Prize Polar En Séries 2020

PRIZE POLAR EN SÉRIES 2020

INITIATIVE FILM for POLAR EN SÉRIES

For the 6th year in a row, the Lyon International Quais du Polar Festival has joined forces with the SCELF to award the Polar en Séries Prize to a work that stands out for its own qualities and its potential for adaptation into a TV series. As every year, a large number of publishers sent us their applications, with almost 70 proposed works covering a very broad field of crime fiction: thrillers, noir novels, investigations, documentaries, comic books/graphic novels, novels for youth, etc.

This diversity of offers clearly illustrates the great richness and dynamism of the genre, which constitutes an inexhaustible resource of stories and intrigues for small screen creators. It is therefore no coincidence to see that series - which stand out for their script inventiveness and their incredible creativity – have always given such an important place to crime fiction. Our jury, composed of audiovisual professionals – broadcasters, screenwriters, producers, film- makers – who have accepted with passion and seriousness to play the game to read all 6 se- lected works, testifies this popularity of the genre. And the richness of exchanges, during the deliberation, perfectly demonstrates the enthusiasm that books and literature can still arouse today as a living material and source of inspiration.

Quais du Polar therefore wishes to continue to play this role as a bridge between books and the small screen and to stimulate exchanges between all those involved in the book and audiovisual sector so that authors, producers, screenwriters, publishers and broadcasters can learn from each other. This quite particular year will not allow us to award the Polar en Série Prize, as we usually do, during the Polar Connection professional encounters. But the selection of novels will be highlighted throughout the year during the various projects in which Quais du Polar is invited to participate and will be widely relayed via all our partners.

We would like to thank the publishers who have entrusted us with their applications and all our partners who support this project and build it with us: the SCELF, Initiative Film, Auvergne- Rhône-Alpes Cinéma, the Institut français, Écran Total and the members of the jury who have accepted to share this experience.

3 jury members and the short listed works, with a special focus on the winning title of this THE SCELF THE INITIATIVE edition. This booklet also aims to recall the works that were short listed or rewarded on the previous editions and the update of their rights status: Crime fiction, the ultimate rich genre, has al- PARTNER OF QUAIS DU POLAR free of rights? Call option? Or already pur- ways been a major subject source for cinema chased and on the way of a series or film ad- The SCELF (Société Civile des Éditeurs de The SCELF is delighted with these Professional and television and has a place of honour in the aptation? It is still possible to draw from this Langue Française – Civil Company of French Encounters organized by Quais du Polar dur- booming creative world of series, throughout stock of beautiful subjects. Language Publishers) is an authors’ rights ing the Polar Connection day, thus establish- the planet. company, managed by publishers licensed ing links between image and writing trades, But let's go back a few months to discover the From the United Sates to France, from Scan- by contract, dealing the derived exploitation and fostering future professional collabora- main steps of the prize. rights of the works they publish. Therefore, tions in the sector of audiovisual adaptation. dinavia to less obvious territories like Turkey, when their works are adapted for cinema, TV, crime fiction is well established in popular Once the specific criteria are established, de- Furthermore, for the sixth time in France, and radio or theatre, the SCELF collects and allo- culture and has inspired an infinite amount of fining the evaluation process from the angle within a SCELF and Quais du Polar partner- cates rights coming from these adaptations. heroes and antiheroes revealing society. of its adaptability as a series, the SCELF sends ship, a Prize will be rewarding crime fiction out a call for application to a wide range of For the series universe, crime fiction is an For twelve years, the SCELF has been orga- novels most likely to be adapted as series: French language publishers. Once again this endless tank of intrigues, recurring charac- nizing, during the Salon du Livre (Book Fair), "Polar en Séries". The SCELF wishes a beauti- year, 64 works were submitted and 6 new ters, cliffhangers and various times. professional audiovisual encounters between ful success to these professional encounters publishers sent titles. publishers and cinema and TV producers; and and wishes that this exclusive Prize will once Crime being universal, the hunt for murder- The first selection, which is deliberately ec- it has been an undeniable success throughout again highlight the French crime fiction’s tre- ers and their motivations, the world of inves- lectic, opens up a variety of possibilities in the years. mendous potential for television adaptation. tigators as well as victims’ drama fascinate a terms of style and series formats. It was made borderless public of all generations. Contem- by Quais du Polar teams, Initiative Film and Fortified by this experience, the SCELF seeks porary and patrimony authors manage to ex- Auvergne Rhône-Alpes Cinéma, but also with to develop other schemes of professional en- amine society at a given point, through these the support of screenwriters, graduates from counters, such as the one organized, for the investigations, therefore inspiring the small the Conservatoire Européen d’Écritures Audi- seventh time, during the 2020 Cannes Film and big screen. Festival, intended for foreign producers. It is ovisuelles/European Conservatory of Audio- in this promotional context of audiovisual ad- The Prize was born in 2015, naturally, within visual Writing and la CinéFabrique. the most emblematic European event dedi- aptation, and to valorize diverse writing pro- From there, 6 works were short-listed, and cated to crime fiction literature: Quais du Po- cesses, that a partnership was built between sent to the members of a jury of professionals lar, in Lyon. Since then, a process which con- our structure and the crime fiction festival renewed every year. Quais du Polar. sists in detecting works and analysing their adaptability potential into series, continues The jury of audiovisual professionals has de- for publishers, in order to be able to offer a livered its verdict on March 10th. jury, renewed each year, recent titles, sometimes even yet unpublished, as well as older Discover the winner through these pages, titles which could fit a serial frame. along with the other works in competition. The purpose of this booklet, whose design Have a good read! has been entrusted to us as a prolongation of a collaboration initiated from the start between Initiative Film and Quais du Polar, is to introduce this initiative in the line of gateways weaved between literature and audiovisual. Since 1993, Initiative Film is dedicated to support the devel- Year after year, these ties become stronger opment of projects and talents before the production phase of a work, from the birth of the story to the actual preparation and more precise. The purpose is also to ex- of the cinematographic or audiovisual project. Initiative Film plain the selection process and introduce the is directed by Isabelle Fauvel and her associate Hakim Mao.

