Sakho and Mangane: Walter Presents acquires first African drama for UK
David Farnor | On 31, Oct 2019
Walter Presents has acquired the rights to Sakho and Mangane.
The global TV drama service, which is available for free on All 4, has made its name by offering a wide range of TV series from around the world, from France and Spain to Brazil and Belgium. Now, it’s heading to Africa for its first series from Senegal.
Sakho and Mangane is an eight-part detective series set in Dakar, Senegal. Produced by Keewu for Canal + International the series stars Issaka Sawadogo, Yann Gael, Fatou Elise Ba and Christiane Dumont. When Commander Sakho is thrown together with new cop Mangane, two very different worlds collide which make for some interesting investigations.
The deal with Lagardère Studios Distribution also saw Walter Presents nab the right to French thriller Philharmonia.
The six-part series set in Paris is produced by Merlin Productions and France 2. It follows Hélène Barizet, who takes over the Philharmonia, the national orchestra left in turmoil after the sudden death of its previous conductor. But the orchestra has cultivated a damning reputation and has become ominously nicknamed ‘the maestro killer.’
Suffice to say Helene’s unorthodox approach immediately sets the cat amongst the pigeons with very dangerous consequences. Created by Marine Gacem the series stars Marie-Sophie Ferdane, Lina El Arabi and Laurent Bateau.
Co-founder and curator Walter Iuzzolino says: “Walter Presents was set up to find hidden drama gems from around the world and we’re proud to be championing our very first African series. Sakho and Mangane is a thriller of contrasts with an unlikely but likeable cop duo at its heart. A crime procedural set in Senegal is a rare treat and I’m hoping it will be the first of many more African series we can acquire. Philharmonia is a deliciously rich thriller set in the seemingly classy world of classical music. However, look beyond the orchestra pit and a dirty world of back-stabbing, jealousy and bloody vendettas is revealed. This is an utterly addictive thriller with a soundtrack to die for.”