Historical drama “The Patricios,” created by Amaya Muruzábal of M Content – known for Prime Video’s “Hernán” and “Red Queen” – joins the social dystopia “La vida artificial” from Mónica Lozano’s Alebrije, and “Rosa,” a biographical romance by Studio TF1’s Kubik, headed by the Sánchez-Cabezudo brothers (“La Zona”), as standout entries at this year’s Conecta Fiction & Entertainment forum. 

Now in its ninth edition, the Europe-Latin America television and networking event takes place June 16–19 in Cuenca, Castilla-La Mancha, just an hour east of Madrid by train.

These titles are among 30 international projects selected by CF&E editorial committees to participate in five pitch sessions, held at the Teatro Auditorio José Luis Perales and the Hospedería del Seminario. The committees reviewed 438 submissions, up 38% from the previous year, fueled in part by the enthusiastic response to the newly launched Pitch Direct to Streaming Movies category, which alone attracted 188 proposals, surpassing the Pitch Copro Series (181).

Projects hail from 39 countries, with 68% originating in Europe (notably from Portugal, France, Ukraine, Italy, and Spain), 31% from the Americas (led by Argentina, Colombia, Chile, and Mexico) and 1% from Asia.

Finalist projects will compete for several awards, including:

Additionally, selected projects will gain access to key international industry events to boost funding and exposure opportunities. Long-time partners such as Sweden’s TV Drama Vision Göteborg, Chile’s SANFIC Industria, Colombia’s Bogotá Audiovisual Market (BAM) and Czech Republic’s Serial Killer return, joined for the first time by Brazil’s Rio2C and Spain’s Abycine Lanza.

This year, CF&E spotlights France and Canada as featured countries. José Manuel Lorenzo, producer of Netflix global non-English hits “The Gardener” and “Raising Voices,” will receive the 2025 Conecta Fiction Honorary Award.

Below are highlighted finalists from three of the five pitching categories: Copro Series, Direct to Streaming Movies and Docudrama Series.

Pitch Copro Series – Finalists

“Seguir Viva” (Melli Films, Mexico/Peru)
A biographical true crime drama about Anita Rojo, a kidnapped Mexican woman who kills her abuser in self-defense. In prison, she faces a brutal system but resists with the help of a lawyer. Produced by Stephan Succar Conroy’s Melli Films.

“Bispo” (“Bishop,” Caos Calmo Filmes, Portugal)
An action thriller inspired by true events, following Daniel Bispo, a fighter by day and security guard by night, who leads a covert group outside the law. Produced by Caos Calmo, a frequent contributor to RTP and international platforms.

“Tourette” (La Guapa Media, Spain/Colombia)
A teen romance drama centered on Salva, who pretends to have Tourette’s syndrome after being fired for an outburst at a feminist colleague. During a psychiatric visit, he meets Lucía, changing his course forever.

“Password” (CTV, Spain)
Social fiction for teens exploring six stories where passwords open doors to new challenges, dilemmas and digital identities. Produced by CTV, led by Ghaleb Jaber Martínez (“O Sabor das Margaridas”).

“Smuggled” (AT-Production, Belgium/France/Spain)
A crime thriller set in Andalusia about a young migrant caught in a police probe who becomes a reluctant informant. Secrets and shifting alliances blur the lines between justice and manipulation.

“The Patricios” (M Content, Spain)
A historical epic inspired by the true story of the Saint Patrick’s Battalion, based on the novel by Pino Cacucci. Set in 1846 during the U.S.–Mexico War, the series follows 200 Irishmen enlisted in the Texas Rangers. Created by Amaya Muruzábal (“Red Queen,” “Hernán”).

“Arnold and the Reptilians” (Madelon Production, France)
A sci-fi/fantasy series co-created by Jean Prévost and Thomas Ducastel. Five teens in a reform center on a remote island witness an abduction, uncovering a dark secret that changes everything.

“La vida artificial” (Alebrije Producciones, Mexico/Argentina)
A dystopian tale set in a future where natural gestation is outlawed. A resistance member working at a major incubation center plans a dangerous mission to challenge the system. From Mexico’s Alebrije, led by Mónica Lozano.

“Layoff” (“Olho da rua,” Caracol Studios, Portugal)
A dramedy where a Japanese-style layoff strategy transforms employees into executioners in a Portuguese company. Themes of ambition, betrayal, and urban solitude emerge. From Caracol Studios, creators of “The Last Wolf.”

“Rosa” (Kubik Films, Spain)
A biographical-romance exploring a woman’s struggle to achieve success and the unexpected turn toward motherhood. Produced by the Sánchez-Cabezudo brothers (“Crematorio,” “La Zona,” “See You in Another Life”).

Pitch Direct to Streaming Movies – Finalists

“Bien de barrio” (Filmakers Monkeys, Spain)
A disabled man from a rough neighborhood becomes a nanny for wealthy kids in Marbella. Their wild adventure breaks stereotypes and builds unlikely bonds.

“Entrañas” (Danidogfilms, Spain)
A 1910-set horror thriller in Almería. A man with tuberculosis becomes obsessed with cheating death at any cost.

“La mujer de hierro” (Virtual Art, Spain)
Biopic of Angelita Villa, a baker turned famous strongwoman in 1960s Spain. Fame alienates her from her children and identity, until an accident forces her to reckon with herself.

“La puta vida” (Afro Films, Chile)
A 50-year-old woman escapes a cult and travels to Antofagasta in search of her origins. She teams up with a con artist on the run, and love unexpectedly blooms. Directed by Sebastián Araya (“La salamandra”).

“Small Death in Lisbon” (“Último ato em Lisboa,” SPi, Portugal)
From the producers of “Glória,” this international thriller links a modern Lisbon sex crime to WWII Nazi gold.

Pitch Docudrama Series – Finalists

“El vuelo de Mar” (Gamera Studios, Spain)
Mar Monleón, a childhood abuse survivor, reclaims her story by investigating lost family archives seized by police. A story of trauma turned resilience.

“Cherid, mi padre era sicario” (Kometa Producciones, Spain)
The son of a state-sanctioned hitman recounts how the same government killed his father in 1984. A personal and political story of loss and memory.

“El outsider: la construcción de un candidato” (Jotax Producciones, Argentina)
A behind-the-scenes look at how media created political phenomenon Javier Milei—from obscurity to Argentine President.

“Destination: Proxima Centauri” (Somadrome, Spain)
Set in 2175, this scientific docudrama follows the first interstellar journey to Proxima Centauri. Produced by Somadrome, specialists in future-focused science docs.

“Entre 4 paredes” (Dadá Films & Entertainment, Spain)
A deep dive into real-life kidnappings that gripped Spain. From the producers of “El Rey del Cachopo” (Netflix), “Bisbal” (Movistar+) and “Waldo” (RTVE).