COLD HAVEN to premiere in Australia on SBS On Demand

The co-production between SPi and Iceland’s Glassriver continues to strengthen its international presence as it reaches the Australian market.

The international journey of COLD HAVEN continues to gain momentum. The Icelandic-Portuguese series, co-produced by SPi and Glassriver, has been acquired by Australia’s Special Broadcasting Service (SBS), one of the country’s leading public service broadcasters, and will premiere on 15 July on the SBS On Demand streaming platform.

The deal was secured by international distributor About Premium Content (APC), which handles worldwide sales for the series, and represents another significant milestone in the production’s international journey.

Filmed between Portugal and Iceland, COLD HAVEN follows Maria, played by Maria João Bastos, a portuguese woman who moves to Iceland with her teenage daughter, Bela, played by Catarina Rebelo, in search of a better life.

When Maria is found dead, the tragedy sends shockwaves through a close-knit island community and triggers a criminal investigation led by Icelandic detective Soffía, played by Kristín Þóra Haraldsdóttir. The case forces her to confront unexpected challenges in a story that unfolds across the Icelandic archipelago of Vestmannaeyjar, as well as Reykjavík and Lisbon.

Since its initial release in late 2025, the series has continued to build a growing international profile. Its achievements include a Gold Medal at the World Media Festival, a nomination for Best Non-English Language Drama Series at the Banff Rockie Awards, and several nominations at the Eddan Awards, Iceland’s film and television awards.

The production was also selected for the Berlinale Series Market Selects, an initiative associated with the Berlin International Film Festival that showcases series with strong potential for international distribution.

Written by Filipa Poppe, Joana Andrade, Sveinbjörn I. Baldvinsson and Elías Helgi Kofoed-Hansen, and directed by Arnór Pálmi Arnarsson, “Cold Haven” previously aired on Síminn in Iceland and on RTP and RTP Play in Portugal.

The series’ arrival in the Australian market further strengthens SPi’s international presence and highlights its ability to develop co-productions capable of bringing Portuguese stories, talent and production expertise to audiences across different territories.