send an email to sherylf@indiantelevision dot co dot in )

December 1, 2024
College Vidya and Feel Filmz launch Angreji Sapne web series

Mumbai: College Vidya has collaborated with Feel Filmz to present Angreji Sapne, an inspiring web series that explores the aspirations, struggles, and determination of students from tier two and tier three cities. The series highlights the transformative power of education and the resilience needed to overcome challenges in pursuit of dreams.

The web series follows the stories of two students with diverse ambitions. One, from a remote village, relocates to Ranchi, driven by a dream to secure a scholarship and achieve success through education. The other, from Jamshedpur, seeks independence and a life of freedom away from parental influence. Through their contrasting yet intersecting paths, Angreji Sapne sheds light on the emotional, social, and personal complexities they encounter.

College Vidya, COO & co-founder, Rohit Gupta expressed his excitement about the project, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with Feel Filmz on this meaningful project. It offers a unique, relatable perspective on the journeys of students in smaller cities, capturing their dreams and the hurdles they face. At College Vidya, we believe in the power of education to transform lives, and this series echoes the same sentiments by showcasing the resilience and determination of students who strive to build a better future. We hope that this story will inspire and motivate many students across India to pursue their goals, regardless of the challenges they may face”.

Adding to the sentiment, Feel Filmz, founder & MD, Akarsh Sinha said, “We believe that stories have the power to connect and heal, and Angrezi Sapne is our tribute to the dreams that fuel so many students. Working with College Vidya has enabled us to bring authenticity to these narratives, and we’re excited for audiences to join us on this journey as we explore the beauty and resilience within India’s heartland”.

November 28, 2024
Swati Shetty’s & Grant Kessman’s prodco Bridge7 acquires Slumdog Millionaire sequel rights

MUMBAI: For those who know Swati Shetty, they will always commend her for her never-say-die spirit. The Los Angeles-based former Netflix director international originals & acquisitions and producer of Umrika has got together with former CAA agent Grant Kessman to set up a production outfit Birdge7.

And amongst the first transactions it has done is acquiring the film sequel and television series rights of the Oscar winning, Danny Boyle-directed Celador produced Slumdog Millionaire.

This is what the duo had to say after striking the deal with Celador: “Some stories stay with us long after the credits roll and ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ is undoubtedly one of them. Its narrative is universal, cutting across cultural and geograpahical lines and it embodies the kind of stories we love — ones that bridge entertainment with profound human experiences. What makes ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ extraordinary is not only its cinematic brilliance — spanning storytelling, music and its remarkable accolades, but also how it brought together talent from across the world to make a global winning team.”

Celador International chairman Paul Smith expressed his confidence in the duo acquiring the rights and said the studio was looking forward to working with Bridge7.

November 26, 2024
Int’l Emmy Awards 2024 presented on 25 November in NY city

NEW YORK: The International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences awards ceremony on the night of 25 November in New York was hosted by Indian stand up comedian and actor Vir Das but not a single Indian show or artist took home the beautiful statue (We have to try harder and producer better shows, right?) The gala was attended by television professionals from around the world with the founders Emmy being presented to David E. Kelley, the prolific writer and producer behind iconic shows such as Ally McBeal, L.A. Law and Big Little Lies by Michael Pressman, co-executive producer of Kelley’s shows Picket Fences and Chicago Hope.

The directorate award was presented to Gaumont CEO Sidonie Dumas by actor & producer Omar Sy, star of hit show Lupin.

“In these turbulent times, television is definitely an art form that brings people from around the world together – no matter their culture or language.” said International Academy President & CEO Bruce L. Paisner. “The International Academy is proud to recognize these outstanding programs and performances.”
In addition to the two special awards, 14 Emmy statues were presented by the International Academy during the evening.

The 14 winning International Emmy programs and performances are: Pianoforte (Arts Programming), Timothy Spall (Best Performance by an Actor), Aokbab-Chutimon Chuengcharoensukying (Best Performance by an Actress), División Palermo (Comedy), Otto Baxter: Not a F***ing Horror Story (Documentary), Les Gouttes de Dieu [Drops of God] (Drama Series), Tabby McTat (Kids: Animation), La Vida Secreta de tu Mente [The secret life of your mind] (Kids: Factual & Entertainment), En af Drengene [One of the Boys] (Kids: Live Action), Brawn: The Impossible Formula 1 Story (Sports Documentary), Restaurant Misverstand – Season 2 [The Restaurant That Makes Mistakes] (Non-Scripted Entertainment), Punt de no Retorn [Point of no Return] (Short-Form Series), La Promesa [The Vow] (Telenovela) and Liebes Kind [Dear Child] (TV Movie/Mini-Series).

