Iberseries Co-Production Forum Gets a New Selection Team—And It's a Dream Team

Introducing the Dream Team Behind the Iberseries Co-Production Forum

For the first time in five years, the Iberseries & Platino Industria Co-Production and Financing Forum has a selection committee. This is big news for the Ibero-American entertainment scene, and it's led by three powerhouses who know how to spot a hit before it becomes one.

"The new committee shortlisted 40 projects based on viability, international potential, solid financing plans with at least 30% financing secured, international partner appeal, co-production potential, relevant team experience and distinctive market appeal," said general coordinator Rodrigo Ros.

This new selection team includes Ventana Sur founder Bernardo Bergeret, award-winning showrunner Joanna Lombardi, and TV Film International partner Karina Dolgiej. Together, they bring a depth of experience that makes their shortlist incredibly valuable.

Bergeret: A Visionary Behind the Scene

Bernardo Bergeret's name is synonymous with quality Ibero-American storytelling. As founder of Ventana Sur and BloodWindow, he's been instrumental in bringing Latin American stories to the world stage. His keen eye for compelling narratives has helped launch countless projects from small-screen to big.

His leadership is about more than just recognizing talent—it's about identifying what makes a project not just good, but exceptional. In his view, it's not enough to have a great script; you need a story that can travel across borders and speak to audiences worldwide.

Lombardi: The Creative Catalyst

Joanna Lombardi brings an insider's perspective on television. As showrunner for The Last of Us and other critically acclaimed shows, she's learned what works when you're crafting content for a global audience.

Her role in the selection committee means she'll be evaluating how projects are structured, whether they have strong narrative arcs that translate well to screen, and if they've got enough character development to keep viewers engaged across cultures. Lombardi's involvement ensures that the selected projects won't just tell a story—they'll resonate emotionally.

Dolgiej: The International Connector

From Karina Dolgiej comes a different but equally essential angle: international financing and co-production expertise. As partner at TV Film International, she's helped bridge gaps between production companies and investors around the world.

Her contribution ensures that projects chosen are not only compelling but also financially viable and attractive to global partners. It's Dolgiej who helps turn a promising idea into a full-fledged production that can be sold internationally—no small feat in today's competitive market.

Why This Matters for Ibero-American Stories

The new committee isn't just about picking winners; it's about shaping the future of storytelling. The projects they select will be those that represent both the rich cultural tapestry of the Ibero-American region and the universal themes that connect us all.

From horror thrillers to family dramas, from docu-series to animated adventures, this year's lineup shows a commitment to variety. "Spanning true stories, horror, folk horror, comedy, family and sports dramas, historical stories and thrillers, reflecting a deliberate commitment to variety rather than a single market direction," said Ros.

Highlighting the Stars of This Year's Forum

The projects in this year's shortlist are as diverse as they are ambitious. Let's take a quick look at some of the standout features and series that caught our attention:

Feature Films: A Mix of Bold Narratives

• “1999”: This exorcism thriller from Spain is already drawing attention at international festivals. With a script grant from ICEC/GAC and backing from Anonymous Content España, it's poised to be a hit.
• “Carreau” (“Carro Seco”): A darkly comedic crime thriller that tackles real-world issues like housing inequality and vigilantism in Barcelona.
• “The Amateurs”: An ensemble crime comedy set at an eccentric film convention in Patagonia. This is one for fans of quirky, character-driven narratives.
• “The Unwelcome” (“Allegados”): A supernatural thriller series from Chile that combines historical elements with horror and fantasy. Starring Alfredo Castro and Benjamin Vicuña, it's a powerful entry in the genre.

TV Series: Global Appeal with Local Flavor

• “Archipelago”: An animated adventure set in a post-climate change world, combining dystopian sci-fi with pirate elements and superpowers. It's a perfect example of how animation can be used for international storytelling.
• “The Inspector”: A crime series from Portugal that blends detective work with philosophical depth. Set in the city of Porto, it's not just about solving crimes—it's about understanding human nature.
• “Sing You Bastards!”: A documentary series exploring how football chants evolve into cultural movements. It's an innovative way to look at music and politics through sport.

What's Next for the Iberseries Forum?

The Co-Production & Financing Forum will take place September 30–October 1 in Madrid, with private meetings scheduled for features on September 30 and series on October 1. It's a crucial moment for creators, producers, distributors, and investors alike.

This year's selection committee has set the bar high, and I'm excited to see what happens next. Will we be seeing these projects in our living rooms soon? I think so—especially if they live up to their potential.

Conclusion: The Future Is Bright

The formation of this new selection team is a game-changer for the Iberseries & Platino Industria Forum. It shows that the industry recognizes the importance of collaboration, experience, and vision in creating stories that truly matter.

We've seen many successful projects come out of past editions of the forum—films like Pepita, the Pistolera, Hunting and Fishing, and Red Hangar. These were more than just movies; they were cultural moments that reflected the spirit of their creators.

With this fresh selection team in place, there's no doubt that the future of Ibero-American storytelling is looking brighter than ever. Whether you're a fan of horror, family dramas, or sci-fi adventures, this year's forum promises something for everyone—and more importantly, something that might just change the game.