Banijay Rights acquires Stanley Tucci and Eva Longoria documentary series

Banijay Rights announced it has acquired global distribution rights outside of the United States to a pair of CNN Original Series, which separately follow Hollywood stars Stanley Tucci and Eva Longoria on powerful journeys of culinary discovery across Italy and Mexico.

“Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy” follows the actor as he explores the stories and people behind one of the world’s most popular cuisines. The series showed viewers the bustling food markets and hidden trattorias of the Italian peninsula across two seasons in total (6x60’ and 8x60’). The CNN Original Series was produced by Raw TV, and acquired by BBC2 in the UK.

Meanwhile, in “Eva Longoria: Searching for Mexico,” a CNN Original Series produced by Raw TV and Longoria, the award-winning actress, producer, director and activist explores the lands of her ancestors to see how Mexico’s rich culture, landscape and history have shaped its cuisine, loved the world over. The 6x60’ series takes viewers on a journey through incredible produce, age-old rituals and some of the world’s top restaurants, where they will discover that the heart of Mexico is in its food.

“Told through the prism of two of the entertainment industry’s biggest stars, these charming, extraordinary series shine the spotlight on the world’s most renowned culinary cultures and the incredible stories surrounding them. We are delighted both series join our growing multi-genre catalogue, and we are in no doubt they will appeal to international buyers this year,”  said Nicola Davey, VP Acquisitions at Banijay Rights, who recently joined the company from Beyond Rights.

Both “Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy” and “Eva Longoria: Searching for Mexico” join Banijay Rights’ growing slate of documentary series, which includes “Boris,” from 72 Films, and “Lara” (working title), a feature documentary from Banijay Benelux joint venture Scenery.