Since 2017, the EFM’s Country in Focus initiative has spotlighted significant film regions around the world, offering in-depth insights into their creative industries while fostering international exchange and collaboration.

South Africa has been selected as the Country in Focus for the upcoming edition of the Berlinale European Film Market (EFM). As one of Africa’s most globally integrated and diversified economies, South Africa is home to a dynamic and internationally connected film industry that combines creative excellence, strong production capabilities and growing global market relevance.

With internationally acclaimed filmmakers, diverse storytelling traditions, world-class crews and competitive production infrastructure, the country has established itself as a key partner for the international film and media industry.

The European Film Market will take place from February 10 to 16, 2027 as part of the 77th Berlin International Film Festival.

South African cinema has long been part of the Berlinale’s history. Over the past decades, South African filmmakers and productions have regularly been represented across the festival and market programmes, reflecting the country’s creative diversity and international resonance. In 2005, U-Carmen eKhayelitsha by Mark Dornford-May became the first South African film to win the Berlinale’s Golden Bear, marking a milestone in the festival’s relationship with the country’s cinema.

“South Africa’s designation as the European Film Market’s ‘Country in Focus’ for 2027 reflects both its longstanding relationship with the Berlinale and the extraordinary vitality of its film industry. South African cinema brings together powerful storytelling, remarkable creative voices and a strong international outlook. We are excited to shine a spotlight on a film culture that continues to shape global conversations and to create new opportunities for collaboration between South African and international partners at the EFM”, says Festival Director Tricia Tuttle.

South Africa continues to attract international productions through its exceptional combination of creative talent, experienced crews, advanced production services and highly varied locations — from cosmopolitan cities and dramatic coastlines to arid landscapes, mountains and wildlife reserves.

Combined with favourable weather conditions, efficient logistics, sophisticated financial and technical infrastructure and other attractive enticements, the country has become one of the world’s most sought-after filming destinations.

“The European Film Market’s focus on South Africa highlights a dynamic, globally competitive film industry that offers diverse storytelling, strong co-production opportunities and a strategic gateway for international partners seeking to engage with African markets”, says Tanja Meissner, Director Berlinale Pro. “At the EFM, cultural visibility meets concrete market potential. The programme will connect South African talent, projects and companies with international buyers, financiers, producers and platforms, while also opening new pathways for long-term collaboration.”

Beyond its strength as a production hub, South Africa’s cinema is internationally recognised for its compelling and multifaceted storytelling. Drawing from the country’s rich cultural heritage, complex history and contemporary social realities, South African filmmakers continue to bring bold and distinctive perspectives to global audiences and festival screens alike.

“This is more than recognition, it is an invitation. South Africa brings to the European Film Market an exceptional combination of creative talent, production capability and stories drawn from one of the world’s most compelling cultural landscapes. We are open for collaboration, co-production and investment and we are confident that those who engage with our industry at the Berlinale will leave with a deeper appreciation of what South Africa offers as a creative and commercial partner. From U-Carmen eKhayelitsha to The Heart Is a Muscle, the world is experiencing authentic South African storytelling in all its layers. Our commitment as government is to ensure that the working relations and co-productions foster growth for all involved. Furthermore, addressing the challenges that have affected our filmmakers’ ability to produce at scale is being addressed”, says Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton Mckenzie.

“This moment is a great testament to the growth of the South African film industry. This opportunity reflects many years of effort by the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) team and we are thrilled to elevate the deserving South African filmmakers. It comes at such an opportune time where storytelling through film is being tested by socio-economic challenges that need to be told in ways that balance truth and hope. This European Film Market of the Berlinale will give our filmmakers the platform to showcase the diversity of our nation and connect our stories to those of the global community. The NFVF will continue to ensure that South African filmmakers who produce films which resonate globally, have access to platforms such as the Berlinale,” adds Onke Dumeko, Acting CEO of the NFVF.

Since 2017, the EFM’s Country in Focus initiative has spotlighted significant film regions around the world, offering in-depth insights into their creative industries while fostering international exchange and collaboration.

Following previous showcases dedicated to countries and regions including Mexico, Canada, Norway, Chile, the Baltic States, Italy, Spain and Morocco, the 2027 edition will place South Africa’s vibrant film landscape at the heart of the market.