4 5 THE JURY SHORT LIST

(in alphabetical order) (in alphabetical order)

MICHEL ABOUCHAHLA BARBARIE 2.0 President, Écran Total. Andrea H. Japp (Flammarion), 2014 • • JOACHIM DE VASSELOT CELLE QUI PLEURAIT SOUS L’EAU Niko Tackian (Calmann-Lévy), 2020 Programme counsellor, Fiction Unit, France Télévision. • • FÉLINES JIMMY DESMARAIS Stéphane Servant (Le Rouergue), 2019 Creative, Netflix. • • LE GUIDE MONDIAL DES RECORDS GAIA GUASTI Tonino Benacquista & Nicolas Barral (Dargaud), 2017 Screenwriter, cowriter of Une Île (Arte), • Séries Mania 2019 Best French Series Prize. • SÅNG Johana Gustawsson (Bragelonne), 2019 ISABELLE HUIGE • Programme manager, Fiction Unit, Arte France. • TROADEC ET MOI Anaïs Denet (Denoël), 2020 DOMINIK MOLL Filmmaker of Seules les bêtes/Only the Animals, adaptation of the eponymous novel by Colin Niel, award winner of the Polar en Séries 2017 Prize. • VÉRA PELTEKIAN Fiction project supervisor, talent relations manager, Canal Plus. • FANNY RONDEAU Development director, Elephant Story.

Jury deliberations took place on March 10th in a private lounge of the Parisian restaurant AU PETIT RICHE

6 7 THE JURY’S OPINION FÉLINES 2020 STÉPHANE SERVANT WINNER (LE ROUERGUE, 2020) THE 2020 SELECTION THE 2020 WINNER The 2020 Quais du Polar selection is definite- A fluffy prize ly a reflection of the effervescent world of -se For the first time, a novel for youth (or ries: diverse and bold! From a social thriller "young adults") has been awarded with the to a journalistic investigation, including a prize, which demonstrates, if needed, that teenage fantasy and a humoristic fable, and this literature – a genuine school of excel- lastly, two noir novels which carry us across lence in France – benefits from being known continents and times. and renowned both in literature and in terms ince the death of her mother, for which she feels responsible, Louise, a young teenager, has been Which crime fiction should be adapted? Be- of adaptation prospects in general, and in • IF IT WERE A FILM series in particular. feeling uncomfortable in her body, especially cause even if the quality of its dramaturgy - Invasion of the Body since she suffered another traumatic event, a Snatchers, (different adapta- S remains essential, Quais du Polar prize re- A young girl sees her body being covered tions) rape. She only feels good with Tom, a teenager who is wards, beyond the literary work, its poten- with animal fur, thus withdrawing her from also quite on the margin. As things begin to get serious tial to be the source of a good adaptation as - Children of Men beauty cannons, conditioning and diktats, Alfonso Cuarón (2006) between them, a strange phenomenon takes place at a TV series. What criteria should be applied? and she reveals herself and blossoms in their high school, and simultaneously everywhere else Which novel to choose? Perhaps, to para- this feline body. Her story resonates with • IF IT WERE A SERIE in the world. Young women – and young women only phrase Chris Albretcht – the emblematic for- definitely contemporary issues, which go - The Rain (Netflix) – suddenly see their bodies and faces covered with Jannik Tai Mosholt, Esben mer HBO boss – the one who explores with through all stratas of society. exceptional hair. Hair everywhere, beast hair grows on the most accuracy and originality a profound Toft Jacobsen and Christian Potalivo (2018) them while an animal force and instinct grows in them. experience that echoes a key aspect of our The writing is visual, and the structure, already serial-like, is punctuated with cliff- - In the Flesh Women concerned, as it is the case for Louise, are being humanity. Dominic Mitchell (2013) hangers, and sometimes takes detours which pointed at. They are asked to cover themselves up, to suggest a potential for several seasons. • FORMAT hide… Several season series Once closed, this "favourite" work does not Is it a new disease? Is it contagious, deadly? No one fail to leave a trace, images and sensations, • THE AUTHOR knows. Society is on pause: schools and administrations and a message to which the jury was sensi- Stéphane Servant has worked are closed, people are asked to stay home while tive. in schools and associations authorities try to understand what is going on. But very before fully devoting himself to soon, society becomes hostile towards these mutants, writing literature for youth and and some Feline women, revolted by what they have young adults. He was awarded with several prizes, among to endure, decide to form a resistance, and Louise which the Incorruptibles Prize becomes, despite herself, the face of this new revolt. in 2013 for La Culotte du loup ("The Wolf’s underwear") and the Sorcières Prize in 2018 for Sirius. Félines is his new novel at the crossroads of genres. • CONTACT Le Rouergue Publishing Johanna Brock [email protected]

