BBC Four Acquires French Drama Series

BBC Four has announced the acquisition of French drama series, Witnesses: A Frozen Death.

The eight-part series stars Marie Dompnier and Audrey Fleurot and will air on BBC Four later this year.

On the first day of spring, the frozen bodies of 15 men are discovered sitting aboard an abandoned bus on a country road in the north of France. The case is assigned to Lieutenant Sandra Winckler (Dompnier), who establishes a link between the dead men: all 15 were involved at one time or another with a woman named Catherine Keemer (Fleurot). However, Catherine disappeared three years ago.

Looking for answers, the lieutenant tracks Catherine down and discovers a woman who is all alone with no memory of her past, except for one thing – that she once gave birth to a child, who is now unaccounted for.

Sandra believes that Catherine is innocent; if that is the case, who is responsible for the 15 mysterious deaths? And where is Catherine's child?

Cassian Harrison, Channel Editor of BBC Four, said: "Witnesses: A Frozen Death will be the perfect mystery series for BBC Four viewers to delve into as the nights turn colder. It's especially exciting to welcome Audrey Fleurot back to the channel, co-starring in what is sure to be our next big hit French drama."

Sue Deeks, BBC Head of Programme Acquisition, added: "Witnesses: A Frozen Death takes the most intriguing of opening mysteries and adds ingenious twist upon turn to keep us guessing until the very end. Its compelling mix of bold characters, sharp writing, atmospheric French setting and truly wonderful performances make this series the perfect new drama obsession for BBC Four viewers."

Julien Leroux, EVP Sales & Content Development at Newen Distribution UK, commented: "We are extremely proud and excited to bring this new chapter of Witnesses to the UK audience and work with our long-term partners, the BBC."

Witnesses: A Frozen Death is directed by Hervé Hadmar and produced by Cinétévé for France 2. The 8x50' series was acquired by Sue Deeks, BBC Head of Programme Acquisition, and Cassian Harrison, Channel Editor of BBC Four, from Newen Distribution UK, the UK distribution arm of Newen. The series will air on BBC Four later this year and will then be made available on BBC iPlayer.

Image: Catherine Keemer (Audrey Fleurot). Picture credit: BBC Media Centre.

www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre

(JP)