Markets

The 2026 edition of Series Mania in Lille opened with a cocktail reception led by Laurence Herszberg, General Director and founder of Series Mania, alongside Francesco Capurro, Director of the Series Mania Forum, and Gilles Pélisson, President of Unifrance, who jointly welcomed delegates and officially launched the event on Monday March 23. According to Capurro the Forum welcomes 5000 participants from 75 countries.

The program opens on Tuesday, March 24, with key trend-focused sessions, including the highly anticipated “Key Trends 2026 Report,” which provides a comprehensive overview of current market dynamics and future trajectories. Discussions also addressed emerging formats and challenges, such as the role of artificial intelligence and the persistence of stereotypes in short-form and micro-drama content.

On Wednesday, March 25, the focus shifts to structural industry questions. Panels such as “How Can Distributors Stay Relevant?” explore the evolving role of distribution in an increasingly platform-driven ecosystem, while “Creation Under Pressure” tackles the sensitive issue of censorship and creative freedom, reflecting growing geopolitical and regulatory tensions impacting content production worldwide.

The Forum will conclude on Thursday, March 26, with the Lille Dialogues, an international summit titled “The New Alliances.” Beside conferences and panels, the Forum will also offer 50,000 euros to the Best Project during the Awards Ceremony.