8 9 BODY MUTATIONS, A TEENAGE PARADIGM SHIFT A MULTI SEASON CONCEPT THE NOVEL IN A FEW WORDS METAPHOR A very contemporary struggle is tackled With the different genres borrowed by the Félines takes a lot of liberties with crime fic- here: the transformation of a society in novel, the ambition of the subject and the "THREE FELINE WOMEN HAVE tion codes but remains a true proposition which the revolution is inevitable and the numerous twists and turns/cliff-hangers can JOINED ME. THEY TOOK THEIR of fiction, with all teenage and teen movies whole question is, how will it happen and easily make us imagine a series covering sev- CLOTHES OFF, TOO. THEY WERE not when, since it is already on the go. Every- eral seasons. Like in a dystopian Orange is "prerequisites" (first flirts, self-discovery…). TERRIFIED, I COULD FEEL IT, BUT This way to mix adolescence, crime fiction one is faced to his or her ideals: what kind of the New Black, the part that takes place in- and an almost fantasy atmosphere, has al- world do the characters want to live in? It is side a prison can be considered as a season THERE WAS SOMETHING ELSE, ready proven its worth on television in sev- out of the question to stand idly by, we must on its own: more than in a standard peniten- AND I DIDN’T KNOW IF IT WAS FEAR, eral outstanding series such as 13 Reasons act, and everyone must take responsibility. tiary centre, the Feline women captured by ANGER OR AN UNSPEAKABLE JOY Louise is one of the first to realise that… She the police end up in a labour camp. Families Why, Pretty Little Liars, Vampire Diaries, OF NOT BEING ASHAMED ANYMORE" Riverdale… Only that all of these series are considers that it is not up to her to change, are authorised to see them sometimes but American and that, for now, The Returned to hide, but it is the society’s role to accept encounters are extremely supervised. And, put aside - a series in which some characters and adapt itself. And she decides to fight for if Feline women dare to complain openly on are high school students - no French series it. their living conditions, these visits are forbid- has yet dared this cocktail. den and their food immediately reduced. All INTRIGUES, BUT FIRST AND have one and only goal: to escape from this FOREMOST CHARACTERS hell. A BLEND OF GENRES: A NOIR FURRED TEEN MOVIE If there is suspense, action, with this harsh We can also imagine to develop the plot more and omnipresent police force chasing Feline by opening up to different scales (global, like Borrowing at the same time from teen movie women, there is also time to focus on Lou- in War of the Worlds, or very local like in The and dystopia codes, both often infused with ise’s evolution as a teenager, in her relation- Returned) and to other characters facing police intrigues, Stéphane Servant offers us ship with life and her family. The character other issues. Why not imagine the life of Fe- a universe that resonates a lot with the one of her father is perfectly built: he is unhap- line women’s children for example? A bit like we live in. Omnipresent fear and rejection of py because since her mother’s death, he Game of Thrones, which began with a book others, of people we don’t understand, of doesn’t know how to talk to his own daugh- series but which, progressively emancipated the difference, of the potential new power ter anymore. To see him, step by step, get- itself. From this society turmoil offered by the of women… This process is obviously com- ting closer to her, in this complex situation, novel, many variations are possible. pounded in a high school environment, is a very moving axis. The same statement where social pressure is particularly strong. can be made about Tom, her boyfriend, on the margin too, but because of his sexual If there is indeed a "global epidemic" side identity questioning. The relationship be- to this story, especially in its first half, the tween these two teenagers is touching: they origin of this mutation is not that important mutually accept themselves the way they in the plot. The exciting part is the list of ef- are. This story and these characters resonate fects that such a sudden transformation of like a hymn to difference. women could generate: fear, stigmatisation, isolation in camps… Effects that remind us of the darkest hours of our History, which, therefore, are not so unlikely. These young women are chased by the authorities, making this multi-faceted novel slide towards the thriller genre. The captured women will do all they can to escape… Suspense is established around the destiny of the novel’s heroine, Louise.