The programme aims to create new opportunities for dialogue and cooperation between South African and international producers, distributors, investors, broadcasters, streamers and filmmakers across all genres and formats — from arthouse cinema and documentaries to commercial productions, series, animation and emerging media.

La entrada South Africa Will be the Country in Focus at the EFM During the 2027 Berlinale se publicó primero en TTV News.

The hit animated series, sold in more than 100 territories, will leap to the big screen with a European co-production set for release in 2027

Toon2Tango is moving forward with the expansion of one of its most successful brands by producing the first feature film based on Agent 203, the international animated series already sold in over 100 territories. The project will bring the universe of teenage secret agent Zoe Stranek to the big screen, reinforcing the company’s strategy of developing IP with strong multiplatform potential.

The film, described as a “spy-fi adventure comedy,” will blend action, humor, and high-tech elements in a family-oriented story focused on themes such as teamwork, courage, and self-discovery. It is directed by Damjan Mitrevski (Mission Santa, Niko – The Series) and Jo Daris (Wissper, Agent 203).

“With Agent 203, we have proven that European entertainment can resonate with global audiences. We are excited to now bring this universe to cinemas together with creative partners and top-tier production companies from Germany and Spain,” said Ulli Stoef, CEO of Toon2Tango.

David Matamoros, CEO of Mr. Miyagi, highlighted the project’s industry value: “This adaptation represents an opportunity to further strengthen the European audiovisual industry and continue connecting with global audiences, working alongside international partners to take the story to a new level.”

The film is an international co-production between Toon2Tango, Mr. Miyagi, Laguna Azul & Doce Entertainment (Spain), M.A.R.K.13, and bigchild Entertainment GmbH (Germany). Completion is scheduled for 2027. Theatrical distribution in Germany will be handled by Leonine Studios, while international sales are managed by Sola Media.

The story follows 13-year-old Zoe Stranek, who discovers that her missing father was actually an elite agent. After activating a mysterious alien bracelet, she develops special abilities that lead her into an intergalactic threat, in a narrative that combines coming-of-age elements with science fiction and comedy.

La entrada Toon2Tango Drives the Expansion of Agent 203 with Its First Feature Film se publicó primero en TTV News.

The German co-production and financing market for animation received a record 119 submissions for its 20th edition, set to take place May 5–7 in Stuttgart.

The European animation co-production and financing market Animation Production Days (APD) has announced the selection of 51 projects from 23 countries for its 20th edition, which will be held May 5–7 in Stuttgart, Germany.

In total, the event received a record 119 submissions from more than 30 countries, marking the highest number in the market’s 20-year history. Following an evaluation process carried out by two selection committees, 51 projects were chosen to take part in the event, where producers and creators will present their concepts to potential co-production and financing partners through pre-scheduled meetings.

Around 1,000 one-to-one meetings are expected to take place during the market, bringing together producers, broadcasters, streamers, distributors, world sales companies and financing institutions looking for new animation content.

In terms of formats, the selection includes 26 TV series, 14 feature films, two short films and nine cross-media projects, which also involve planned developments in books, digital content or games.

Projects targeting children aged 6–9 represent the largest segment, accounting for 25% of the selected slate. Projects aimed at teenagers and adults represent 22% of the total, while several titles are also designed for family audiences.

Genre-wise, the lineup ranges from fantasy, action and sci-fi adventure to comedy, drama, dramedy and animated documentary. More than 15% of the selected projects also address themes related to nature, the environment and sustainability.

The diversity of the selection is also reflected in the techniques used, including 2D animation, 3D animation, stop motion and hybrid formats.

In terms of origin, Germany leads the selection with 14 projects, followed by Denmark with six and Spain with five. Other projects come from Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Finland, France, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, South Africa, Sweden, Ukraine and the United Kingdom.

The market will also once again host the APD Talent Programme, an initiative dedicated to emerging talent in the European animation industry. This year, eight projects were selected to participate in the program, which gives young producers and creators the opportunity to present their ideas to industry experts, expand their networks and seek partners for their projects.

Animation Production Days is part of Stuttgart Animated Week, which also includes the Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film and FMX – Film and Media Exchange, bringing together thousands of animation and media industry professionals in Stuttgart each year.

La entrada Animation Production Days Selects 51 Projects for Its Anniversary Edition se publicó primero en TTV News.

Under his supervision, numerous documentaries and docuseries have been produced, which have gained international recognition and won awards at prestigious festivals.

