The French young adult science fiction television series “The Mountain” will debut to international buyers at the MIPCOM trade show later this month. The show is based on the mysterious legends surrounding Mount Bugarach in southern France. “The Mountain” follows three women as they investigate the crash of a helicopter near the mountain and uncover secrets about parallel worlds.
Emilie, Justine, and Tessa search for Emilie’s father after his helicopter goes down close to Mount Bugarach. Local people have long believed the mountain holds special powers. The women’s search leads them to discover a possible link between the crash and a energy company drilling project. They also find that the mountain may harbor a portal to other dimensions.
Mount Bugarach has captured people’s imaginations for decades. Hippies were drawn there in the 1960s and 1970s, and more recent visitors have believed it could offer refuge from disasters. The TV series incorporates these legends into a story about parallel realities and environmental threats. Emilie must traverse different worlds to find her father and prevent an ecological crisis.
Produced in Paris, “The Mountain” originally aired on France.tv Slash, a channel for youth audiences. At MIPCOM, international distributor France TV Distribution will screen the 8-part, 30-minute episode version or a condensed 4-part, 1-hour version. The series is part of a slate of French programming going to the trade show, including a remake of Zorro and period dramas like “The Huguenots.”
By blending local folklore with sci-fi concepts and current issues, “The Mountain” aims to captivate buyers hunting for engaging international shows. The French industry hopes programs like this can find success in the competitive global television marketplace.
