Mark Gatiss’ ‘Bookish,’ ‘Estranei’ to World Premiere at Italian Global Series Festival

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The crime drama titled “Bookish,” co-created by Mark Gatiss of “Sherlock” fame and directed by Cosimo Alemà, is set to make its debut at the first-ever Italian Global Series Festival (IGSF). This festival, led by artistic director Marco Spagnoli, will take place from June 21st to the 28th in Rimini and Riccione, Italy.

Gatiss serves as the executive producer, creator, and main actor for the show titled “Bookish.” This six-episode limited series takes place in London during 1946 and is produced by Eagle Eye Drama for UKTV and PBS, in collaboration with Happy Duck Films. The Belgian Tax Shelter also supports the project. Beta Film has acquired worldwide distribution rights for all seasons, while PBS Distribution holds the North American rights.

The story revolves around a unique bookstore situated on Archangel Lane in London, aptly named after its quirky and intelligent proprietor, Book (played by Gatiss). A retired military spy turned unconventional detective, Book takes pleasure in assisting the police with their most intricate murder mysteries.

He resides contentedly with his lively, spirited wife, Trottie (Polly Walker), who runs the wallpaper shop adjacent to their home. Being old friends, they have a strong connection rooted in love and respect for one another. However, due to societal norms where homosexuality is outlawed, their relationship, affectionately known as a “lavender marriage,” serves as a practical arrangement. Book, in this context, is a man who identifies as gay.

At home, Book finds contentment, yet he’s tainted by a melancholy, for the woman he adored was deceived and lost her life during the war.

When Conner Finch, a former convict now known as Jack, is given a job at the bookshop, Book and Trottie warmly accept him as one of their own. However, it doesn’t take long for Jack to grow suspicious about his seemingly random hiring. Could it be that their pasts share a hidden connection?

On June 24th, Gatiss is scheduled to grace the IGSF event for the debut screening of “Bookish”. Additionally, he’ll be sharing his expertise in television screenwriting through a masterclass.

The eight-episode Italian drama “Estranei,” produced by Eagle Original Content, Rai Fiction, and RaiCom, features Elena Radonicich, Kelum Giordano, Ricky Memphis, Marco Cocci, Giulio Scarpati, and Isabella Ferrari in the main roles. This series is set to make its global debut on June 24.

The story unfolds in a quaint Northern Italian town, home to one of Europe‘s largest Sikh communities peacefully coexisting with the native population. However, the mysterious vanishing of two young lovers, Camilla and Manraj, who bear striking resemblance to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, disrupts this delicate equilibrium, sparking a series of events marked by tragedy, competition, and hidden realities.

As I delve into this intriguing mystery unfolding in my hometown, it’s none other than our local enigma, Laura Macchi (Elena Radonicich), who’s back to tend to her ailing father, the esteemed mayor of our humble abode. Her mission? To maintain the delicate tranquility between our two communities – a harmony her father painstakingly cultivated over the years with dedication. However, as events unfold, Laura will unearth a murky past filled with shocking secrets that seem to implicate the entire town, leaving me on the edge of my seat.

The International Genre & Science Fiction Festival (IGSF) is a refreshed version of the RomaFiction Fest, which ran successfully for a decade from 2007 to 2016. Alongside screenings, workshops, and fan gatherings featuring both domestic and foreign artists, this event will also offer sneak peeks at upcoming series in development, with their creators and cast members revealing these exclusive previews to the public.

The full festival lineup will be revealed at the Cannes Film Festival on May 18.

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2025-04-30 12:17