Autentic has appointed Andreas Martin as Director Content & Production. In this role, he will lead Autentic Studios, the production division of Autentic, and will be responsible for the development and production of all company formats and programs.

Martin has been with Autentic for six years, most recently serving as Head of Production and Executive Producer. Under his supervision, numerous successful documentaries and docu-series have been produced, including De-extinction – Species Protection 2.0?, Agree to Disagree!, Decoding Beauty, Love Around the World, and Terra X: The Mystery of Monster Waves. Many of his productions have gained international recognition and have been honored at renowned festivals.

“The appointment of Andreas Martin underlines our goal to strategically expand the production activities of Autentic Studios – both in the national and international broadcast markets as well as on digital platforms,” says Patrick Hörl, Managing Director of Autentic.

Autentic Studios stands for high-quality, fact-based and emotionally engaging documentaries and factual programs for an international audience. The portfolio ranges from large-scale history documentaries and investigative films to science programs, factual entertainment, and people & culture productions from around the world.

Partners include leading national and international broadcasters and streaming platforms such as ARD, ZDF, arte, ProSieben, RTL, ORF, ServusTV, and Curiosity Stream. Based in Munich, Autentic Studios is part of Autentic GmbH and belongs to Beta, one of Europe’s leading independent film and television groups. Autentic’s Managing Director is Patrick Hörl.

La entrada Andreas Martin to Lead Autentic Studios as Director Content & Production se publicó primero en TTV News.

The transaction is expected to generate €250 million in annual synergies within three years, mostly cost synergies across all categories.

RTL Group announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Sky Deutschland (DACH). The transaction brings together two of the most recognisable media brands in the DACH region, creating a future-ready entertainment business with around 11.5 million paying subscribers.

Together, the business is well-positioned to meet evolving consumer demands and compete with global streamers. The transaction combines Sky’s premium sports rights – including Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, Premier League and Formula 1 – with RTL’s leading entertainment and news brands across RTL+, free-to-air and pay TV. It also unites the fastest growing streaming offers in the German market, RTL+ and WOW.

The transaction, which has been approved by the Board of Directors of RTL Group, is subject to regulatory approvals.

Thomas Rabe, CEO of RTL Group, said: “The combination of RTL and Sky is transformational for RTL Group. It will bring together two of the most powerful entertainment and sports brands in Europe and create a unique video proposition across free TV, pay TV and streaming. It will boost our streaming business, with a total of around 11.5 million paying subscribers, further diversify our revenue streams and make us even more attractive for creative talent, rights holders and business partners. The synergies are estimated to be around €250 million per annum within three years after closing, creating significant shareholder value. Together, RTL and Sky will be in an even stronger position to invest in people, content and technology in Germany and in Europe to compete with the global tech and streaming players. I want to recognise the outstanding work of the Sky Deutschland team, whose strong performance over recent years has laid the foundation for this next phase.”

Dana Strong, Group CEO at Sky, said: “Sky Deutschland has made significant progress over the past three years, delivering strong operational performance and reaching a record number of customers. The business is on track to achieve EBITDA break-even, reflecting the success of our turnaround plan. Combining the strength of our brand with RTL builds on that momentum and opens up even greater opportunities. This deal provides a strong platform for long-term success, and ensures Sky continues to share in the growth of the combined business.”

According to the agreement, RTL Group will fully acquire Sky’s businesses in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, including customer relationships in Luxembourg, Liechtenstein and South Tyrol on a cash-free and debt-free basis. The purchase price consists of €150 million in cash and a variable consideration linked to RTL Group’s share price performance. The variable consideration can be triggered by Comcast, Sky’s parent company, at any time within five years after closing, provided that RTL Group’s share price exceeds €41. The variable consideration is capped at €70 per share or €377 million. RTL Group has the right to settle the variable consideration in RTL Group shares or cash or a combination of both. RTL Group is considering buying treasury shares to be in a position to settle the variable consideration fully or partly in shares.

The combined business will offer a broader and more compelling German-language content portfolio for consumers across the DACH region. Viewers will benefit from expanded access to premium live sports, entertainment and news across RTL+, Sky, WOW and RTL’s free-to-air channels. By bringing together the strengths of RTL and Sky, the combined company will be able to compete against global streaming platforms.

The transaction is expected to generate €250 million in annual synergies within three years, mostly cost synergies across all categories.

