SERIES PROGRAMMING
AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD
We are pleased to announce that KABOUL has won the Audience Award at the 2025 Montreal Series Festival!
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AUGUST 28 - Opening at the St-Denis Theater
8 PM - KABUL
Kabul is a six-part drama miniseries set in August 2021, as US troops withdrew from Afghanistan and the Taliban took control of Kabul. As the city descends into chaos, the series follows the desperate efforts of civilians, diplomats, and military personnel to flee the Afghan capital, against the constant threat of attacks by the Islamic State.
European co-production: France, Belgium, Greece, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway
Jonathan Zaccaï, Eric Dane, Shervin Alenabi, Gianmarco Saurino, Darina Al Jandi, Jeanne Goursaud
Directed by Kasia Adamik and Olga Chajdas
Screenplay: Olivier Demangel, Thomas Finkielkraut and Joé Lavy.
France Télévisions / Mediawan Rights
AUGUST 28 - Opening at the St-Denis Theater
8 p.m. - Kabul
Kabul is a six-part drama miniseries set in August 2021, during the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan and the Taliban's capture of Kabul. As the city descends into chaos, the series follows the desperate efforts of civilians, diplomats, and military personnel to flee the Afghan capital, against the constant threat of attacks by the Islamic State.
European co-production: France, Belgium, Greece, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway
Jonathan Zaccaï, Eric Dane, Shervin Alenabi, Gianmarco Saurino, Darina Al Joundi, Jeanne Goursaud
Directed by Kasia Adamik and Olga Chajdas
Screenplay: Olivier Demangel, Thomas Finkielkraut and Joé Lavy.
France Télévisions / Mediawan Rights
August 29
6 PM - THE REBEL: The adventures of young George Sand
The series The Rebel: The Adventures of Young George Sand is a Franco-Belgian mini-series broadcast in 2025, which retraces the tumultuous youth of Aurore Dupin, future George Sand, offering a poignant portrait of a woman in search of freedom, defying the conventions of her time to become one of the first women writers to live by her pen.
France, Belgium
Nine d'Urso, Vincent Londez, Megan Northam, David Kammenos, Barbara Pravi, Oscar Lesage
Screenplay: Henri Helman, Georges-Marc Benamou, in collaboration with Rodolphe Tissot and Élodie Monlibert
Directed by: Rodolphe Tissot
Siècle Productions / Umedia / Be-FILMS / RTBF / Pictanovo / France .tvdistribution
8 PM - A BETTER MAN
Tom is a frustrated, misogynistic man who works in his mother's clothing store by day and spends his nights anonymously trolling women online. When hackers expose his identity and his most embarrassing secrets, he goes into hiding by dressing in the women's clothing available to him. This unexpected experience leads him to see the world from a new perspective, confronting him with the gender biases he previously despised.
Norway, Lithuania
Anders Baasmo Christiansen, Ingrid Unnur Giæver, Jonas Strand Gravli, Irena Sikorskytė, Victoria Ose
Screenplay: Thomas Seeberg Torjussen
Director: Thomas Seeberg Torjussen, Gjyljeta Berisha
Maipo Film AS / NRK / Beta Films
10 PM - DOUBT
Jang Tae-su, one of South Korea's first criminal profilers, is renowned for his ability to penetrate even the darkest minds. A single father, he raises his daughter, Jang Ha-bin, alone. When he discovers she's involved in a murder case he's investigating, his world crumbles. Torn between his sense of justice and his paternal instincts, Tae-su must choose between protecting his daughter and following the incriminating evidence against her.
South Korea
Han Suk-kyu, Chae Won-bin, Han Ye-ri, Oh Yeon-soo, Roh Jae-won, Yoon Kyung-ho
Screenplay: Han Ah-young
Directed by: Song Yeon-hwa.
