The seventh edition of the Czech Republic’s Serial Killer (24-29 September, Brno) remains a platform for showcasing television series from Central and Eastern Europe, alongside select entries from across the rest of Europe. “I am very pleased, although it is not one of our evaluation criteria, that alongside the ever-increasing quality of this year's competing series, we are seeing more and more women in key creative roles, as well as more female protagonists in the best titles,” says Kamila Zlatušková, the founder and director of the festival.

The Primetime Killer section highlights the top series from the region, reflecting its evolving storytelling. Closing the festival is Daughter of the Nation, a satire by Matěj Chlupáček and Cristina Groșan, focusing on Karel Havlíček Borovský's daughter and the conflict between personal identity and societal expectations. It marks CANAL+’s first original show made in the Czech Republic (see the news). Serbia’s Operation Sabre, directed by Goran Stanković and Vladimir Tagić, explores political intrigue with a documentary feel, while Latvia’s Soviet Jeans [+lire aussi :
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The International Panorama section showcases a wide range of genres. Belgium’s Chameleon by Safi Graauw and Michael Abay humorously portrays a young man’s struggles on the margins of society, while Lost Boys & Fairies (UK) by James Kent offers an emotional exploration of a gay couple navigating parenthood. This Is Not Sweden [+lire aussi :
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Two thematic sections bring contrasting tones this year: Love, Sex and Friendship focuses on modern relationships, with 30 Days of Lust (Germany) exploring a boundary-pushing romance, while Prisma [+lire aussi :
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fiche série] (Norway) delve into self-discovery. Comedic takes on gender roles are found in All and Eva (Sweden/Denmark) and Behind Every Man (Denmark). Meanwhile, British Nostalgia revisits UK cult comedies, featuring the tech-centric humour of The IT Crowd, the political satire of The Thick of It, workplace awkwardness in The Office, the surreal The Mighty Boosh, and a first-person take on masculinity in Peep Show.

The TV Days industry strand provides sessions for international film and TV professionals, covering emerging trends, technologies and creative strategies. ARTE’s presentation will offer insights into commissioning and co-productions. Hervé Jakubowicz’s Killer Masterclass will explore casting for international projects, drawing on collaborations with directors like Thomas Vinterberg and Steven Spielberg. Disruption in Production will address shrinking budgets and present tech-driven solutions that also reduce carbon footprints. Dark Riviera Presents War Room Content II will focus on innovative TV series development, combining investigative journalism, video games and graphic novels. In the Generative AI & Film session, Gerhard Maier will examine AI’s growing role in TV, with additional insights from industry experts. For creatives, Changing the Script will discuss how FAST and AVoD models are reshaping series writing, while K7 Media’s global briefing will highlight TV trends from Los Angeles, Edinburgh and Seoul. Lastly, Empowering Voices will focus on gender equality in the European audiovisual industries, offering valuable strategies for fostering inclusiveness and diversity in the sector.

The full line-up of the Serial Killer international festival of TV and web series is available to peruse here.