Under a separate trademark license agreement, RTL will have the right to use the Sky brand in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), Luxembourg, Liechtenstein and South Tyrol. RTL will acquire Sky Deutschland’s streaming brand WOW as part of the transaction.

Barny Mills, Sky Deutschland CEO, will continue to lead the Sky Deutschland business until the transaction is completed. Stephan Schmitter will stay in his current role as CEO of RTL Deutschland until closing of the transaction and then lead the combined company. RTL Deutschland will remain headquartered in Cologne and Sky Deutschland in Munich.

The pro-forma revenue 2024 of the combined company was €4.6 billion, with approximately 45 per cent of the total revenue coming from subscription-based revenue.1 RTL Group’s pro-forma revenue for 2024 was €8.2 billion2, more than 30 per cent higher than RTL Group’s reported consolidated revenue for 2024 (€6.25 billion). The acquisition of Sky Deutschland is the largest transaction for RTL Group since its inception in 2000.

The two businesses will continue to operate independently until regulatory approvals are obtained, which are expected in 2026.

PJT Partners served as advisor to Comcast on this transaction.

La entrada RTL Group Buys Sky Deutschland in Major DACH Deal se publicó primero en TTV News.

Together, they will develop, produce, market, and distribute bold and original martial arts entertainment through social and TV formats, and live events.

Content powerhouse Banijay Entertainment announces a strategic partnership between Banijay Media Germany, the creative and marketing agency of Banijay Germany, and European martial arts and live events specialists, Innovation Media. Coinciding with the agreement, the companies unveil their first collaboration, The Ultimate HYPE – a live martial arts event, confirmed for 4 October in Germany.

Combining Innovation Media’s extensive experience in live events and martial arts, and Banijay Media Germany’s expertise in ticketed events, marketing and multi-platform distribution, the two companies will build on the growing popularity of combat sports – as demonstrated by significant broadcast deals and platform partnerships for the likes of UFC, Professional Fighters League, ONE Championship and Bellatour.

Together, they will develop, produce, market, and distribute bold and original martial arts entertainment through social and TV formats, and live events.

The Ultimate HYPE, taking place at Rudolf Weber Arena in Oberhausen, will feature top reality stars and creators competing in a variety of combat disciplines including boxing and MMA. Participants will receive professional training over the coming weeks and months, which will be documented for audiences.

Christian Nienaber, Managing Director of Banijay Media Germany says: “Boxing and martial arts are booming, supported by millions of enthusiastic fans online. We’re doing something new – training celebrities and creators in various disciplines, accompanying them, and letting them compete against each other live. Ultimately, it’s the symbiosis of live event and storytelling across media, and with Innovation Media, we’ve found the perfect partner.”

Ingrid Langheld, Managing Director of Banijay Media Germany adds: “We’ve previously worked with Innovation Media in the area of ​​ticketing for high-profile martial arts events. Now we’re joining forces and building our first project together with The Ultimate HYPE. I’m very excited about this partnership!”

Lukas Band, Managing Director of Innovation Media comments: “Live events in the field of martial arts and entertainment are our passion. With The Ultimate HYPE and Banijay Media Germany, we are taking the next step and offering fans and viewers even more, live on-site, and at home, with a fantastic evening gala, red carpet, music acts, and, of course, fighting – plus exclusive content across all platforms.”

The strategic partnership echoes Banijay Entertainment’s wider growth in the sports genre, following its launch of Banijay Sports, and through live events, which is spearheaded by Banijay Live, its dedicated live event and experiences business

La entrada Banijay Media Germany and Innovation Media Partner to Develop The Ultimate HYPE se publicó primero en TTV News.

Produced by Stellar Yapim, Wounded Birds is the first Turkish series to be licensed to Germany by Eccho Rights. It will also be broadcast in Austria and Switzerland.

International distributor Eccho Rights announced its latest deal with Joyn, owned by ProSiebenSat.1 Media, for the Turkish drama series Wounded Birds. This is the first time a Turkish drama series has been licensed in Germany.

In an unprecedented deal, the series airs on Joyn in Germany, Austria and Switzerland in its original Turkish version with German subtitles, rather than dubbed, a decision motivated by the more than three million people of Turkish origin living in Germany.