Ascendio / Woodside / MBC (South Korea)
AUGUST 30
6 PM - EASTERN GATE
Ewa Oginiec, a seasoned Polish intelligence agent, is considering retiring after a personal tragedy. However, when her partner and lover, also an agent, mysteriously disappears after being exposed by Russian intelligence, she accepts one last mission: to infiltrate the Polish embassy in Minsk as a consul to find him. This mission plunges her into a complex game of espionage against a backdrop of escalating geopolitical tensions between Russia, Belarus, and NATO, particularly around the Suwałki Gap, a strategic area on the border between Poland and Lithuania.
Poland
Lena Góra, Karol Pocheć, Bartłomiej Topa: Krzysztof Hałaj, Zbigniew Lange, Leszek Lichota, Eliza Rycembel, Jan Englert
Screenplay: Wojciech Bockenheim, Dana Łukasińska, Karolina Szymczyk-Majchrzak
Director: Jan P. Matuszyński Wojciech Bockenheim
TVN Warner Bros. Discovery / MAX
8 PM - PITAGO STOP
Pitago Stop is a mockumentary-style comedy series that follows the daily lives of the employees at the Pitago Stop rest stop, located in the (fictional) community of Weymistis. Its manager, Paul Pitagish, is determined to transform the place into a must-visit destination. To achieve this, he relies on a colorful team: Kiwi, the handyman; Francine, the not-so-bright accountant; and Menish, a new recruit who is as motivated as she is idealistic. Together, they search for original—and often improbable—ways to make the business thrive.
Canada - Indigenous
René Rousseau, Océane Kitura Bohémier-Tootoo, Andawa Laveau, Amélie Grenier, Charles Bender, Claude Breton-Potvin
Screenplay: Jason Brennan and Sonia Bonspille Boileau, Eve Ringuette, Normand Junior Thirnish-Pilot
Directed by: Jason Brennan, Sonia Bonspille Boileau, Eve Ringuette, Dave Jenniss
Nish Media / APTN / Tou.tv
10 PM - LADY LOVE
"Lucy Love" follows the harrowing journey of Lucyna, an idealistic young woman from a small Polish town. In 1975, she enters a convent to fulfill her dream of becoming a nun, but leaves disillusioned. Back home, she meets a German engineer, Andres, who suddenly disappears. Forced to marry a taxi driver, her marriage turns into a nightmare. Lucyna then decides to flee to West Germany, where she begins a new life in the porn industry. Quickly propelled to stardom, she discovers the darker side of fame: betrayals, tensions, and conflicts, even among her closest friends.
Poland
Anna Szymańczyk, Adam Woronowicz, Anna Krotoska, Michał Żurawski, Borys Szyc, Julian Świeżewski, Ewelina Żak, Stanisław Linowski, Jacek Król
Creation: Mikołaj Wit and Dariusz Goczal
Screenplay: Ewa Popiołek and Dorota Jankojć-Poddębniak
Director: Bartosz Konopka
Bongo Media Production / TVN / Warner Bros. Discovery / MAX
6 PM - CELESTE
Celeste is a six-episode Spanish drama miniseries that follows Sara Santano, a legendary tax inspector on the verge of retirement. She is given one last assignment: to prove that Celeste, a Latin music star, resides in Spain and owes taxes there. To do this, she must demonstrate that Celeste spent more than 184 days in Spain during the past year, thus establishing her tax residency in the country. This investigation transforms into a breathless chase through the gray and depressing world of the Spanish Tax Agency, which its creator likens to a Zodiac of public finances.
Spain
Carmen Machi, Andrea Bayardo, Antonio Duran Morris, Clara Sana, Manolo Solo. Screenplay: Diego San José, Daniel Castro, Oriol Puig Playà
Directed by: Elena Trapé
100 Balas/ Movistar Plus+ / Mediaprod Studio
8 PM - ANAON
The story takes place in Harz, a fictional village in Brittany. Maximilien Sendac, a gendarmerie major, is grieving the recent death of his wife. He is tasked with investigating the mysterious disappearance of a teenage girl. Meanwhile, his daughter Wendie begins experiencing supernatural phenomena, suggesting the existence of forces linked to Breton legends and her own powers. Father and daughter must overcome their differences to confront a threat that transcends reality.
