HBO Europe Greenlights First Spanish Original

HBO Europe has greenlit its first original Spanish series, Patria, an eight-episode adaptation of Fernando Aramburu’s best-selling novel.

Aramburu’s novel is being adapted by Aitor Gabilondo (creator of El Príncipe and Vivir sin permiso), who serves as writer and producer. Set in Spanish Basque Country, the story takes place over 30 years during the separatist terrorism of ETA and is told through the eyes of two families divided by the violent conflict.

Produced by Alea Media, Patria will start shooting in the north of Spain in early 2019. The series is an HBO Europe original production, with the participation of HBO Latin America.

Antony Root, executive VP of original programming and production at HBO Europe, said: “A personal, human story that unfolds against the backdrop of political violence in the Basque country, and which explores themes of grief, community and forgiveness, Patria is at once acutely local and affectingly universal. That we have such an outstanding creative team to bring it to life is testament to our ambition for the series, and its appeal to both Spanish and international audiences. It is the perfect project to kick-off HBO Europe’s drama slate in Spain.”

Gabilondo said: “I’ve dedicated almost a year to adapt Patria for TV. Now, it’s time to bring these characters to life and recreate the painful past reflected in this work of fiction. That the wounds of this recent history are still open in the Basque Country fuels my commitment and forces me to sharpen my sensibility. Luckily, HBO has enabled me to be surrounded by an exceptional technical and artistic crew who share the same commitment. To me, Patria is not only the challenge of adapting a powerful and moving novel that has reached readers all over the world. It’s also a personal journey which, through these characters, takes me back to the toughest years of ETA that made such an impact on my youth.”

Miguel Salvat, commissioning editor of original programming at HBO España, added: “Patria is the perfect expression of HBO Europe’s ambition regarding original production. We want to create something different, with great quality, that lives up to the legacy of our brand. I am convinced that with Fernando Aramburu’s great book as the basis, and Aitor Gabilondo’s huge contribution adapting the novel and leading this team, Patria will be a series like no other ever made in Spain.”