ARTE has achieved significant recognition at the prestigious Séries Mania Festival held in Lille, securing four awards, including two major accolades. The Spanish series 'Querer', directed by Alauda Ruiz de Azúa, won the coveted Grand Prize in the International Competition, while the French series 'Nur 37 Sekunden', crafted by Anne Landois and Sophie Kovess-Brun, was awarded the title of Best French Series.

In addition to these top honors, the series 'The Deal', directed by Jean-Stéphane Bron and Alice Winocour, received a special mention for Best Script in the International Competition. Furthermore, the short-format series 'El Sardines', created by Zoulikha Tahar and Kaouther Adimi, was also recognized with a special mention in its category.

Best French Series: 'Nur 37 Sekunden'

'Nur 37 Sekunden' is a six-part drama inspired by real events surrounding the sinking of the Breton trawler 'Bugaled Breizh'. Directed by Laure de Butler and featuring a talented cast including Nina Meurisse and Mathieu Demy, the series delves into the tragic incident that occurred on January 15, 2004. The trawler sank within a mere 37 seconds, resulting in the loss of all five crew members. The story follows Marie, the sister-in-law of one of the victims, as she embarks on a quest for the truth behind the incident, driven by her belief that authorities are concealing critical information regarding the tragedy, which coincided with NATO submarine exercises in the English Channel.

The series is currently available for viewing on arte.tv and will air on ARTE on April 3rd and 10th at 21:40.

Grand Prize in International Competition: 'Querer'

'Querer', a four-part Spanish series, is set to premiere on ARTE and arte.tv in June 2025. The show, which explores the complexities of family dynamics, follows Miren, a 53-year-old woman who unexpectedly leaves her husband and files for divorce while accusing him of sexual violence. The unfolding narrative examines the impact of this decision on her two sons, Aitor and Jon, who find themselves torn between their loyalty to their mother and their father.

Special Mention for Best Script: 'The Deal'

'The Deal', a collaborative effort from Switzerland and France, focuses on the tense diplomatic negotiations between the United States and Iran amidst suspicions of the latter's clandestine nuclear ambitions. The series, directed by Jean-Stéphane Bron, features a cast that includes Veerle Baetens and Juliet Stevenson. It tells the story of Alexandra Weiss, the head of a diplomatic mission, who navigates the precarious balance between the negotiating parties while facing personal challenges due to the unexpected return of her former love.

Short Format Competition: 'El Sardines'

'El Sardines', a six-part series co-written by Zoulikha Tahar and Kaouther Adimi, is anticipated to be available on arte.tv, YouTube, and Instagram in June 2025. Set in Trouville, Algeria, the narrative centers on Zouzou, a 30-year-old marine biologist, who struggles to inform her family about her plans to embark on a long expedition to track sardines, whose migration pattern has mysteriously changed. The series explores themes of family dynamics, societal expectations, and personal aspirations against the backdrop of impending wedding preparations.

ARTE congratulates all the winners and participants for their remarkable contributions to the world of television storytelling.