10 11 WHEN AN INVESTIGATION FALL IS HERE AND WINTER IS BARBARISM 2.0 IS HIDING ANOTHER ONE COMING. AND IT WILL LAST ANDREA H. JAPP In France, Canada, the United States, a par- Simultaneously, we follow email exchanges ticular form of crime explodes with murders between a sick boy, with not much time left (FLAMMARION, 2014) which, at first, seem unrelated to each other. to live, and a young hadicapped girl, nicknamed Apollo and Artemis, one in Canada, With the help of his precious colleague Lu- and the other in France. Emails concern cie, a computer genius, the analyst will soon crime, statistics, what can be learned from find out that behind the neurologist’s hazy it, violent true crimes, very violent and al- theories, hides a conspiracy that his superi- ways toxic. These two kids seem to exist only ors are well aware of: at stake, the protec- through their exchanges, they feel danger tion of extremely wealthy personalities at the approaching and every email ends with this expense of the rest of the world. sentence: "Fall is here and winter is coming. Yann discovers that his investigation is a And it will last long"… first crime scene, a first body. Colette is the clean- mere sham, a pretext, the tip of an iceberg All these threads of the novel converge and, ing lady of the former magistrate Thomas Delebarre floating over "something" very big that might • IF IT WERE A FILM to underpin the plot of this highly ramified - The Happening, and she discovers his stabbed body. On his fore- literally crush him. He tries to protect him- story, we discover characters through time M. Night Shyamalan (2008) A head, the inscription "Pig"; on his computer screen, self but feels trapped by his hierarchy. - The Game, child pornography images. We are in Mougins, in Southern and different settings that an international David Fincher (1997) France. series would be ready to invest in. Numerous AN APOCALYPSE BY APOSTLES concrete true crimes are used and create an • IF IT WERE A SERIE A few days later, a woman is found, beaten to death for OF FREE VIOLENCE undeniable depth of focus, which will allow - L’Effondrement(Canal +), her money, her watch and her Mercedes. We are in the the plot to expand through several seasons. Guillaume Desjardins, Jérémy suburbs of Boston, a city of daily violence... In a world where violence has almost be- Bernard and Bastien Ughetto come the rule, a group of very wealthy peo- (2019) In this context, Yann Lemadec, analyst for the Secondary ple - among which Alexandra who stands out THE NOVEL IN A FEW WORDS - Messiah (Netflix), Michael Intervention Brigade of the Interior Ministry, is unofficially as a kind of a muse - experiments and or- (QUOTE) Petroni (2020) in charge of Thomas Delebarre ‘s murder case. The first chestrates a series of murders, most of them suspicions are focused on Alexandra Beaujeu, a brilliant • FORMAT being carried out with bows and arrows. "WHAT IS MISSING IS AS neurologist, who lost her son several years ago, tortured Multi season series Alexandra has in her team her adopted son REVEALING AS WHAT IS PRESENT, and killed by a gang of young people. At the time, Thomas Grégoire, her neighbour that she pretends • THE AUTHOR Delebarre had required a minimum sentence against the IF NOT MORE." to hate, Edward Armstrong, his adopted Biochemistry Doctor, toxicolo- teen’s aggressors. Yann approaches Alexandra and her daughter, as well as Doctor Thierry Jans- gist and renowned researcher, mysterious adopted son and, during a dinner, Alexandra Andrea H. Japp starts writing sens. On the other team: the brother of the talks about her scientific theories on the degeneration of in 1990 with La Bostonienne murdered magistrate and his son-in-law, proletarian brains, from one generation to the next – a ("The Bostonian"), a critical grandson of an ultra-rich Nazi, who have phenomenon which, from her point of view, could lead to success that encourages her caught in their net Lemadec’s boss, Henri de to continue down this path. a wave of unstoppable violence... Salvindon. The enemies will fight an ideologi- She also becomes the official translator of Patricia Cornwell, cal war in which neither side will hesitate to an internationally renowned kill whoever stands in their way. crime fiction American author. This is what Yann will learn at his expense, Her novel Barbarie 2.0 ques- tions the issues of power and as he will not be able to join one side or the money in our ultra-violent other for a curious battle between powerful world. people preparing for the apocalypse. • CONTACT Flammarion Publishing Laure Saget [email protected] 12 13 AN INSPECTOR AND HIS DARK VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN THE WOMAN WHO SIDE Stories also carried by strong women: Rhonda, Tomar Khan, recurring character, is a com- a committed and ambitious policewoman plex and secretive policeman. His violent who does not hesitate to stand against her past has made him a lone investigator, which male colleagues to solve this investigation, CRIED UNDERWATER or Ara, Tomar Khan’s mother, a former vic- complicates his professional and romantic NIKO TACKIAN (CALMANN-LÉVY, 2020) relationship with Rhonda. tim of domestic violence, who throws herself down a flight of stairs to denounce and im- Unlike a righteous policeman, standing tall, prison her neighbour, a violent and abusive it is the portrait of a tortured and violent husband. The novel features in an unusual man. way current issues of our society and breaks As a former boxer, he never hesitated to use down a taboo while exposing the conse- his fists to get what he wants. In a parallel quences – too little taken into account - of investigation, Tomar Kahn finds himself be- violence against women. aris, July 2018. One morning, while opening ing relieved form his duties and accused of By questioning the men/women relation- the Pailleron pool, the life guard José Mendez murder, and will have to face his demons to ship, the story is built around a more than • IF IT WERE A FILM discovers the body of Clara Delattre, floating in regain his status as a Major and the woman ever topical issue: the role of mental and -Une nuit, Philippe Lefebvre P the middle of the water, with slit wrists. Major he loves. psychological manipulation in violence (2012) Tomar Kahn is sent on the scene with his team. For him, against women. -Möbius, Éric Rochant (2013) it is clearly a suicide. But his teammate Rhonda is not A WEB OF INTRIGUES satisfied with this conclusion: how could such a shiny • IF IT WERE A SERIES THE NOVEL IN A FEW WORDS - Squadra Criminale and passionate young girl kill herself? For her, this Between "perfect crime", IGPN (General In- (Rai/Arte), Claudio Corbucci suicide hides something. José Mendez’s interrogation spection of the National Police) investigation "THIS IS HOW THEIR LIVES WERE (2015-2018) only reinforces her intuition. He confesses to having an and drug cases, Niko Tackian develops a sto- - Braquo (Canal +), affair with Clara, but Rhonda feels he's not telling them ry punctuated with action scenes and twists ORGANISED, AN INVESTIGATION Olivier Marchal (2009-2016) everything... and turns. In an always increasing suspense, CHASED ANOTHER, FORMING A Tomar Khan and his teammate will have to • FORMAT Meanwhile, the new deputy prosecutor wishes to CORRIDOR AND THEN A MAZE. prove the murder of a young girl forced to Recurring series (several sea- deepen the murder investigation of Tomar Khan’s former A MAZE IN WHICH TOMAR LIKED commit suicide. sons for several investigations) colleague, with whom the Major didn’t get along well. TO LOCK HIMSELF UP TO AVOID • THE AUTHOR He quickly becomes the primary suspect and could lose The novel offers the possibility of a series THINKING ABOUT ANYTHING ELSE. In just a few novels, Niko it all... He decides to run his own investigation to prove whose milestones would be based on the EVERYTHING ELSE." Tackian became one of the his innocence. investigations and the character of Major references of the French Tomar Khan. He finds himself dragged down Rhonda then takes over the Clara Delattre case and crime fiction. He was for the deepest abyss of the underworld. The al- swears to find the man who destroyed her, who killed long a journalist and editor ternating points of view of Tomar and Rhon- of various press magazines her. da in this story allow us to follow several before becoming a writer. Niko Tackian is also a screenwriter Two investigations, two police officers, between the new plots and the personal history of the two po- and a director and has already HQ and the Pailleron pool of the 19th district: a story lice officers: a complicated love relationship, contributed a great deal to going deep into the heart of the Paris criminal police. a childhood trauma... Most intimate stories crime series and thrillers for at the service of a complex plot. television. • CONTACT Calmann-Lévy Publishing Patricia Roussel [email protected]