Herbert L. Kloiber, Eccho Rights CEO: “The potential for Turkish Drama in Germany has always been there, but typically, the huge diaspora has found other means to consume Turkish content. We are delighted that Joyn has opened the door to locally licensing of Turkish series, which have found huge success wherever they have aired elsewhere in Western Europe.”

Produced by Stellar Yapim, Wounded Birds (201 x 45’) broke new ground when it was first released, becoming the first Turkish Drama series ever to secure international pre-sales when it was sold to Telemundo (Puerto Rico) and OBN (Bosnia & Herzegovina) before debuting on Turkey’s Kanal D.

The series has since been sold in various territories, including the US and Spain, where Wounded Birds scored top ratings for Mediaset’s Divinity.

From the team behind the international hit series Elif, Wounded Birds tells the gripping tale of Meryem, a strong and beautiful young woman who has spent five years raising her “little brother” Ömer.

As an infant, Ömer was given to Meryem’s low-life father, Durmus, who intended to sell him but was imprisoned before he could complete the sale.

Meryem is determined to keep Ömer off the streets and has worked night and day to make a decent life for them both. Little does she know that the young boy is the son of an influential industrialist and was kidnapped in a power struggle over control of the family empire.

La entrada Eccho Rights Licenses Turkish Drama Wounded Birds to German Joyn se publicó primero en TTV News.

Besides Reincarnate, Globo is present at the Berlinale with the feature film O Último Azul, by Gabriel Mascaro, a Globo Filmes coproduction.

The first Globoplay Original horror series, Reincarnate will make its world premiere next Tuesday, the 18th, at 2:30 pm, on CinemaxX 4, during the 11th edition of the Berlinale Series Market.

Created by a collective formed by Juan Jullian, Igor Verde, Elísio Lopes Jr, Amanda Jordão and Flávia Lacerda, Reincarnate’is produced by Estúdios Globo and has artistic direction by Bruno Safadi.

One of the 17 productions chosen worldwide for the event, Reincarnate will be attended by the author Juan Jullian, the artistic director Bruno Safadi and the Guinean actor Welket Bungué, known for movies like Berlin Alexanderplatz and Crimes of the Future, on the first worldwide screening of the series.

“The European Film Market is an important guide to the narratives that are generating interest worldwide. And one of the aims of Reincarnate is to be a radically Brazilian narrative, offering a disruptive perspective on a contemporary and complex theme: the construction of identity. The invitation to premiere in Berlin confirms this aim and gives us an opportunity to tell this story at an event that brings together various players from the global audiovisual industry in a grand festive gathering of storytellers,” says Igor Verde, one of the creators of the series.

The story brings moments of tension in its nine episodes, with scenes of graphic horror; touches of romance and desire; and existential questions. If the life of the person you love most is hanging by a thread, are there limits to saving them? For Feliciano (Enrique Diaz), the answer is no.

The death of some can be a second chance for others. For over 20 years, since his wife Cássia’s (Simone Spoladore) first stroke, the surgeon has been looking for alternatives to save her from death. To achieve this, he is willing to go to extremes, with questionable consequences.

In addition to a strong Brazilian cast formed by Taís Araujo (A Mother’s Love), Julia Dalavia (Pantanal), and Enrique Diaz (A Mother’s Love), the work also features the Guinean Welket Bungué and the Portuguese Isabél Zuaa.

“The Berlinale is one of the greatest movie festivals in the world, it has enormous tradition and respect. The history of cinema passes through its screens and, in recent years, Berlin has opened up space at its festival for series. Reincarnate is a Brazilian production and premiering it at the Berlinale is the best start we could hope for,” says Bruno.

Besides Reincarnate, Globo is present at the Berlinale with the feature film O Último Azul, by Gabriel Mascaro, a Globo Filmes coproduction that is in the Festival’s official running, competing for the Golden Bear. The film was screened on Sunday, the 16th, at 3:30 pm.

“In the year in which we celebrate 100 years of history, it is very significant to have two Globo works helping to bring Brazilian talent to the Berlin Festival. Before being a media company, we are storytellers and our presence at the festival is a reflection of that. We increasingly want to inspire new audiences with our productions and show our ability to create stories that travel the world,” says Alex Medeiros, Head of Drama, Documentaries, and Films at Globoplay Originals.

La entrada Globoplay’s Horror Series, Reincarnate, Makes Its World Premiere in Berlin se publicó primero en TTV News.