Walter Presents Picks Up Quebecois Series True North

Walter Presents has acquired its first Quebecois series for the U.S.: True North (Les pays d’en haut).

Scripted by Gilles Desjardins based on the Quebecois novel by Claude-Henri Grignon, the first season will be available in the U.S. beginning January 2021 in its original version with English subtitles. Set on the verge of the 20th century, True North explores the turbulent period of the settlement and development of the northern regions of Canada.

The series comes from Encore Télévision and Sovimage, with five seasons presented on ICI Radio-Canada TÉLÉ from January 2016 to March 2020.

Walter Iuzzolino, co-founder and curator of Walter Presents, commented: “I am absolutely delighted to announce the first-ever Quebecois series to our ever-expanding slate of award-winning drama. This French-language series is unique in its exploration of the political issues during a tumultuous time in Canada’s past, which is both gripping and fascinating. With American audiences’ growing appetite for period pieces, True North is the perfect addition to our collection as we continue to welcome brilliant series from territories never before seen on Walter Presents.”

Chrystine Girard, head of international distribution at Encore International, said: “Like almost everybody, Walter Iuzzolino was won over by the exceptional quality of the series. What’s more, his decision reflects his feeling that a vast foreign audience will appreciate it. It is also particularly interesting that Walter Presents offers series in their original versions, with English subtitles. So American audiences will be able to appreciate the authenticity of the series, Quebecois accent and all!”

Mia Desroches, director of content distribution partnerships for SRC Distribution added: “CBC/SRC Distribution congratulates its partner Encore International for the sale of Les Pays d’en haut (True North) to Walter Presents. We are proud to see that this remarkable production is on its way to conquering a new audience in the United States. The wonderful news once again shows that our local talent shines far beyond our borders.”