"Our Summer of Freedom"
MIAM! distribution has sold the 2D animated series "Our Summer of Freedom" (6x26’) to Italy's public broadcaster RAI and Canada's TFO. The series had made its debut on France Télévisions on October 28th 2024, marking a significant milestone in its international journey.
"Our Summer of Freedom", produced by Darjeeling, takes viewers on an exciting adventure set in the vibrant streets of the Casbah of Algiers in 1955. The series follows the courageous Khadidja and her friends Lyes, Philippe, and Ahmed as they work together to free Khadidja’s older brother, Malek, who has been arrested. Despite coming from different social backgrounds and communities, this group of children forges deep bonds while exploring themes of friendship, justice, and unity.
Created by renowned writer Alice Zeniter, author of "The Art of Losing", and Alice Carré, "Our Summer of Freedom" combines action-packed adventures with a powerful message about overcoming societal divisions. The show is directed by Antoine Colomb and produced in association with Panique! and Lunanime, with the support of France Télévisions, RTBF and VRT (Belgium).
MIAM! distribution, which handles international sales for the series, continues to expand the global reach of "Our Summer of Freedom" by partnering with top broadcasters such as RAI and TFO, bringing this heartfelt story to children and families worldwide. RTS (Switzerland), DR (Denmark) and TV5 Monde (French territories worldwide) are also on board and the series will continue its international rollout with additional sales planned for 2025. The French version of the series was premiere on France Télévisions on October 28th 2024, with the English version expected in Q4 2024 and the Italian one in December 2024.
Mélanie Errea, Head of Sales and Acquisitions at MIAM! distribution, comments: “'Our Summer of Freedom' embodies our mission to share stories that resonate across borders. Its message of unity and resilience is more relevant than ever, and we are excited to bring this beautiful series to new audiences in Italy and Canada."
Annalisa Liberi, Head of Acquisitions at Rai Kids adds: “This charming mini-series immerse children of today in an adventure far from home and their present, but fresh and close to their sensitivity. Our public will enjoy the challenge of the four young heroes of yesterday and have also the opportunity to learn more about cultural diversity trough the short and smart edu-clips linked to the series that will be offered on demand on Rai Play and aired on Rai Gulp”.
Marianne Lambert, Director of Acquisitions and Coproductions at TFO concludes: "TFO is proud to present 'Our Summer of Freedom' in Canada, a series that will encourage children to question social justice and promote intergenerational dialogue as well as the bridging of cultures.”
In addition to the series, an accompanying documentary mini-series (6x5’), combining documentary archives and animation, will provide deeper insights into the cultural richness of communities of Algiers, fostering intergenerational dialogue between children from different eras.