Global independent content distributor GoQuest Media has signed a deal with SBS Australia for the award-winning series Traitor, produced by multi-service provider Elisa Estonia and Estonian public broadcaster ERR.

The deal sees SBS acquire the exclusive AVOD rights for the gripping thriller directed by Ergo Kuld and written by prize-winning playwright and screenwriter Martin Algus (Best Screenwriter Award at Estonian Film and Television Awards 2019). The series stars Tambet Tuisk (The Little Comrade, O2, Zero Point, The Poll Diaries), winner of the Best Actor Award for Traitor at the Estonian Film and Television Awards 2020 (EFTA).

Inspired by recent spy scandals in Estonia, Traitor (6 x 58’) is a captivating thriller that begins in 2004, just before Estonia joined NATO and became a top target for Russian intelligence. Greed and the need for recognition leads new recruit Alfred Vint (Tambet Tuisk)) to cooperate with Russian intelligence, leading to a thrilling cat-and-mouse game with determined young Estonian counter-intelligence officer Marko Arrak (Veiko Porkanen) as they navigate the challenges faced in their personal lives.

Commenting on the deal Jimmy George, VP of Sales & Acquisitions at GoQuest Media said: “Traitor makes an important statement on what it means to put oneself before the well-being of others. Alfred Vint needs money and recognition, and he gets both from the Russians. But somewhere, the thin line between ambition and greed disappears, and he finds himself in a situation he can't walk away from. The story fits perfectly with the unique programming style of SBS. Rats, another series from our catalogue was introduced to Australian audiences by SBS last year, and we are excited to see how this thrilling espionage drama will be received.”

SBS On Demand & World Movies Channel Manager, Haidee Ireland said: “Estonia is emerging as a new territory in the premium drama space, and we are so excited to bring this thrilling Estonian series to Australian audiences as part of our offering of the world’s best dramas on SBS On Demand.”