14 15 ABSURD RECORDS AND RECORDS … BUT LIGHTNESS ABOVE ALL THE WORLD BOOK OF THE ABSURD In fact, by its structure, the story rounds The great original idea of this graphic novel, out the angles a bit and delivers a particu- a savoury mix of genres, is to focus on Paul’s lar message. Indeed, the killer wants to OF RECORDS unusual job, in which he is, on a daily basis, make our society a better place by elimi- nating people he considers harmful. Is it TONINO BENACQUISTA & NICOLAS BARRAL confronted to specimens that are desperate to enter the guide by all means (and above really better than someone trying to grow a (DARGAUD, 2017) all through the most foolish acts). In prac- 63kg cabbage? Or than a 100 year old wom- tice, his job consists in looking at people an trying to swim 100 metres freestyle? behaving like clowns, and in making sure Lightness, entertainment, "not-so-important" they do it properly. These unbelievable situ- things, are in fact essential. Does everything aul Baron has been working for the world book of ations, which are amusing most of the time, need to have a strong ideological sense, or records for over a decade. He is the one receiving are even more fun with his Bill Murray-like is just having fun enough? • IF IT WERE A FILM emails and letters from all those who claim to personality, jaded and depressed. On top of - The Brand new testament, have achieved something exceptional. His mission this, the police investigation brings a dose of Jaco Van Dormael (2015) P THE COMIC BOOK IN A FEW is to check the reality of these feats. suspense to the story and keeps the reader - Keep an eye out, Quentin on the edge of his seat until the breathtaking WORDS Dupieux (2018) If this job might sound fun at first glance, Paul is fed up. confrontation between Paul and the record- Rather than trying to break some stupid record to enter breaking murderer. • IF IT WERE A SERIES "WHAT MAKES YOU WANT TO - Li'l Quinquin (Arte), Bruno the guide book, why don’t they try to do something that Dumont (2014) really matters? STAND OUT IN THE EYES OF THE - Poulets grillés (France 2), A GRATING CRITIC OF THE BUZZ One day, Paul receives a rather peculiar record claim. WORLD? WHY AREN‘T YOU JUST based on the novel by Sophie AGE Hénaff (ongoing production) A person explains that he is about to enter the guide by THE NICEST NEIGHBOUR IN THE killing as many scoundrels as possible. To prove his good Unlike us, Paul is no longer charmed or BUILDING? WOULDN'T THAT BE A • FORMAT faith, he indicates in his letter the geographic coordi- amused by the determination with which NICE RECORD?" Serial series, several season nates that are supposed to lead to the body of his first these individuals strive to break records. For potential victim. him, it is simply a waste of time. We can cer- tainly see a reference to our 2.0 society, in A police team is sent there and a body is actually found. • THE AUTHORS which young people try to post on line the The clock is ticking; he must absolutely be stopped Tonino Benacquista has always most "liked" picture, film the most unbeliev- pursued a double career, as a before he kills again. Paul feels guilty: if this individual able situation that will "buzz" successfully writer and as a screenwriter started this horrible crusade, it is because he wanted to on social media... This absolute quest for (for cinema and comic books), follow his advice, and act "for the good of humankind"... and both careers are suc- celebrity, often meaningless, no longer at- cessful. For the third time, he tracts him. teams up with the illustra- tor Nicolas Barral (author of Baker Street and Mon pépé est un fantôme ("My Grandpa is a ghost") for a new graphic novel that denounces a society in which make-believe is more important than the truth. • CONTACT Dargaud Publishing Laurent Duvault [email protected]

