UPDATE: Mediawan Rights has just announced a significant international distribution deal for the highly anticipated Icelandic crime series “Elma,” produced by Glassriver. This groundbreaking partnership, confirmed ahead of the prestigious Mipcom event, positions “Elma” as a global contender in the crime thriller genre.
The series is based on the best-selling books by Eva Björg Ægisdóttir and will premiere with its inaugural season, “The Creak on the Stairs,” on October 7 in Akranes, Iceland. Glassriver’s CEO, Andri Ómarsson, expressed great enthusiasm about the series, stating, “‘Elma’ is an Icelandic crime story that’s ready to take on the world!”
Mediawan Rights will manage distribution outside of Iceland and Finland, collaborating with Belgian co-producer Lunanime and partners including MTV Finland. This deal highlights the growing international appeal of Icelandic storytelling, particularly in the crime genre.
The series follows police detective Elma as she navigates a return to her quaint coastal town after a personal crisis. When a woman’s body is discovered at a lighthouse, the suspense intensifies, with long-buried secrets threatening to resurface. Ómarsson emphasized that the partnership with Mediawan is vital, stating their deep understanding of European markets will help bring “Elma” to a broader audience.
Valérie Vleeschhouwer, CEO of Mediawan Rights, shared her excitement: “We are delighted to support ‘Elma.’ This partnership reflects our commitment to bringing captivating and top-tier European shows to a global audience.”
The series is not only set to thrill viewers but also showcases the talent of Icelandic creators. The adaptation is spearheaded by Karen Björg Eyfjörð Þorsteinsdóttir along with rising stars Elísabet Hall and Urður Egilsdóttir. Upon its initial publication in 2018, “The Creak on the Stairs” garnered critical acclaim, propelling Ægisdóttir to the forefront of Nordic crime literature, and securing her the CWA Debut Dagger-Blackbird Award.
Viewers worldwide can expect a gripping blend of Nordic Noir and psychological depth, characteristic of Icelandic narratives. As Glassriver expands its slate with titles like “Avalanche” and “Hot Stuff,” “Elma” stands out as a flagship production.
With its international release approaching, anticipation is building. Watch for updates as the series gears up for its global debut. The collaboration between Glassriver and Mediawan is set to redefine the landscape of crime dramas, merging local storytelling with international distribution. Stay tuned for more developments on this groundbreaking project.
