14/02/2025 - Set against the backdrop of a borderland ravaged by wildfires, the show, created by Irene Pin and Sara Rodi, underscores the real-world impact of environmental neglect

In an era when environmental crises dominate the headlines, Lume emerges as a poignant eco-thriller that should transcend borders and delve into the sociopolitical complexities behind the wildfires ravaging Spanish and Portuguese borders. Co-produced by Coral Europa (Portugal) and Setemedia (Spain), the series owes part of its success to the Council of Europe’s Programme for Series Co-Production Support, an initiative fostering high-quality international collaborations.

Lume follows Lucía, a Galician journalist in Lisbon, who returns to her hometown of Seara, on the Spanish-Portuguese border, to cover a catastrophic forest fire. The assignment becomes personal as she confronts her father’s past – he is a man known as “o Abaneiro”, the alleged arsonist behind a fire 30 years earlier. Determined to clear his name, Lucía uncovers corruption tied to land speculation and political collusion. Across six 50-minute episodes, Lume offers a suspenseful story and an authentic look at why these regions burn.

Executive producers Alberto Domínguez Ojea and José Amaral, along with creators Irene Pin and Sara Rodi, have crafted a narrative that is both emotionally resonant and socially relevant. According to Bruno Santos, producer at Coral Europa, the inspiration for Lume stemmed from the increasing frequency and impact of wildfires on the Iberian Peninsula. “The series delves into the human, ecological and economic costs of wildfires, highlighting the intersection of environmental negligence, corporate greed and the struggles of local populations,” Santos explains. By situating the story in a cross-border region, the creators underscore the universal nature of these issues while offering a nuanced view of regional dynamics and policy failures.

A deliberate choice was made to intertwine the thriller genre with ecological themes, enhancing both the urgency and the emotional stakes. "Such a blend was a strategic decision to engage audiences in an entertaining yet thought-provoking way," Santos notes. This approach keeps the series exciting while exploring societal dilemmas through Lucía’s eyes. Portrayed by Cristina Castaño, Lucía embodies a dual quest for truth – both personal and professional – as her investigation mirrors the audience’s journey into uncovering broader truths about environmental degradation and systemic corruption.

Integral to the realisation of Lume - which will be aired in June on RTP, TVG and Max, and whose international sales are handled by ZDF Studios - was the support from the aforementioned Programme for Series Co-Production Support. "The funding was instrumental in bringing Lume to life on an international scale," Santos emphasises. This financial backing bridged budget gaps and encouraged collaboration between Portugal and Spain, imbuing the narrative with diverse cultural perspectives. The grant also ensured high production values, from cinematography to location work – crucial for a series addressing such a visually and emotionally charged theme.

The collaboration between Portuguese and Spanish teams brought unique strengths, infusing the production with cultural authenticity and a wide array of creative approaches. "Filming in both countries and involving talent from both industries ensured that Lume authentically represented the shared challenges of the regions," says Santos. This cross-cultural partnership provided a broader pool of artistic and technical expertise, allowing the series to address themes of regional identity, governance and environmental policy from multiple perspectives.

The completion of Lume's production is an indication of the potential of the Council of Europe’s – the home of Eurimages – Series Co-Production Support. As the programme launches its third call for projects, it aims to build on this momentum and support more high-quality series that transcend national boundaries. Since its inception, it has selected 16 projects, each demonstrating the power of international collaboration in storytelling.

For the 2025 call, the programme has expanded with support from the Bulgarian National Film Center, the Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic, the National Film Centre of Latvia, the Norwegian Film Institute and the Polish Film Institute. This expansion brings the total to 21 member states, supported by 22 ministries and national agencies.

The Council of Europe offers final-stage funding with grants of €250,000 or €500,000 for co-productions between independent producers from participating countries and other Eurimages member states. These grants encourage close collaboration with broadcasters and streaming services, ensuring the supported series reach a broad, international audience. The submission deadline for this year’s call is 17:00 CET on 15 April, and all of the information along with the eligible countries can be found here. Further details on co-production support beyond 2025 will be announced later in the year.