16 17 A STORY OF SISTERS A EUROPEAN MEMORY BLOOD SONG The story of Blood Song is first and foremost a From the Spain of Franco to today’s Swe- JOHANA GUSTAWSSON story of women and sisters. At the side of the den, the investigation embraces several (BRAGELONNE, 2019) investigators Emily and Alexis, who are strong generations of women and destinies that a and endearing feminine characters, we find European coproduction could bring up to portraits of other women. There is Teresa, who the screen. If the part set in Franco’s Spain has to fight to survive in a prison of Franco’s is difficult to transpose, the investigation dictatorship. We also meet Alienor, an Asper- and the murder of Alienor’s family can be ger autistic, facing rejection from her family, moved from Sweden to France without af- as well as two sisters who suffer violence and fecting the main plot. abuse in a religious orphanage. The novel is a The author talks about the hell of Franco’s rhythmic choral narrative with relentless ma- orphanages and women prisons, for which chinery. "the Spanish people and its battles reso- lexis Castells and Emily Roy, two outstanding In this story, which weaves blood ties as well nate in a special way". as it destructs them, the question of fraternity, investigators, are working on the case of a And this new opus of Alexis Castells and traumatism and exile is raised: Should we really family massacre in Sweden. It was Alienor’s Emily Roy’s adventures is approached in a forget people with whom we have experienced • IF IT WERE A FILM Afamily. Alienor is a profiler and Emily’s colleague. cosmopolitan and personal way, which re- trauma in order to heal? - The Hours, Stephen Daldry However, it seems that the evil at work that night took flects the extremely rich cultural heritage (2003) root a long time ago... in Spain, during the Civil War, in of the Johana Gustawsson, cosmopolitan - In Cold blood, Bennett an orphanage, where two sisters try to survive despite EMBEDDED STORIES author by essence. Miller (2006) a priest‘s violence and abuses. These two stories will finally join a third one, set in the 1990’s, through the The story begins with two intrigues which, at • IF IT WERE A SERIES first seem to have nothing in common: the THE NOVEL IN A FEW WORDS - Mindhunter, Joe Penhall thoughts of an old lady, and the link between all these events will be unveiled bit by bit. From then on, it wife of a Republican and member of the Re- (original broadcasting in 2017) "WHEN SHE RETURNED TO HER - The River, (Arte), appears that all family members, who were stabbed sistance is trying to survive in a women pris- Arne Berggren (2017) several times and had their tongues ripped off, are not on during the Spanish Civil War, and a family CELL, ONE OF HER COMPANION that innocent. As owners of a fertility clinic, Eleanor's massacre in Sweden. Nevertheless, with a WAS BREAST-FEEDING THE NEW • FORMAT parents have used questionable medical practices on well built suspense, the noose will tighten BORN BABY. THE LITTLE ONE Stand-alone storyline series. up around the characters and the different numerous occasions. They have acted on the lives and DRANK WITHOUT COMPLAINT, AS bodies of their patients and the consequences will be storylines, until the final revelation. • THE AUTHOR dramatic. IF HE HAD ALREADY FORGOTTEN Johana Gustawsson, is a The two plots, the first being historical and HIS MOTHER. HIS HEROIC AND French author with Spanish Pieces of a puzzle begin to intertwine throughout these the second being contemprary, are perfectly origins. She lives in London stories, mixing family ties, murderous revenge, secrets coordinated thanks to a masterful construc- STOIC 19 YEAR OLD MOTHER. with her Swedish husband. of origins and other betrayals which, like corrosion, eat tion of the intrigue which combines twists MARIA WAS WRITING HER NAME Former journalist, her passion up the most intimate bonds…to the blood. and turns and emotion with a touch of hu- ON THE TILES, NEXT TO THE for crime fiction handed down mour. Moreover, the author’s thorough re- by her parents, brought her NAMES OF THE OTHERS WHO search offer an unusual insight of a forgotten to writing. Now published in HAD BEEN SHOT." over more than 20 countries, part of History. Johana Gustawsson is invited in numerous festivals. Blood Song is her most personal novel. • CONTACT Bragelonne Publishing Delphine Clot [email protected]

