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The second edition of Italian Global Series, Italy’s showcase dedicated to international scripted content, will take place from July 3 to 11, 2026, across Rimini and Riccione, confirming its role as a growing hub for the global television industry.
Directed by Marco Spagnoli and organized by APA – Audiovisual Producers Association, in collaboration with Cinecittà, the festival has announced a broad 2026 programme featuring international competitions, Italian premieres, industry conversations, awards, educational initiatives and a new development platform for crime series.

At the heart of the event is the International Competition, which this year includes 21 series from 15 countries, selected from more than 160 submissions from Europe, Asia, North America and Latin America. The competition is divided into Drama, Comedy and Limited Series, with the Maximo Awards presented in each category for Best Series, Best Lead Actor, Best Lead Actress, Best Creator/Director and a Special Jury Prize.

The Drama section will open with two world premieres: Benidorm Is Murder, a UK-Spanish production directed by Simon Delaney and starring John Hannah, and the Brazilian medical series Emergency 53. Other highlights include the international premieres of Secret Service, a political spy thriller directed by Oscar winner James Marsh and starring Gemma Arterton, and the Korean thriller Speaking Dead. The section also features Burden of Justice from Sweden and The Terror: Devil in Silver, produced by Scott Free and marking the first US title in competition at the festival.

The Limited Series selection includes Le Rouge et Le Noir, a new adaptation of Stendhal’s The Red and the Black starring Victor Belmondo, with Camille Razat and Virginie Ledoyen expected in Rimini. The section also features Falling, the first romance by Jack Thorne, directed by Peter Hoar; The Widow Killer, a noir set in Prague in 1945; Chilean epic Raza Brava; French drama Laura’s Treatment; and The Tribute.

The Comedy strand brings together titles from Belgium, Germany, Canada, Ireland, the UK and the Czech Republic, including Boho, The Flaws, Happily Ever After, Leonard and Hungry Paul, Riot Women by Sally Wainwright, and the world premiere of Czech prison comedy Cell Block B.

Three Rai Fiction titles will also receive Italian premieres in competition: I casi di Teresa Battaglia – Figlia della cenere, starring Elena Sofia Ricci; One of Us, starring Raoul Bova; and Una piccola formalità, starring Pilar Fogliati.

The festival will welcome major international guests including Carlton Cuse, John Ridley, Marti Noxon, Nicholas Meyer, Sally Wainwright, Tamsin Greig, Judith Light, CCH Pounder, Jeri Ryan, Robert Powell, Sabrina Ferilli, Marco Giallini, Lino Banfi, Serena Rossi, Luigi Lo Cascio, Camille Razat, Virginie Ledoyen, Özge Gürel and Serkan Çayoğlu, among many others.

This year’s programme will also celebrate three major television anniversaries: the 60th anniversary of Star Trek, the 50th anniversary of Franco Zeffirelli’s Jesus of Nazareth, and the 30th anniversary of Un posto al sole, Italy’s longest-running soap opera.

Among the new initiatives for 2026 is the launch of the IGS Summer School, involving 60 film and television students from Rimini and Riccione, who will attend screenings, press conferences and industry conversations. The students will also award the first Maximino Prize. Another new addition is Pitch Crime, promoted by APA and dedicated to the development of original crime series projects for the Italian and international markets. The winning project will receive a Maximo Award and a €20,000 development grant.

The Maximo Excellence Awards will honour leading figures in television, including Carlton Cuse, Francesco Piccolo, Roberto Sessa, Robert Powell, Lino Banfi, Sabrina Ferilli, Marco Giallini and newly announced recipient Rita Pavone, recognized for her long-standing cultural impact.

The 2026 edition will also feature the return of the Italian Showcase, dedicated to upcoming Italian premieres, with titles including Viola come il Mare – Season 3 for Mediaset, Super Market for Prime Video Italia, and several Rai Fiction productions such as La famiglia Panini – L’avventura delle figurine, Una finestra vista lago, Libera – Season 2, L’ombra and Vincenzo Malinconico, avvocato d’insuccesso – Season 3.

Following a first edition in 2025 that attracted more than 200 guests, 180 accredited journalists and strong local impact in Rimini and Riccione, Italian Global Series aims to consolidate its role as a key international platform for the promotion, discussion and celebration of contemporary scripted storytelling.