Banijay Rights Takes Distribution Rights for Flight MH370

Banijay Rights has acquired the distribution rights to the dramatic miniseries Flight MH370, produced by Alef One.

Flight MH370 explores the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, which was lost somewhere over the South China Sea carrying 239 passengers in 2014. Told from multiple perspectives across seven countries, it is based on a novel by Ghyslain Wattrelos, who lost his wife and two of his three children in the tragedy; and a book by Florence de Changy, a journalist who investigated the disappearance.

Gilles Bannier (Spiral, Tin Star, The Tunnel) is the showrunner on the project while Tim Loane (Versailles, Das Boot) and Laurent Mercier (The Club, Eden) are writing the series. The drama is set to broadcast on France Télévisions in France.

Nora Melhi, executive producer at Alef One, said: “Our aim is to tell a true story through the lens of an intimate and geopolitical thriller. The best way to do this story justice is to tell it as a drama and candidly delve deep into the real and imagined machinations of this tragic flight. Flight MH370 is a relatable, multi-character and compelling contemporary suspense-filled series about the greatest civil aviation mystery of all time. Having collaborated with Gilles Bannier on The Tunnel, I knew he was the ideal showrunner for this series.”

Nathalie Biancolli, head of international scripted at France Télévisions, said: “This will be a high-quality drama, interweaving the investigation, fiction and reality to create a gripping story. This tragic disappearance has shocked everyone and continues to perplex the international community. Developing Flight MH370 with Alef One and Banijay Rights is a way for France Télévisions to shine a light on the plight of Ghyslain Wattrelos. We are also excited to work with the very talented Gilles Bannier.”

Caroline Torrance, head of scripted at Banijay Rights, added: “This is a gripping, real-life drama that has impacted many—in Europe, Asia and the Americas—for more than five years. We are looking forward to discussing the series with leading international broadcasters who are keen to partner on a scripted production that has a truly global perspective. Created by leading talent with an award-winning track record, we believe Flight MH370 will be true event drama at its very best.”