The winners list is below:

Arts Programming

Pianoforte
Telemark / HBO / The Fryderyk Chopin Institute / Ventana / ZDF / Arte / Mazovia Warsaw Film Fund / MX35 / Polish Film Institute
Poland
A coming-of-age portrait of young pianists taking part in the International Chopin Piano Competition. A chance of the lifetime portrayed from the backstage. An emotional rollercoaster with Chopin’s music in the background.

Best Performance by an Actor

Timothy Spall in The Sixth Commandment
Wild Mercury Productions / True Vision
United Kingdom
A charismatic and inspirational English teacher and author, revered by his pupils. But underneath his public persona, Peter struggled. He felt isolated and unable to reconcile his Anglican faith with his sexuality. Desperate to escape his loneliness, he sought out meaningful connections, his own doubts and internal religious conflicts making him hugely empathetic to guiding those around him through difficult periods of their own lives.

Best Performance by an Actress

Aokbab-Chutimon Chuengcharoensukying in Hunger
Sound Sound Production / Netflix
Thailand
A talented young street-food cook pushes herself to the limit after accepting an invitation to train under an infamous and ruthless chef.

Comedy
División Palermo
K&S Films / Netflix
Argentina
A ragtag civilian patrol squad created to improve the image of the police force faces an unexpected danger after stumbling on a drug trafficking operation.

Documentary
Otto Baxter: Not a F***ing Horror Story
Story Films / Archface Films / Sky Documentaries
United Kingdom
Filmmakers follow their friend Otto who has Down Syndrome, over 5 years as he writes/directs an allegorical horror based on his life. Through the process, Otto discovers a vocabulary to tell his story in his own words for the first time.

Drama Series
Les Gouttes de Dieu [Drops of God]
Legendary Entertainment / Les Productions Dynamic / 22H22 / Adline Entertainment / France Télévisions / Hulu Japan
France
Camille inherits her father’s wine collection, but to claim it, she must outshine, Issei, her fathers protegé, in a challenging test. A tale unfolds as she competes for the world’s greatest wine collection, facing a rival for her inheritance.

Non-Scripted Entertainment
Restaurant Misverstand – Season 2 [The Restaurant That Makes Mistakes]
Roses Are Blue / CPL Productions / Motion Content Group / Seven.One Studios International
Belgium
In this social experiment, a group of people living with dementia are helping run a restaurant led by a successful chef. It challenges perceptions about dementia, and reveals the impact work has on a person’s sense of identity and purpose.

Short-Form Series
Punt de no Retorn [Point of no Return]
3 Cat TV3 Catalonia
Spain
Exploring humanity’s critical juncture, this docuseries captures the world’s transformation through personal stories at a paradigm shift. It highlights how today’s decisions will impact our future, questioning if we’ve reached a point of no return.

Sports Documentary
Brawn: The Impossible Formula 1 Story
North One / Disney+
United Kingdom
Keanu Reeves tells one of the greatest sagas in Formula 1 history. From the formation of Brawn GP see their remarkable journey through strategic manoeuvres and financial trials during an exceptionally competitive era in the annals of the sport.

Telenovela
La Promesa [The Vow]
Bambu Producciones, a STUDIOCANAL Company
Spain
Set at the beginning of the 20th Century, Jana, a maid for the waning yet ruthless House of Luján, seeks revenge for her mother’s murder. But there is one element she did not anticipate… falling in love with Manuel, son of the Count of Luján.

TV Movie/Mini-Series
Liebes Kind [Dear Child]
Constantin Television / Netflix
Germany
A mysterious woman’s escape from her harrowing captivity points investigators towards the dark truth behind her unsolved disappearance 13 years ago.

Kids: Animation
Tabby McTat
Magic Light Pictures
United Kingdom
Tabby McTat and his busker friend Fred delight crowds with their duets until an unexpected separation tears them apart. Tabby McTat searches for Fred, but instead finds a new family. Can Tabby McTat and Fred reunite and rekindle their friendship?

Kids: Factual & Entertainment
La Vida Secreta de tu Mente [The secret life of your mind]
Warner Bros. Discovery / Pictoline / Mighty Animation
Mexico
Do you have a hard time understanding why you think or behave the way you do? Don’t worry, your mind can be a… complicated place. Discover its secrets with Ceri and solve the greatest mystery in the universe: why you are the way you are.

Kids: Live-Action
En af Drengene [One of the Boys]
Apple Tree Productions / Viaplay
Denmark
The socially awkward Lau goes on the traditional Man Camp with the town boys to prove that he’s a “real man”. But things get tricky when he develops feelings for another boy. It’s a story about masculinity, bullying, queerness and feeling different.

(Pictures courtesy: International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences)

November 26, 2024