BREAKING: Mediawan Rights has just announced a significant international distribution deal for the highly anticipated Icelandic crime thriller series ‘Elma’, produced by Glassriver. This deal, finalized ahead of the major entertainment market Mipcom, positions ‘Elma’ as a global contender in the crime genre, based on the best-selling books by Eva Björg Ægisdóttir.
The inaugural season, titled “The Creak on the Stairs,” is set to premiere on October 7 in Iceland. Under the direction of acclaimed concept directors Katrín Björgvinsdóttir and Þóra Hilmarsdóttir, the series follows police detective Elma as she confronts dark secrets in her hometown of Akranes after returning from a failed romance. A shocking discovery—a woman’s body at the foot of a lighthouse—unleashes a whirlwind of past traumas.
Glassriver CEO Andri Ómarsson expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “‘Elma’ is an Icelandic crime story that’s ready to take on the world!” With a strategic partnership that includes co-producer Lunanime from Belgium and MTV Finland, the deal ensures that Mediawan Rights will manage distribution outside of Iceland and Finland. Ómarsson added that Mediawan’s expertise in European markets will be crucial in amplifying the show’s global reach.
In an official statement, Valérie Vleeschhouwer, CEO of Mediawan Rights, highlighted the significance of this partnership: “We are delighted to support ‘Elma.’ This collaboration reflects our commitment to bringing captivating and top-tier European shows to a global audience.”
Since its publication in 2018, Ægisdóttir’s work has garnered critical acclaim, with “The Creak on the Stairs” topping book charts in Iceland and winning the prestigious CWA Debut Dagger-Blackbird Award. The serialized adaptation promises to maintain the psychological depth and gripping narrative style that has made Ægisdóttir a standout in Nordic Noir.
The creative team behind the adaptation includes head-writer Karen Björg Eyfjörð Þorsteinsdóttir, and emerging talents Elísabet Hall and Urður Egilsdóttir. This combination of experienced and fresh voices is expected to drive the series to new heights.
As one of Iceland’s foremost production companies, Glassriver is not only focusing on ‘Elma’ but also has an impressive slate of upcoming projects, including the climate disaster series “Avalanche” and the comedy-drama “Hot Stuff.” The company continues to push boundaries in scripted content, ensuring that Icelandic stories resonate on a global stage.
Viewers can anticipate a gripping blend of suspense and emotional depth when ‘Elma’ debuts this fall. Stay tuned for more updates as this thrilling series prepares to make waves internationally.
For fans of Nordic crime dramas, ‘Elma’ is set to become a must-watch, with its unique blend of local color and universal themes of love, betrayal, and redemption. Don’t miss the chance to witness this captivating story unfold beginning October 7!
