Hungarian TV Series Rise of the Raven to Premier at MIPCOM Cannes 2024
zita kisgergely
As recently reported in Index and Variety, the Hungarian historical TV series Rise of the Raven (produced by Beta Films and Robert Lantos), is set to make its world premiere at the prestigious MIPCOM Cannes 2024 on October 22nd. The ten-part series, which explores the life of legendary Hungarian military leader János Hunyadi in the 15th century, is a hotly anticipated title for its action-packed storyline and high production values.
Rise of the Raven. Picture via Imdb
MIPCOM Cannes, held annually on the French Riviera, is considered one of Europe’s most significant television events. It attracts industry professionals and executives from leading content companies around the world, serving as a vital platform for launching and promoting new television content. With over 11,000 participants from 100 countries attending in 2023, the event has become a hub for industry players to shape the future of television. The inclusion of Rise of the Raven in this year’s lineup marks a historic moment for the country, as it is the first time a production from Hungary has received such a prestigious premier at MIPCOM.
The TV series tells the story of János Hunyadi, a village boy who grows up to become a fearless warrior who battles the advancing Ottoman army. Set against the backdrop of 15th-century Europe (and all the compelling personal and political intrigue that involves), the series culminates in Hunyadi’s decisive victory at the Battle of Belgrade in 1456. This victory was so significant that it inspired Pope Callixtus III to order the ringing of church bells at noon, a tradition that continues to this day.
The series stands out not only for its historical importance but also for its ambitious production values. Over 600 actors from various countries were involved in the making of the show, each speaking in their native language to enhance historical authenticity. The cast includes European stars such as Laurence Rupp (Barbarians), Giancarlo Giannini (Casino Royale), and Karel Roden (The Bourne Supremacy). Directed by Robert Dornhelm, Orsi Nagypál, and Attila Szász, the series showrunner is Balázs Lengyel. The show has already generated international interest and is set to air in Hungary on TV2 in early 2025.
Producer Robert Lantos, known for films like Sunshine and Eastern Promises, expressed his excitement about bringing János Hunyadi’s story to a global audience.
“Rise of the Raven traces a hero’s journey from village boy to fearless warrior to the saviour of Europe for whom the noon bell tolls,” Lantos is reported as saying. “Since childhood, I have been intrigued by the noon bell. Bán Mór’s best-selling novels provided me with the opportunity to tell this story.” The series is based on Mór Bán’s historical novels, which delve into the political and military challenges of late medieval Europe.
The executive producers of the series are Tibor Krsko, Cecilia Hazai, Kinga Hazai, Oliver Auspitz and Andreas Kamm of MR Film, and Koby Gal-Raday, with Ari Lantos as producer.
The premier of Rise of the Raven at MIPCOM Cannes marks a significant milestone for Hungarian television and demonstrates the potential for East-Central European productions to break through on the international stage.
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