France
Capucine Malarre, Guillaume Labbé, Eugénie Derouand, Christiane Cohendy, Aaliyah Lexilus, Jean-Baptiste Blanc, Jérémie Covillault
Screenplay: Bastien Dartois, Sylvain Caron, Elsa Vasseur and Marine Maugrain Legagneur
Directed by: David Hourrègue
Tetra Media Fiction / Prime Video / France .tvdistribution
10 PM - THE HUNT
The Hunt (Een van ons) is a Dutch drama miniseries. Inspired by a true story, it follows the investigation into the unsolved murder of 16-year-old Anneke Boorsma, whose body was found in 1999 near an asylum seeker center. The case remains unsolved for over 12 years. Each episode adopts the perspective of a different character, exploring the impact of the crime on the local community, marked by xenophobia, racism, and conspiracy theories fueled by social media.
The Netherlands
Richelle Plantinga, Hans Kesting, Mara Van Vlijmen, Dinie Boorsma, Gijs Blom, Abke Haring
Screenplay: Willem Bosch
Directed by: Michiel Van Erp
Pupkin Productions / Viaplay
August 31
6 PM - EASTERN GATE
SEPTEMBER 1 - DocuSeries
2 PM - HORSE WARRIORS
The prestigious North American Indian Relay Championships is a spectacular horse relay competition that originated on the Canadian Plains. In this extreme sport, each rider must complete three laps without a saddle, changing mounts at high speed, supported by a ground team – the “aggressors” and “setters” – responsible for controlling and preparing the horses between relays.
Horse Warriors is much more than just an equestrian show. It's an immersion into a living tradition, fueled by the passion, resilience, and solidarity of proud and vibrant Indigenous communities. Between the adrenaline of the competitions and the depth of personal stories, the series becomes a powerful ode to the sacred bond between humans, horses, the land, and community.
Canada
Created and produced by Dominique Keller and Neil Grahn, produced by Yarrow Pictures
Screenwriters: Dominique Keller, Neil Grahn, Helen Metella, Neil Flemming, Conni Massing and Weyme Teeter
Directors: Dominique Keller, Neil Grahn and Kevin Littlelight
Broadcaster: APTN (Indigenous Peoples Television Network)
3:30 PM - THE DETECTIVES
THE DETECTIVES (CBC) Season 3
Episode, Project Houston: A Toronto detective investigates the mysterious disappearance of a man in the Gay Village (LGBTQ+ neighborhood). The case takes a chilling turn when it uncovers an international network involved in a cannibalistic ritual. The episode alternates between interviews with investigators and dramatic reenactments, highlighting the horrifying discovery of an organized human trafficking ring.
Episode, Project Prism : As several men disappear in the same neighborhood, tensions rise in Toronto. Detective Hank Idsinga and his team expand their investigation, uncovering unexpected connections—including a suspect with ties to Montreal nicknamed "the hugger," Luka Rocco Magnotta. The disappearances continue, the city is on high alert, and the pressure on the investigators increases dramatically.
Canada
James Tupper, Tammy Gillis, Daniel Stolfi, Zachary Amzallag, Steve Belford, Mark Day, Dave Rose
Production: Petro Duszara (WAM Media Group)
Screenplay: Éric Sabbag and Alain Zaloum
Directed by: Jean L'Écuyer
Broadcaster: CBC (Canadian Radio-Canada)
5:30 PM - INFLUENCE(S)
Go behind the scenes of the influencer world by following the daily life of the "We are influence" agency, founded by Diego El Glaoui, which represents celebrities like Iris Mittenaere and Nabilla. From Dubai to the Cannes Film Festival, and even the Maldives, follow the adventures of the agency's talents during their various trips and events.
