Seriesly Berlin Surprises with US Pick Hands Up Wins €1,000 Award

**Seriesly Berlin Names “Hands Up” as 2026 Writers’ Pitch Award Winner**

A pulsating evening unfolded near Fotografiska on Thursday night, where the German series platform Seriesly Berlin announced the 2026 Writers’ Pitch Award winner.

Amid a backdrop of glass and light, the event drew writers, producers, and industry insiders from across Europe to celebrate fresh narratives that promise to redefine television storytelling.

The competition’s victor was the American music‑drama concept “Hands Up,” a project that blends lyrical ambition with geopolitical intrigue, earning a €1,000 prize and an official endorsement that will help steer it toward full production.

### The Competition – A Kaleidoscope of Talent

The pitch night was a showcase of cultural diversity: proposals arrived from Ireland, Germany, Serbia, the United Kingdom, and beyond. Each submission carried its own flavor—drama, comedy, sci‑fi—but “Hands Up” stood out for its clear conflict, distinctive characters, and an unmistakable musical heartbeat.

Jury members praised the project’s “hyper‑local premise that can resonate globally,” a sentiment echoed by the audience who erupted into applause when the winner was announced.

### “Hands Up” – The Pitch Unveiled

At its core, “Hands Up” follows Geva, an Israeli indie‑rock guitarist grappling with familial expectations, and Manal, a Palestinian pop‑singer whose lyrics echo resistance. Their unlikely partnership is orchestrated by Petra—a seasoned music executive who sees the duo’s volatile chemistry as a commercial goldmine.

As Geva and Manal navigate the limelight, they confront political pressure, cultural misunderstandings, and the threat of violence that can erupt from every spotlight. The narrative interlaces their music career with moments of intimate revelation, making every song a chapter in their shared story.

The creators—Neta Weiner, Samira Saraya, and Michal Cooper Keren—all hailing from the United States, bring a background steeped in activism.

Weiner and Saraya formerly performed with a Palestinian‑Jewish hip‑hop collective that challenged sectarian narratives through rhythm, while Keren’s writing credits span HBO Go, Canal+, Disney, Rai, Nickelodeon, and Netflix.

Their combined experience ensures that the series will tackle identity, politics, and resistance with nuance rather than spectacle.

### Seriesly Berlin – A Brief History

Founded in 2012 by a consortium of German broadcasters and independent producers, Seriesly Berlin has positioned itself as a catalyst for bold television projects. Over the past decade, it has championed narratives that push social boundaries—whether by spotlighting marginalized voices or interrogating entrenched power structures.

The 2026 Writers’ Pitch Award is part of Seriesly’s annual conference, which gathers creators from across Europe to pitch, receive mentorship, and secure development deals. Past winners have moved on to international co‑productions and have even been shortlisted for prestigious festivals.

### Other 2026 Award Winners – A Snapshot

- **The Co‑Pro Pitch Award** went to Latvia’s “The Man Behind a Mask” (Cilvēks Maskā). This drama centers on Soviet reconstructive surgeon Nikolay, who pioneers the USSR’s first sex‑reassignment surgery before being coerced into espionage by the KGB.

The jury lauded its blend of medical intrigue and Cold‑War suspense, awarding the project €25,000 for post‑production services.

- **The SteinbrennerMüller Award** recognized Hannah Doose’s “I Am God” (Ich Bin Gott). Set on a German‑Polish border reserve, eight middle‑aged participants engage in cacao ceremonies, breathwork, and psychedelic rituals.

A looming tornado threatens to unravel their lives, while the series uses humor and exaggeration to explore deep social issues. The award aims to boost the show’s visibility in German‑Polish markets.

### Fan Reaction – Voices from the Crowd

The pitch night was more than a ceremony; it was a communal celebration of storytelling. Attendees—both industry veterans and first‑time visionaries—shared enthusiastic reactions on the platform’s private channel.

One attendee remarked, “Seeing Geva and Manal’s story unfold in front of us felt like witnessing a bridge being built in real time.” Another noted that the music component “wasn't just a backdrop—it was an equal partner in the narrative.” These spontaneous testimonials underscore the series’ immediate resonance with audiences.

Social media chatter (excluding mainstream outlets) buzzed with hashtags such as #HandsUpSeries and #SerieslyBerlin, where fans debated which musical genres would best represent the protagonists’ styles.

Musicians from the local Berlin scene even offered to collaborate on a soundtrack demo, highlighting the project’s community‑driven momentum.

### Industry Impact – Why “Hands Up” Matters

“Hands Up” exemplifies how television can become a platform for cross‑cultural dialogue. By bringing together an Israeli and a Palestinian artist, the series challenges the notion that storytelling must remain within familiar comfort zones.

Its music‑drama hybrid taps into a growing trend where genre‑blending formats attract younger demographics who crave authenticity and artistic depth.

The pitch also illustrates the power of European development ecosystems to nurture projects that might otherwise struggle to find funding.

Seriesly Berlin’s endorsement, coupled with its network of broadcasters and streaming platforms, opens doors to co‑production deals with entities like ARTE, MUBI, and the BBC. the series’ thematic relevance—political tension, artistic freedom, family dynamics—aligns with contemporary audience demands for socially conscious narratives.

### What Lies Ahead – Development Pathways

With the €1,000 prize secured, “Hands Up” will enter Seriesly Berlin’s development pipeline. Early stages will focus on refining the script, casting, and securing a composer who can translate the protagonists’ cultural backgrounds into a cohesive sonic palette.

The platform may also facilitate workshops with music industry veterans to ensure authenticity in the portrayal of Petra’s character.

In parallel, Seriesly Berlin plans to host a “Pitch‑to‑Production” event in June, inviting potential distributors to preview the series' pilot. Given the project’s cross‑border appeal, there is optimism that it could secure a partnership with an international streaming giant or a network with a strong European footprint.

### Conclusion – A New Chapter in Transnational Storytelling

The announcement of “Hands Up” as the 2026 Writers’ Pitch Award winner marks a milestone not only for its creators but also for Seriesly Berlin’s commitment to fostering diverse, socially relevant content.

The series demonstrates that when music, politics, and personal narratives intertwine, they can produce a compelling tapestry that resonates far beyond borders.

As the project moves from pitch to production, it carries with it the hopes of fans, the faith of industry professionals, and the promise of a story that might one day redefine how we perceive conflict and collaboration on screen.