2024 TV SERIES FESTIVAL

The International TV SERIES FESTIVAL Jury,featuring renowned German director Nuray Şahin(“Die Kunst, frei zu sein – Kreative im Exil”, “Kültür für Deutschland”), acclaimed producer Arcadiy Golubovich (“A Hologram for the King”, “99 Homes”), and upcoming director Wesley Howard (“Madleen”), has completed the review of an impressive selection of films and series from across the globe to determine the winners of this year’s coveted Panda Awards.

The festival jury, known for its discerning eye and appreciation for exceptional storytelling, faced a challenging task this year due to the outstanding quality of submissions. Director Nuray Şahin,praised for her work highlighting creative freedom, equality and cultural integration brought her unique perspective to the jury.Arcadiy Golubovich, a producer of internationally acclaimed films, and Wesley Howard, an emerging talent in the industry,contributed their expertise and passion when judging the nominees with following verdicts:

BEST SERIES WINNER – DRAMA – COMEDY – DOCUMENTARY – SPECIAL MENTION

“IN MEMORIAM” (Canada) – produced by Marie-Christine Lavoie, Vicky Bounadère,  with a convincing cast, Catherine Bérubé, Thomas Antony Olajide,  Emanuelle Gagné Néron. This poignant series captivated the jury with its profound storytelling and exceptional performances, earning it the title of BEST DRAMA SERIES 2024 ● “IN MEMORIAM” wins BEST DRAMA-SERIES 2024
The jury says: “In Memoriam” instantly captivates with its masterfully orchestrated and shocking opening teaser. The series dives deep into family tragedies, legacies, and dark pasts, delivering moments that are genuinely chilling, its thought-provoking nature is undeniable. The cast delivers powerhouse performances, making the characters’ struggles profoundly real. Balancing suspense with deep storytelling, “In Memoriam” leaves a lasting impression. The exemplary production values, including costume and set design, enhance the immersive experience, and the well-handled flashbacks add depth to the narrative. Ultimately, it is the superb writing that sets “In Memoriam” apart. This series is a tour de force in its genre, and I eagerly anticipate the rest of the season.”

“MADAM” (New Zealand) – produced by Four Knights / Tavake Films, XYZ Films, Fifth Season, and written by Shoshanna McCallum and Harry McNaughton, based on the memoirs of author Antonia Murphy, starring Rachel Griffiths (“Six Feet Under”) and Martin Henderson. This delightful and witty series won in the category of BEST COMEDY SERIES 2024, with the sharp writing receiving high praise from the jury.

● “MADAM” wins BEST COMEDY-SERIES 2024
The Jury says: “MADAM is such an amazing series! As the best comedy winner of the TV SERIES FESTIVAL, this work dazzles with exceptional directing, superb acting, overall with meticulous attention to detail, delivering a highly original and captivating narrative from the first second; it’s perfectly cast roles, including memorable extras, create a rich and engaging story writen by world that leaves audiences eager for more…  we loved it!” – Wesely Howard (Director & Jury Member 2024)

“THE VATICAN  – THE STATE OF THE CHURCH ” (Belgium), produced by Paneka and directed by International Emmy nominee Kat Steppe. This insightful and thought-provoking series about the inner workings and history of the Vatican impressed the jury with its depth and meticulous research, making it the BEST DOCUMENTARY SERIES 2024 of the festival.

● “THE VATICAN – THE STATE OF THE CHURCH” wins BEST DOCU-SERIES 2024
The jury says:  What an outstanding work. Depicting the Vatican is an incredibly challenging task, as much of its workings occur behind closed doors. However, the director Kat Steppe has done an exceptional job. She illuminates the position of women from various countries within the Catholic world, highlighting that the West does not differ significantly from the East regarding women’s rights. Nevertheless, the struggle and success of these women within the Catholic world can serve as a powerful example for many. The documentary is a must watch in 2024, as it compellingly showcases how women, despite adverse conditions and patriarchal structures, courageously and persistently fight for their rights, achieving remarkable successes along the way.  – Nuray Şahin, (Director & Jury Member 2024)


“TEENAGERS” produced by KOTV (Louis-Phillipe Drolet), written by Marisol Aubé, Ève Déziel and lead by Marisol Aubé as a director,  follows ten teens for five years. These young people, barely out of childhood, become teenagers before our very eyes. They generously share their dreams, passions and challenges. A touching, atypical and remarkable series that gives them a voice.

● “TEENAGERS” (Canada) honored with SPECIAL MENTION 2024

The Jury says: “The series embarks on the formidable journey of documenting teenagers through distinct phases of their lives and five transformative years. This endeavor highlights the incredible endurance required to capture their evolution from childhood to adolescence. The filmmakers’ dedication and devotion to chronicling these fleeting moments—some marked by the last vestiges of innocence, others by the harsh onset of reality — results in a poignant and compelling narrative. Each segment draws us into the lives of these young individuals, making us deeply invested in their stories. The filmmakers’ ability to weave together these evolving timelines into a cohesive and emotionally resonant story is nothing short of extraordinary. Kudos to the entire filmmaking team!” – Nuray Şahin, (Director & Jury Member 2024)

The TV SERIES  FESTIVAL continues to be a prestigious platform for recognizing excellence in television series and films from around the world. This year’s winners reflect the diverse and excellent storytelling that is defining the future of television.