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The curtain is about to rise on the first edition of the Italian Global Series Festival, a bold new event set to celebrate international storytelling across drama, comedy, and limited series. Held from June 21 to 28 between Riccione and Rimini, the festival will feature over 60 series from more than 25 countries, including 13 world premieres, 4 international premieres, and 42 Italian debuts. Curated by journalist and critic Marco Spagnoli, the festival’s official selection includes 32 titles in competition, chosen from over 150 submissions. Productions hail from Italy, the U.S., Brazil, France, Germany, Finland, and more, underlining the festival's ambition to become a major hub for global scripted content.

The Maximo Awards, the festival’s flagship prizes, will be assigned across the categories of Drama, Comedy, and Limited Series by three official juries. Meanwhile, the Maximo Excellence Awards will honor outstanding achievements in storytelling and will be presented during the closing gala on June 28 in Riccione.

Among this year’s honorees are Cristina Comencini, recognized for Il Treno dei Bambini, and Carlo Verdone, awarded for Vita da Carlo 3. Both receive the Maximo Excellence Award Gruppo FS, a special recognition highlighting the power of storytelling through the metaphor of the train, symbolizing transformation and cultural reflection.

The SIAE Jury will also present a special award for Best Screenplay in the Italian Fiction category.
The drama section will feature The Assassin, a UK thriller starring Keeley Hawes and Freddie Highmore, and The Outlaws, presented by director Bruno Gascon and actor Tomás Alves. In the comedy section, France will showcase Extra starring Anne Girouard, while Finland presents Sunset Grove, directed by Severi Koivusalo and Taru Mäkelä. Brazil enters the Limited Series category with Perfect Days, a new title helmed by Joana Jabace and produced by Anonymous Content and Globo.

The festival will host a range of global talent, including Phyllis Logan (Downton Abbey), Ben Miles (Andor), and acclaimed showrunner Frank Spotnitz (The X-Files, The Man in the High Castle, Medici).
A special appearance is scheduled for Can Yaman on June 24, who will premiere the new adventure series Sandokan alongside the cast and creative team. Produced by Lux Vide/Fremantle for Rai Fiction, the series reimagines the legendary hero created by Emilio Salgari. Joining Yaman at the event are Alessandro Preziosi, Alanah Bloor, director Nicola Abbatangelo, Matilde Bernabei (Honorary President of Lux Vide), and Maria Pia Ammirati, Director of Rai Fiction.

The Festival will offer Italian audiences exclusive advance screenings of major international series set to debut globally on streaming platforms. Highlights include:

Ironheart (Marvel/Disney+), screening on June 25 with an immersive art installation curated by Jessica Filippi.

The Bear – Season 4 (FX), with the first two episodes shown on June 26.

Squid Game – Season 3 (Netflix), with its premiere episode screened simultaneously with its global release.

Celebrating Italian Stories
The Italian Showcase section will spotlight upcoming national productions through previews, cast Q&As, and behind-the-scenes presentations. Actors and creators including Pilar Fogliati, Lino Guanciale, and Michele Di Mauro will introduce exclusive footage from titles such as Cuori, Call My Agent – Italia, Rosa Elettrica, and Le Libere Donne, the latter based on the novel by psychiatrist Mario Tobino.

On June 23, Turkish actress Özge Gürel (Dreams and Realities) will receive a Maximo Excellence Award, underscoring the festival's international reach and its commitment to celebrating diversity in storytelling.

for further information, check the website: the Italian Global Series Festival