For a long time the media landscape was characterized by stereotypical portrayals in which women often acted as supporting characters or mere love interests. Fortunately, these times are over and we are seeing more and more series with strong, female leads - far removed from clichés and one-dimensionality. The empowerment of female roles in series goes far beyond the mere presence of strong female characters. It's about giving women a voice, telling their stories and portraying their experiences in an authentic way. In this year's Seriencamp Festival program we have a few series that have caught our eye in a particularly positive way and we would therefore like to introduce them to you. From Luise von Kummerveldt, who frees herself from the corset of patriarchy in the 19th century, to Costello, who fights her way through modern-day London as an unconventional but loving mother, to Akisa, who finds herself caught between the worlds of the modern metropolis and ancient values in Kenya.
Haus Kummerveldt
Runs: Thurs, 15.06.23 / 17:45 - 20:15 Cinenova / Cinema 2
What: Luise von Kummerveldt wants to become world famous, preferably as a writer. But the German Empire does not provide fame for women and the female scope of action in this patriarchal society is tighter than the corset they have to wear.
Why: Because the quality of the series in all areas is simply quite great cinema, and with a small budget, but quite a lot of passion. As much passion as the endearingly quirky Luise brings, just not to be as expected of her.
Who: Mark Lorei, Lotte Ruf (creators), Mark Lorei (director), Milena Straube, Fabian Nolte, Justine Hauer (cast)
Where: ARTE, WDR
Power Play
Runs: Fr., 06/16/2013 / 22:00 - 00:00 / Cinenova - Cinema 3
What: Political intrigues between yesterday and tomorrow: with brilliant stylistic devices this prestige production tells the story of the rise of Norway's first female prime minister - and the flaws of modern politics.
Why: 70s style mixed with the story of Norway's first female leader. We look forward to many shades of orange and empowerment from the North.
Who: Johan Fasting, Silje Storstein, Kristin Grue (writers), Yngvild Sve Flikke (director), Kathrine Thorborg Johansen, Jan Gunnar Roise, Anders Baasmo (cast)
Where: ARD, NRK (original)
Selftape:
Runs: Thurs, 06/15/2013 / 20:20 - 21:45 / Cinenova - Cinema 3
What: Two sisters and the consequences of a (too) early career: with SELFTAPE, two popular Spanish actresses dare to take a fictionalized look at themselves.
Why: Unusual meta-format. How do young actresses fare when they grow older but became famous as children?
Who: Joana Vilapuig, Mireia Vilapuig, Ivan Mercadé, Carlos Robsico, Clara Esparrach (writers), Bàrbara Farré (director), Joana Vilapuig, Mireia Vilapuig (cast)
Where: Without a German broadcaster, Filmin (original)
Sous Contrôle
Runs: Sa., 17.06.23 / 22:50 - 00:25 / Cinenova - Cinema 2
What: Nothing is under control in this satirical political comedy: After she moved to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a former NGO director is confronted with a hostage situation and the realities of the French political establishment.
Why: House of Cards was yesterday. Even women can fail at their power at the top of politics.
Where: ARTE
Who: Charly Delwart, Benjamin Charbit (writers), Erwan le Duc (director), Léa Drucker, Samir Guesmi, Lairent Stocker (cast)
Unsilenced
Runs: Sa., 06/17/2013 / 16:30 - 18:20 / Cinenova - Cinema 3
What: Power and (sexual) abuse in the highest political circles of Israel: told from different perspectives Unsilenced lets #metoo become a political precedent. Based on a true case.
Why: The series gives voice to those who need it most. Listen and watch in the fight against abuse in politics.
Where: Still without a German channel, Yes TV (original)
Who: Avraham Shalom Levi, Tamar Marom (writers)
Walker Independence
Runs: Fri, 06/16/2013 / 20:40 - 22:15 / Cinenova - Cinema 2
What: For Walker: Independence, Supernatural star and Walker producer Jared Padalecki relies on historical female power and the Yellowstone effect for the Western prequel to Walker.
Why: Historical empowerment too, but instead in a dusty Western atmosphere with Abby Walker as the main character making her way to the titular small town of Independence.
Where: Freevee, The CW (original)
Who: Anna Fricke, Kevin Fahey (creators), Larry Teng (director), Katherine McNamara, Matt Barr, Katie Findlay (cast)
Rain Dogs
Runs: Thu.., 06/15/2013 / 22:50 - 00:20 / Cinenova - Cinema 1
What: We Are Family: A devoted single mother, her privileged gay boyfriend and her precocious daughter in a fight against the system and for a better life.
Why: An unsparing, yet insightful look into the life of a woman on the fringes of society - who has her own demons to contend with to boot.
Where: Sky/WOW, BBC One/HBO (original)
Who: Cash Carraway (creators), Richard Laxton (director), Daisy May Cooper, Jack Farthing (cast)
Country Queen
Runs: Mi 06/14/2013 / 18:00 - 20:15 / Cinenova - Cinema 2
What: A young woman between two worlds: Co-produced by ZDF/arte and Netflix the Kenyan series shows how series production can become tangible structural development aid in a globalized world.
Why: Empowerment from Kenya: Akisa is caught between her modern life as an event manager in the metropolis of Nairobi and the conditions in her home town.
Where: ARTE, Netflix
Who: Wanjeri Gakuru, Lydia Matata, Oprah Oyugi, Kimani Waweru (creators), Carla Böhler, Vincent Mbaya (directors), Melissa Kiplagat, Melvin Alusa (cast)