18 19 AN ON-BOARD CAMERA SIFTING THE PRESS TROADEC AND I INVESTIGATION The case of "the missing persons of Orvault" fascinates and unleashes a national media ANAÏS DENET (DENOËL, 2020) We follow the case and its twists and turns as closely as possible to the young journal- storm. People get passionate about this ist, who juggles between her private life (her true crime and the media-machine goes boyfriend, their roommate, her sick grand- wild: journalists dig up old tweets from mother who is far away, in Picardy) and her Sébastien, the Troadec son, and find their exciting, demanding job, which means she ideal culprit. Very quickly, he is introduced always has her briefcase in the trunk of her as the primary suspect: the son, uncom- car, ready to hit the road if duty calls. fortable is his body, would have freaked out and became a monster. And bit by bit, this obsession will eat up her daily life. First this desire to find the missing We also witness several "red line cross- ings", as the young journalist names these ebruary 2017: the presidential campaign is in family, and then to understand the truth of practices. Such as going so far as to seek full swing, antifascist demonstrations reveal the this despicable crime that fascinates France. exclusive information from family members hatred for journalists from the 24 hours news Several flashbacks complete the character’s deeply affected by the horror they have channels. F back-story, such as the night of November been through. th Anaïs, a young regional correspondent journalist, 13 , 2015 when she was on duty in Paris and A realistic and humble reflection on the • IF IT WERE A FILM recently moved to Nantes to reconcile her passion for where, thanks to her determination, she - Zodiac, David Fincher race for the scoop and the hunt for the field investigations and a less exhausting life than in landed her first job. A perfect opening for a (2007) most talkative witness, and exclusivity ob- Paris, covers a disappearance that will become known first episode, so to speak. - Night Call, Dan Gilroy session: information as it is produced and as the Troadec case. This case will change her life and (2014) consumed today is perfectly screened in make her journalist career reach a turning point. • IF IT WERE A SERIES THE MACHINERY OF A DOUBLE parallel with the investigation. - Grégory (Netflix), From the start, Anaïs feels incredibly close to this case – INVESTIGATION Gilles Marchand (2019) without understanding the reason why – at the point of Step by step, Anaïs runs the investigation, - Sharp Objects (HBO), developing an obsession for the Troadec family and for THE NOVEL IN A FEW WORDS between interviews of neighbours and theo- Marti Noxon and Jean-Marc the truth of what really happened to them. Pushed by ries of her informant of the Nantes police "WE END UP TURNING THE LIGHT Vallée (2018) her editors, she will begin a scoop hunt that will bring station, worthy of the best screenwriters. We BACK ON. NO ONE DARES TO her always further. • FORMAT follow all her investigation, from promising SPEAK. HERE BODIES HAVE STRUG- Stand alone storyline series. To gain acceptance among the most experienced leads to dead ends, from key testimonies to GLED, BLED, WERE TORTURED, • THE AUTHOR journalists, led by the addictive news rhythm – as false alarms. well as her addiction to sweets that she compulsively MUTILATED. WE'LL HAVE TO TELL Journalist-correspondent for Meanwhile, we also follow the police inves- RMC and BFMTV, Anaïs Denet swallows to calm her increasing stress – Anaïs will THE PROSECUTOR, WHO WILL tigation and forensics, the "cotton buds", as testifies for the first time on let her instincts lead the way, but also her strange they are nicknamed by journalists. INFORM THE MEDIA. THE MEDIA- the Troadec case, three years obsession to always discover and know more, to be MACHINE WILL GO WILD, WILDER after. Based on a true story, always closer to horror, because she feels that she will A memorable scene: the moment when, the young journalist shares an THAN EVER." own the answer at the price of her health, her reason, windows closed, lights off, the police team investigation from the heart of the field, in the 24 hours and perhaps by crossing the red line... sprays Bluestar, the blood revealer, in the news channels universe and Troadec pavilion, and when, after a few investigation methods. minutes, it reveals the extent of the massacre. • CONTACT Denoël Publishing Frédérique Massart [email protected]

