Italian Global Series Festival Announces Star-Studded 2024 Program

The Italian Global Series (IGS) festival has unveiled an expansive program for its upcoming edition, which will span two coastal cities, Rimini and Riccione, throughout July. Under the artistic direction of Marco Spagnoli, the festival continues to solidify its reputation as a premier destination for international television, featuring a competitive slate of 21 series from 15 countries. The event, which is free to the public, serves as a vital bridge between global creators and audiences, culminating in the presentation of the Maximo Awards.

This year’s edition is anchored by significant cultural milestones, most notably the 60th anniversary of the Star Trek franchise. The celebration will include a special preview of 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' and a featured conversation with actress Jeri Ryan regarding the evolution of female archetypes in science fiction. Beyond the sci-fi legacy, the festival will honor the 50th anniversary of Franco Zeffirelli’s 'Jesus of Nazareth' with actor Robert Powell and celebrate the 30th anniversary of the long-running Italian soap opera 'Un posto al sole.'

The festival’s industry impact is underscored by a high-profile jury and a robust series of professional conversations. With industry veterans like Marti Noxon, Nicholas Meyer, and Bruno Gouery presiding over the competition categories, the event provides a platform for high-level discourse on the future of global production. Sessions featuring showrunners such as Carlton Cuse and John Ridley, alongside discussions on the shifting landscape of international television, highlight the festival's role in shaping contemporary media trends and fostering cross-border creative partnerships.