Attraction Distribution Sends Jenny Around the World

Attraction Distribution has recently closed new sales for the Quebec live-action series Jenny in Finland, Brazil and France.

The title has been picked up by YLE in Finland, Globoplay in Brazil and Canal+ in France, which has acquired both seasons. In February, the German-dubbed version of Jenny is slated to premiere on KiKA in Germany, while a remade version of the series with a local cast is set to launch in Slovakia on TV JOJ.

Jenny tells the story of a 13-year-old girl who is diagnosed with leukemia in the midst of preparing for a dancing competition. With the help of her friends at school and at the hospital, her single dad and younger brother, she confronts her illness with courage and humor.

The series was produced for Unis TV by Chantal Lafleur for her company, Avenida Productions. It was financed with participation from the Telus fund, the Shaw Rocket fund and the Bell funds. Based on an original idea of Marie-France Laval, it was written by Jean-Sébastien Lord and Pascale Bilodeau, and directed by Lord. Émilie Bierre, Patrice Godin, William Coallier, Mélanie Pilon, Tanya V. Lavoie and Henri Richer-Picard star.

Jenny won best youth series for 13- to 17-year-olds and best female lead for a kids’ series at the 2019 Prix Gémeaux. It was also nominated at the International Emmy Kids Awards, the Prix Jeunesse, the Rose d’Or and Japan Awards. Bierre, who plays the starring role of Jenny, received the Young Artists Award for best performance in a TV series.

Xiaojuan Zhou, president of Attraction Distribution, said: “Despite its sensitive subject, the series is a popular production with a big heart that resonates with people across all borders.”

Lafleur added: ‘‘It is immensely gratifying to witness the series’ accumulation of honors around the world. We’re happy that the series is finding new audiences abroad, either in its original version or as a local remake. The project was conceived with passion and it appears to be moving viewers as much as it has affected me from the very beginning.’’