20 21 Ongoing Free of Optioned WINNERS AND SELECTIONS OF PREVIOUS EDITIONS nego- rights or sold ciation 2019 SELECTION CRIME FICTION, A SOURCE Irons, Tristan Roulot and Luc Brahy (Le Lombard,2019) X Le Parfum d’Adam, Jean-Christophe Rufin (Flammarion, 2007) X OF INSPIRATION Le Signal, Maxime Chattam (Albin Michel, 2018 ) X Les Mafieuses, Pascale Dietrich (Liana Levi, 2019) X Parfois c’est le diable qui vous sauve de l’enfer, Jean-Paul Chaumeil (Le Rouergue, 2018) X CRIME FICTIONS HAVING GENERATED SERIES Racket*, Dominique Manotti (Les Arènes, 2018) X Wire in the blood Val McDermid Wallander Henning Mankell Ikebukuro West Gate Park Ishida 2018 SELECTION Ira Inspector Morse Colin Dexter Women’s murder club James Patterson Smiley’s People John Le Justice soit-elle, Marie Vindy (Plon, 2017) X Carré XIII Jean Van Hamme William Vance Banks Peter Robinson Il comissario Montalbano Andrea La chance du perdant, Christophe Guillaumot (Liana Lévi, 2017) X Camilleri Murdoch mysteries Maureen Jennings Tyskungen Camilla Läckberg Pronto Elmore Leonard L’Avocat*, Laurent Galandon, Frank Giroud, Frédéric Volante (Le Lombard, 2015) X Intruders Michael Marshall Smith Under the dome Stephen King Case Histories Kate Atkinson Les Le suivant sur la liste, Manon Fargetton (Rageot, 2014) X enquêtes du Commissaire Maigret Georges Simenon Modus Anne Holt Il giudice meschino Mimmo Gangemi Inspector Barnaby Martina Cole Bones Kathy Reichs Le sang de la vigne Jean-Pierre Alaux Plus jamais seul, Caryl Ferey (Gallimard, 2018) X Dexter Jeff Lindsay Thorne Mark Billingham The red riding trilogy David Peace Boulevard du palais Que la guerre est jolie, Christian Roux (Rivages, 2018) X Thierry Jonquet Miss Marple Mysteries Agatha Christie The Night Manager John Le Carré Messiah 2017 SELECTION Boris Starling Gone Michael Cain Boardwalk Empire Nelson Johnson The Firm John Grisham En Pays Conquis, Thomas Bronnec (Gallimard, 2017) X Commissaire Winter Ake Edwardson Justified Elmore Leonard The Ruth Rendell Mysteries Ruth Rendell Hedge Fund, Tristan Roulot, Patrick Hénaff, Philippe Sabbah (Le Lombard, 2014, 2015) X Backstrom Leif G. W. Persson Glacé Bernard Minier Longmire Craig Jonhson Cadfael Ellis Peters Jeu d’ombres, Loulou Dedola, Merwan (Glénat, 2016) X Wayward Pines Blake Crouch Legends Robert Littell Raja Riikka Pulkkinen Sharp Objects Gilliam Flyn Kabukicho, Dominique Sylvain (Viviane Hamy, 2016) X The runaway Martina Cole Women Murder Club James Patterson The Cuckoo’s Calling Robert Galbraith L’accident Linwood Barclay Big Little Lies Liane Moriarty In the Dark Mark Billingham Quicksand Quand la neige danse, Sonja Delzongle (Denoël, 2016) X Malin Persson Giolito Pretty Little Liars Sara Shepard Juste un regard Harlan Coben Mr. Mercedes Seules les bêtes*, Colin Niel (Le Rouergue, 2017) X Stephen King The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency Alexander McCall Smith Polar Victor Santos Zanzara, Paul Colize (Univers Poche, 2017) X 2016 SELECTION L’alignement des équinoxes, Sébastien Raizer (Gallimard, 2015) X Au fer rouge, Marin Ledun (Flammarion, 2015) X CRIME FICTIONS HAVING GENERATED SERIES AND FEATURE FILMS Infiltrés, Sylvain Runberg, Olivier Truc, Olivier Thomas (Soleil, 2015) X Incorruptibles Elliot Ness Arsène Lupin Maurice Leblanc Millenium Stieg Larsson Miss Fisher’s Murder Les loups à leur porte*, Jérémy Fel (Rivages, 2015) X Mysteries Kerry Greenwood The Case of The Cheminal Syndicate Bob Kane Bill Finger Sherlock Holmes Tout le monde te haïra, Alexis Aubenque (Robert Laffont, 2015) X Arthur Conan Doyle Cidade dos homens Paulo Lins Vidocq Eugène-François Vidocq Moōryoō no Hako Ubac, Elisa Vix (Le Rouergue, 2016) X Natsuhiko Kyoōgoku Romanzo Criminale Giancarlo de Cataldo Sin City Franck Miller Das Parfum, die 2015 SELECTION Geschichte eines Mörders Patrick Süskind Gomorra Roberto Saviano The Frankenstein Chronicles Mary Après la guerre*, Hervé Le Corre (Payot & Rivages, 2014) X Shelley Hannibal Thomas Harris Bunker Parano, Georges-Jean Arnaud (French Pulp Editions, 2014) X Commandant Achab, Stéphane Piatzszek et Stéphane Douay (Casterman, 2013) X Et qu’advienne le chaos, Hadrien Klent (Le Tripode, 2010) X Le partage des terres, Bernard Besson (Odile Jacob, 2013) X LEGEND

Poulets grillés*, Sophie Henaff (Albin Michel, 2015) X American Scandinavian British French Others

* the winner 22 23 la plus belle adresse du cinéma auvergnerhonealpes-cinema.fr