Welcome to Global Breakouts, Deadline’s feature where every two weeks, we highlight the TV shows and films achieving success in their local markets. In an industry that is more globalized than ever, it can be challenging to keep up with the top performers around the world. We’re here to tackle that challenge for you.
This week, we take a moment to reflect on five standout Breakouts from the past year, covering a range of narratives from paternal themes in France to honor killings in the Middle East. We’ll be returning with a new Breakout in two weeks, so be sure to check back. For now, let’s embark on a journey through the highlights since last August.
‘Whispers In the Woods’ (France) – January
The year opened in France with Vincent Munier’s documentary, Whispers in the Woods, which surprisingly drew over one million viewers to theaters. Produced by Paprika Films, the documentary features Munier revisiting the Vosges region of northeastern France, the area where he first developed his passion for wildlife photography as a young boy. Through his journey, he delves into his relationship with both his father, who instilled in him a deep appreciation for the natural world, and his son, to whom he hopes to pass this cherished legacy. Munier describes the film as a portrayal of knowledge being handed down through three generations: a grandfather, a father, and a grandson, emphasizing the theme of legacy.
‘The Return’ (Ukraine) – March
As the conflict in Ukraine persisted into its fourth year, we spotlighted The Return, a dark comedy series that collaborates with Ukrainian war veterans to explore the ongoing strife in Eastern Europe with a blend of humor and gravity. The series, airing on ICTV2, follows Oleksandr Krechet, a wounded soldier who returns to Kyiv and faces bureaucratic and personal challenges that prevent him from returning to the front lines. Notably, over half of the cast members are either veterans or current military personnel, lending an authentic voice to the series.
‘Still Breathing’ (Norway) – April
Dubbed Norway’s answer to The Pitt, Still Breathing emerged as a genuine sensation in the Scandinavian nation this spring. The series, which premiered on the Norwegian public broadcaster NRK, recorded the network’s most successful drama debut outside of its typical festival season programming. The eight-episode series centers on a group of driven interns navigating the intense environment of an overstretched hospital located in central Norway. The show has since been promoted in international markets by DR Sales.
‘Fadia’ (Israel) – June
Drawing inspiration from Shakespeare and other notable dramatists, Palestinian-Israeli filmmaker and actor Shady Srour’s mini-series Fadia tackles the grave subject of honor killings while offering broader societal commentary. The series was met with acclaim at the recent Monte-Carlo TV Festival, securing three awards. Starring Yara Elham Jarrar, the show is broadcasted on the Israeli-Arab language network Makan TV and follows the story of Fadia, a young woman who is nearly killed by her family in the name of honor but is saved by neighbors who risk everything to protect her.
Daniel Hayes is a business journalist with a focus on market trends, startups, and corporate strategies.
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