Series Mania 2023: Lisa Joy to Lead International Jury

Series Mania, Europe’s largest TV‑series festival, returns to Lille from March 17‑24, 2023, with Emmy‑winning creator Lisa Joy serving as president of the International Competition jury [2]. The six‑day event will showcase dozens of new series, host a industry forum, and culminate with awards for best series, actors, and writing [1].

Key takeaways

• Lisa Joy, co‑creator of “Westworld,” will chair the International Competition jury [2].
• The festival runs March 17‑24 in Lille, featuring 54 unreleased series and 32 world premieres [1].
• The Grand Prix for 2023 was awarded to “The Actor” by Navid Javidi [1].
• Series Mania includes a Forum for professionals and the one‑day “Little Dialogues” summit [1].
• The festival has grown from 250 attendees in 2010 to over 3,800 accredited visitors in 2023 [1].

Festival program and jury leadership

Series Mania was founded in 2010 by Laurence Herszberg and moved to Lille in 2018 after the city won a competition to host the event [1]. The 2023 edition will present 54 unreleased series, including 32 world premieres and 10 international premieres, marking the first participation of projects from Greece and Iran [1]. Alongside the screenings, the Series Mania Forum will run March 21‑23, offering panels, pitch sessions, and networking opportunities for industry professionals [1]. The festival’s “Little Dialogues” summit, a one‑day meeting for international cooperation, will take place on March 23 [1].

Lisa Joy’s appointment as jury president was announced at a Los Angeles cocktail event on January 17, where Herszberg highlighted her experience on “Westworld” and other high‑profile series [2]. Joy expressed enthusiasm for the role, noting the festival’s celebration of diverse storytelling and its community of emerging voices [2]. She will join a yet‑to‑be‑revealed international jury that will decide the Grand Prix, as well as awards for best actor, actress, and writing [2].

Awards and industry impact

The International Competition’s Grand Prix for 2023 was awarded to Navid Javidi’s “The Actor,” reflecting the festival’s reputation as a launchpad for global hits, with major platforms such as Netflix, HBO, and Amazon regularly presenting projects in Lille [1]. Additional awards, including acting and writing honors, will be presented during the closing ceremony on March 24 [2]. The festival’s Forum attracted 2,500 professionals from 66 countries in 2021, and the 2023 edition continues to draw a sizable international audience, underscoring its role as a key market for series development [1].

Why it matters

Series Mania’s growth from a modest Paris gathering to Europe’s premier series festival illustrates the increasing importance of television as a cultural and economic force. By bringing together creators, buyers, and critics, the festival helps shape which series reach global audiences. Lisa Joy’s involvement signals the festival’s rising profile among top‑tier talent, potentially influencing future programming decisions across major services. The upcoming awards and industry sessions will likely spotlight emerging formats and co‑production models, setting trends for the next season of international television.