Series Mania Awards ‘Proud,’ ‘Small Creatures, ‘Waiting for the Out’

The award-winning show “Proud” made a significant impact at the Series Mania festival, taking home the prestigious Grand Prix. Created by Karol Klementewicz, the series follows the story of a young gay man, portrayed by Ignacy Liss, who must care for a baby orphaned by his late sister. This heartwarming and thought-provoking series aims to spark conversations in Poland, where there are no legal provisions for gay couples to adopt children.

In an interview with Variety, Liss expressed his belief that “Proud” has the power to bridge the gap between differing perspectives in society. The show’s premiere at Series Mania was met with enthusiasm and praise, highlighting its importance in addressing controversial topics.

While “Proud” shone brightly at the festival, the BBC also received recognition for their exceptional series. “Waiting for the Out” and “Small Prophets,” created by Mackenzie Crook, garnered accolades for their outstanding screenplay and performances. Additionally, the Australian drama “Dustfall” impressed audiences and critics alike, securing the Audience Award with a compelling narrative and stellar acting by Anna Tor.

Series Mania founder Laurence Herszberg commended the diversity and quality of the awarded series, noting the strong presence of the United Kingdom and the excellence of Polish productions. She also highlighted the inclusion of female-led teams in the winning lineup, emphasizing the importance of gender diversity in the industry.

As the festival concluded, Herszberg expressed gratitude to all partners who made the event possible, including the Hauts-de-France Region, the CNC, the MEL, the City of Lille, and Crédit Mutuel Nord Europe. With more exciting developments on the horizon, Series Mania continues to celebrate innovative storytelling and diverse voices in the world of television. Stay tuned for more updates on upcoming projects and events.