The 2016 Berlin International Film Festival is inviting series from Denmark, Britain, Israel, Australia, New Zealand and the U.S. to finish off this year’s Berlinale Special program. The section is designed to put a spotlight on the creativity and variety of forms evident in television series production.
“As we were reviewing this year’s submissions, we once again noticed how their makers embraced experimentation,” said Festival director Dieter Kosslick. “They use the series format for expeditions into new narrative and visual forms in every genre, without losing sight of the realities of society.”
Amidst new titles from the BBC and the Israel Broadcasting Authority, the big addition here for American audiences is most likely “Better Caul Saul” Season 2. The AMC drama confidently stepped away from the shadow of “Breaking Bad” in its acclaimed first season and carved its own unique path. The show’s second season will be having its international premiere in Berlin.
Showrunners: Vince Gilligan, Peter Gould (Breaking Bad – series)
With Bob Odenkirk, Jonathan Banks, Michael McKean, Rhea Seehorn, Patrick Fabian, Michael Mando, Ed Begley Jr.
Broadcaster: AMC, Netflix
International Premiere
“Cleverman”
Australia / New Zealand
Original Concept: Ryan Griffen
Directed by Wayne Blair (The Sapphires), Leah Purcell
With Iain Glen, Frances O’Connor, Deborah Mailman, Hunter Page-Lochard, Rob Collins, Stef Dawson, Ryan Corr, Tasma Walton
Broadcaster: ABC (Australia), SundanceTV (USA)
World Premiere
“Love, Nina”
United Kingdom
Directed by SJ Clarkson (Jessica Jones – series)
Writer: Nick Hornby
With Faye Marsay, Helena Bonham Carter, Jason Watkins, Joshua McGuire
Broadcaster: BBC
World Premiere
“The Night Manager”
United Kingdom / Spain
Directed by Susanne Bier (In a Better World)
Written by David Farr, based on the novel by John le Carré
With Hugh Laurie, Tom Hiddleston, Olivia Colman, Elizabeth Debicki, Tom Hollander
Broadcaster: BBC (United Kingdom), AMC (USA)
World Premiere
“Splitting Up Together”
Denmark
Creator: Mette Heeno (Park Road – series)
Directed by Hella Joof
With Maria Rossing, Peter Plaugborg, Stine Schrøder Jensen, Katrine Greis-Rosenthal, Esben Dalgaard
Broadcaster: TV 2 Denmark A/S
World Premiere
“The Writer”
Israel
Creator: Sayed Kashua (Arab Labor – series)
Directed by Shay Capon
With Yousef Sweid, Ruba Blal-Asfour, Yasmin Churi, Adham Bachus
Broadcaster: Keshet Broadcasting, IBA Israel Broadcasting Authority
International Premiere
In addition, two episodes of the Netflix series Cooked will be shown as part of the Culinary Cinema programme. The series, produced by Alex Gibney, is based on Michael Pollan’s eponymous bestseller.
“Splitting Up Together”