Franco-Iranian Series 'Happiness' Triumphs at Record-Breaking SerienCamp 2026
The Franco-Iranian coming-of-age web series 'Happiness' recently claimed the Audience Choice Award at the 2026 SerienCamp, concluding a highly successful and record-breaking iteration of Germany's leading television festival. This recognition underscores the festival's commitment to showcasing diverse and compelling international narratives. The event, which saw unprecedented attendance from both industry professionals and the general public, celebrated creativity and innovation in television production, offering a platform for emerging talent and established creators.
Created by Pouria Takavar and starring Ghazal Shojaei, 'Happiness' follows the compelling story of an Iranian student adapting to a new life in Paris. The series resonated deeply with audiences, receiving a five-minute standing ovation during its Cologne screening, a testament to its emotional impact and cultural relevance. This significant audience approval propelled 'Happiness' to victory in the public vote, with its second season slated for release later this month.
Following closely in the audience vote was Arne Feldhusen's absurdist ZDF comedy, 'The Flaws,' which had already secured SerienCamp’s official competition prize. The festival organizers proudly announced record attendance figures, with nearly 1,000 accredited industry professionals and approximately 4,000 general attendees participating in the three-day event. This surge in participation reflects the festival's increasing prominence and its vital role in the international television industry.
Beyond the audience favorite, Channel 4’s Northern Irish drama 'Trespasses,' an adaptation of Louise Kennedy’s celebrated novel featuring Gillian Anderson, earned the coveted Critics’ Choice Award. Other prestigious accolades distributed throughout the week included the European Series Development Award, which granted €50,000 to the German political thriller 'Radio Free Europe.' The Co-Productions Pitch Award was bestowed upon the Icelandic music-industry drama 'GusGus,' while the Czech horror-comedy project 'Paralegal' received the Writers Vision Pitch Award, highlighting the breadth of talent recognized at the festival.
The festival's program featured approximately 20 premieres over three days, with a strong emphasis on international series. Notable entries included the Bangladeshi sci-fi horror series 'AnniE,' directed by Abdullah Mohammad Saad, and 'Braunschlag 1986,' a continuation of the cult Austrian dark comedy. Additionally, conference sessions delved into the evolving landscape of television production, particularly the future implications of AI, alongside opportunities for executives, creators, and producers to pitch projects, secure financing, and preview upcoming series. Esteemed speakers such as 'Halo' showrunner Steven Kane and 'Skins' co-creator Bryan Elsley shared their insights and experiences, further enriching the event.
Malko Solf, co-managing director of Seriencamp, expressed immense satisfaction with the outcomes, particularly the recognition of series like 'The Flaws' for its stylistic boldness and 'Happiness' for its topical resonance. Solf extended gratitude to the enthusiastic Cologne audience, whose strong turnout and engagement significantly contributed to the festival’s vibrant atmosphere. The 13th edition of Seriencamp is scheduled to return to Cologne from June 8-10, 2027.
