‘What It Feels Like for a Girl’ Wins Big at Cádiz’s South Series Festival
The 3rd edition of the South International Series Festival concluded on Wednesday, Sept. 18, with two standout winners: “What It Feels Like for a Girl” and “Una historia muy heavy” were recognized as the best fiction and best non-fiction series, respectively.
“What It Feels Like for a Girl,” created by Paris Lees and produced by Hera Pictures in collaboration with ITV Studios for BBC Three/iPlayer, swept the awards by winning best fiction, best ensemble cast, and the prestigious Ciudad de Cádiz Award. The series was lauded for its emotional connection with the city’s social and rights traditions, capturing a difficult and dark reality with authenticity and energy.
In the non-fiction category, “Una historia muy heavy,” a RTVE Play original produced by Magnetika Films, took home the prize for its compelling narrative rhythm, historical context, and investigative depth. This win highlights South’s role in promoting Spanish factual content and expanding its international reach through platforms like RTVE Sales.
Additional recognition in the non-fiction category went to “La Húngara. Toma que toma” and Norway’s “The Agent. The Life and Lies of My Father,” with the latter receiving a special mention for its bold narrative structure.
Audience awards were presented to “Ella, maldita alma” in fiction and “La Húngara. Toma que toma” in non-fiction, showcasing the audience’s preference for music-driven storytelling.
In total, the festival awarded 11 prizes, including best screenplay for fiction to “Sense Filtres” and the South Boost main prize to “Correos y Telégrafos” for its tender portrayal of rural Spain and intergenerational storytelling.
The 2025 edition of the festival drew nearly 13,000 attendees, with strong community engagement in Andalusia and international recognition. Director Carles Montiel emphasized the festival’s importance as a platform for Spanish and international drama, bridging the gap between industry professionals and general audiences.
Supported by Womack Group, the City of Cádiz, the Provincial Council of Cádiz, and the Regional Government of Andalusia, the South International Series Festival continues to elevate Cádiz as a unique and influential hub for the television industry.
