MIPTV Spotlight: ZDF Studios

ZDF Studios’ Time: A Journey Through Thousands of Years analyzes long-term studies to see the effect time has on our lives, possibly making moments of joy rare.

The program asks if we could we all escape from the time trap and have more happiness, exploring the discovery of time as we know it and the history of its measurement. At its core, “this documentary is about how we can live happier lives, not just as individuals but perhaps as a species,” explains Dr. Markus Schäfer, president and CEO.

The Zweiflers, a drama on offer from the company, is about a dysfunctional extended Jewish family. Family patriarch and Holocaust survivor Symcha Zweifler wants to sell his delicatessen empire, but he is suddenly confronted by his past, and long-suppressed conflicts resurface. A tragicomic search for the meaning of life begins.

Clan—Choose Your Destiny, based on a novel, is a coming-of-age story of love, friendship, hope, sports and redemption.

“All three productions are excellent examples of the great quality that can be achieved when experts and talents
join forces,” notes Schäfer.

The Lost Women Spies, a docudrama series about female British spies during WWII, is also on offer. Some survived, but some were captured, tortured and killed by the enemy. Currently in production, the six-parter is scheduled for completion in spring 2024.

The new wildlife series Wild Talk reveals how animals communicate. The title “explores the latest exciting research on animal communication that decodes the complex languages of animals and discovers that they are just as talkative as humans,” explains Ralf Rückauer, VP Unscripted.

Rückauer adds, “Our catalog contains a wide selection of excellent documentaries created by talented producers and renowned co-producers.”