Global entertainment studio MFF & CO has unveiled two major projects at this year’s Series Mania Festival, further expanding its slate of ambitious, socially conscious storytelling. The studio announced the development of “Pegasus,” based on the best-selling nonfiction book by Laurent Richard and Sandrine Rigaud, and “Lusus,” a psychological horror series inspired by a critically acclaimed BBC drama podcast.
The announcement marks a significant step in MFF & CO’s mission to create compelling content with a global impact. Co-founder and chief creative officer Estela Renner emphasized the studio’s commitment to meaningful storytelling, stating, “At MFF & CO, we’re driven by the power of great storytelling, stories that entertain boldly and resonate deeply, inspiring audiences everywhere. Our diverse slate of projects is intentionally built to connect locally while delivering universal appeal, sparking conversations that move culture forward and foster social innovation.”
Created by Amit Cohen (“False Flag,” “No Man’s Land”) and Ron Leshem (“Euphoria,” “No Man’s Land”), “Pegasus” follows a team of investigative journalists uncovering a global surveillance scandal linked to the world’s most sophisticated spyware. The project is inspired by Richard and Rigaud’s book “Pegasus: How a Spy in Your Pocket Threatens the End of Privacy, Dignity, and Democracy.”
“With ‘Pegasus,’ Amit Cohen and Ron Leshem are the perfect team to bring this incredible story to life,” said Miura Kite, President of Global Content at MFF & CO. “Their mastery of high-stakes storytelling and deep exploration of ethical dilemmas ensure a gripping, thought-provoking narrative where truth comes at a cost.”
The project is being executive produced by Nathalie Perus and Thomas Anargyros (Atlantique Productions, a Mediawan company), Miura Kite and Estela Renner of MFF & CO, and Maria Feldman (Masha Productions).
In contrast to the espionage-driven “Pegasus,” “Lusus” explores the intersection of fear and reality. The series begins in an abandoned dentist’s office where protagonist Jen stumbles upon a mysterious door that manifests people’s worst fears into physical horrors, spreading chaos throughout the city. The only way to stop the nightmare is for Jen to confront her own anxieties while rallying an unlikely group of allies.
Written by Rachel C. Zisser and Samantha Newton, “Lusus” delves into modern anxieties like FOMO (fear of missing out), eco-angst and hypochondria. “With ‘Lusus,’ MFF & CO is opening a new genre lane, immersing audiences in a thrilling world where our deepest fears take shape,” Kite said. “We are excited to collaborate with Rachel Zisser and Samantha Newton, whose ability to blend psychological horror with deeply human storytelling makes them the ideal creative minds for this bold and imaginative series.”
The announcement follows MFF & CO’s recent development of Fail-Safe, a feature film directed by Joe Berlinger (“Paradise Lost,” “Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenet Ramsey”). Additionally, the company is producing Esperanza, a series directed by Fernando Meirelles (“City of God,” “The Two Popes”), featuring a crew of rebels striving for a better world.
MFF & CO originated from the international expansion of Maria Farinha Filmes, a leading impact entertainment company in Latin America, renowned for its acclaimed productions, including the groundbreaking series Aruanas, and the documentary franchise “The Beginning of Life,” which ignited a movement across theaters and streaming platforms worldwide.
