63rd Monte-Carlo Television Festival, which takes place 14-18 June 2024, has announced details of this year’s World Premiere Screening. The limited Republic Pictures series "The Gray House" from Territory Pictures, Revelations Entertainment and Big Dreams Entertainment will open the Festival following a Red Carpet arrival and Opening Ceremony.
Many of the stars of the limited series, "The Gray House", will attend the glamorous event, including multiple award-winning Mary-Louise Parker (Weeds, The West Wing), Daisy Head (Harlots), Amethyst Davis (Kindred) and Ben Vereen (Roots), along with executive producers Leslie Greif (Hatfields & McCoys) and Lori McCreary (Madam Secretary).
The series also stars Paul Anderson, Ian Duff, Hannah James, Robert Knepper, Christopher McDonald, Colin Morgan, Rob Morrow, Colin O’Donoghue, Sam Trammell with Keith David. Executive producers include Kevin Costner, Morgan Freeman, Lori McCreary, Rod Lake, Howard Kaplan and Leslie Greif and the series is produced by Territory Pictures, Revelations Entertainment and Big Dreams Entertainment from Republic Pictures with distribution by Paramount Global Content Distribution.
The series focuses on the true story of the unsung women who turned the tide of the American Civil War in favour of the North. A Virginia Socialite, her mother, a formerly enslaved Sister-in-Arms, and the city’s most notorious courtesan operate deep inside the corridors of Confederate power. They transform their Underground Railroad into an effective and even more dangerous Underground Spy Network, risking life and liberty to help win the war and preserve American Democracy.
Kevin Costner referred to the message of freedom that the series instills: “As a storyteller, I’ve always looked to history. 'The Gray House' is an important American story, yet is relatable to audiences around the world because it’s a true saga of sacrifice for Freedom. It is an epic spy adventure that will thrill, educate and inspire viewers. I would have liked to direct it myself, but I’m proud to be part of this project. The considerable talent of director Roland Joffé has given us a portrait of four incredibly brave women against the sweeping backdrop of war, romance, history and tragedy," explained.
Freeman and McCreary emphasize the importance of recovering lost stories from the Civil War: “At Revelations we look for stories that inspire and reveal truth. 'The Gray House' is just that -- the tale of four female spies who fought to keep America together during the Civil War. This true story of spy craft was almost lost to history – but in fact it was critical to the Union’s victory over the Confederacy," they stated.
Finally, Laurent Puons CEO of Monaco Mediax, highlighted the relevance and growth of the festival:“The Monte-Carlo Television Festival is a unique celebration of television from all parts of the world and continues to grow year on year. We are very proud to have such a special drama to open the 63rd edition. I am looking forward to welcoming our friends from Paramount Global Content Distribution who have been great supporters of the Festival for many years, together with the eminent producers and cast members of 'The Gray House' to join us in Monaco to share the World Première of their eagerly anticipated drama with us all", noted.