Belgian Series 'The Inheritance' Wins Sony Pictures Television Award at Rome's MIA Market

Belgian television series “The Inheritance,” centered on the aftermath of a wealthy widow's death and the ensuing estate battle, received the Sony Pictures Television Award for best drama project at the conclusion of Rome’s MIA Market.

Produced by Kristoffel Mertens and Kato Maes for the Belgian production company Panenka, the project was selected during the 12th edition of the co-production market and pitching forum. The jury, which included Sony Pictures’ head of drama development Andrew Plotkin, commended the show for its complex female protagonist within a male-dominated environment and noted its emotionally driven characters and universally relatable theme.

MIA Market Awards Overview

The closing ceremony featured several development prizes and special mentions across multiple categories:

• Outstanding Animation Series Project: “Sophie, if You Are There Give Us a Sign!” (Italy-Belgium-Spain co-production), directed by Dario Piana.
• Outstanding Animated Film Project: “All the Softness in /the World,” directed by Ayce Kartal.
• Outstanding Documentary Project: “Loving Ika,” directed by Emilio Di Stefano and Fabian Sigurd.
• Special Mention for Documentary: “Bleaching Nemo,” directed by Jason Brooks.
• Outstanding Drama Project (Danish Series): “Day Traitors,” created and produced by Nordic Film Production.
• Screen International Award: Feature film “Off-Season,” directed by Marta Font.
• Mnemonica Award: Irish thriller “Diatribe,” directed by Shaun O’Connor.
• WIFTMI Award: “Animal Instinct,” directed by Vittoria Rizzardi Peñalosa.

Market Attendance and Logistics

The event concluded a week that featured more than 100 projects presented from 43 countries. According to reported figures, the market hosted 2,800 professionals from 64 countries. The venue layout incorporated Rome’s Via Veneto and Piazza Barberini as central hubs for industry activities.

MIA market chief Gaia Tridente noted in a statement that the edition aimed to address ongoing transformations within the global audiovisual and financing sectors.

Practical Implications and Verification

Industry professionals seeking to verify project selections, award criteria, or upcoming development funding cycles can consult the official MIA Market website or announcements published by participating production companies such as Panenka and Nordisk Film Production.