France
Creators: Gilles Morin, David Amouzegh
Producers: Arnaud Chautard, Gilles Morin, Arthur
Distributor: Prime Video
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SEPTEMBER 1 - Closing at BanQ
8 PM - MONTMARTRE
World premiere
Montmartre is a grand family saga and romance set in 1900s Paris, telling the story of siblings separated on the day of their father's mysterious murder. Twenty-three years later, they reunite, ready to do anything to make amends, uncover the truth, and rewrite their destinies.
France
Co-production: TF1 - Authentique Prod - Banijay
Directed by: Louis Choquette
Written by: Brigitte Bémol and Julien Simonet
Alice Dufour Victor Meutelet Claire Romain, Hugo Becker, Pablo Pauly, Mathilde Seigner, Thibault De Montalembert, Cristiana Reali, Benjamin Baroche, Mikaël Mittelstadt, Axel Mandron, Roxane Turmel, Clément Moreau, Nicolas Martinez, Valérie Karsenti, François Vincentelli
EVENING PROGRAM
OPENING NIGHT - AUGUST 28
Join us for the opening night at 6 pm with a red carpet, followed by a screening of two episodes of the Kabul series at 8 pm at the Théâtre Saint-Denis. A cocktail reception (by invitation only) will be held at the Trattoria del Teatro to kick off the festivities!
EVENINGS, RED CARPET AND MAPPING
Every day from 5 pm, we'll be waiting for you at the corner of Emery and St Denis streets to enjoy the bar, music, and networking on the red carpet. As night falls, enjoy the projection mapping!
CLOSING NIGHT - SEPTEMBER 1st
Join us for the festival's grand finale at this evening event where the Audience Award will be presented to the series that received the most votes. Come and enjoy the red carpet one last time.
MASTERCLASS PROGRAM
August 29 - 4 PM to 5 PM
Benoît Louvet – Managing Director of CANNESERIES
Building an international festival for today's series
Benoît Louvet, a graduate of École Centrale de Lille and born in 1963, began his career at Bouygues Construction and then Bouygues Telecom in 1995. He joined TF1 in 2007, where he became Deputy Managing Director in charge of acquisitions and distribution of audiovisual rights from October 2010. In April 2017, he was appointed by the Mayor of Cannes as Managing Director of CANNESERIES, which he developed into a major international event, recognized for its demanding selections and innovative professional programs (Writers, Producers, Composers and Casting Clubs).
August 30 - 4 PM to 5 PM
Jason Brennan & Sonia Bonspille-Boileau (Nish Media)
Telling the story differently
Creating Indigenous series that are both grounded and universal. The founders of Nish Media share their approach to creating and producing powerful Indigenous works, rooted in the realities of First Nations and driven by a strong artistic ambition. Through concrete examples (Pour toi Flora, Skindigenous), they explore the issues of representation, decolonial storytelling, and social impact.
August 31 - 4 PM to 5 PM
Luc Dionne – Screenwriter and director
The art of storytelling and dialogue in drama series
Creator of iconic series such as District 31, Dumas, and Omertà, Luc Dionne shares his approach to serial writing, dramatic structure, and the creation of memorable characters. He reflects on his career, his influences, his relationship with the audience, and offers insights into the challenges and unique characteristics of Quebec television fiction. A privileged encounter with one of the province's greatest screenwriters.
Rodeo FX — High-End Visual Effects (VFX) Studio
Louis Pare, CG Supervisor and Romain Côte, Asset Supervisor
One series to rule them all - An epic presentation between House of the Dragon and The Rings of Power.
What happens when two titans of fantasy collide onscreen and behind the scenes? Step into the worlds of fire and shadow, dragons and elves, as Rodeo FX lifts the curtain on the visual magic behind HBO's House of the Dragon and Amazon Studios' The Rings of Power.
From summoning dragons over Westeros to bringing the Ents and Palantíri of Middle-earth to life, this session takes you deep into the art, innovation, and challenges of creating two of television's most ambitious series. Discover how visual effects help shape an epic story, see never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage, and cheer on your favorite kingdom in this fun, fan-powered clash between two fantasy giants.
Whether you're on Team Targaryen or Team Númenor, prepare for a fantastical showdown that will ignite your imagination.