TV Real Screenings Festival Spotlight: ZDF Studios

ZDF Studios is showcasing a variety of titles that display the breadth of its factual catalog in the TV Real Screenings Festival.

This includes the high-end special Anatomy of a Crucifixion, which takes a deep dive into the landmark discovery of a Roman crucifixion in the English countryside.

“Bringing together renowned experts, including osteoarchaeologist Dr. Corinne Duhig and biologist Professor Ben Garrod, Anatomy of a Crucifixion sets out to find out the identity of this person, how they lived and why they were sentenced to die a horrible death,” says Nikolas Hülbusch, Director Unscripted. “The film culminates with the first full forensic facial reconstruction of a Roman crucifixion victim, conducted by world-leading expert Joe Mullins.”

Taking another insider’s view on history, The Lost Women Spies is a six-parter that delivers a new perspective on World War II. “In April 1942, Winston Churchill and his cabinet took the controversial decision to send female agents to the front line in France,” Hülbusch says. “This proved an immense challenge for Vera Atkins of the Secret Operations Executive (SOE), who had to find women who would pass as French, train them as spies and parachute them into occupied France. Many of them never came back.”

A third season of Myths—The Great Mysteries of Humanity is on offer from ZDF Studios. “In each episode, scientists uncover ancient tombs, examine artifacts and go on expeditions in search of the origins of historical legends and myths,” says Margarita Garcia, Director Unscripted. “Archaeologists, historians and adventurers try to unravel the myths of inexplicable events and ancient legends.”

Garcia also spotlights the two-part Smart Swarms, in which “internationally renowned scientists and experts from diverse research fields dispel prejudices and show the intelligence of swarms,” she says. “Using high-speed recordings and thermal images of various natural swarms, the researchers attempt to break down swarm codes, explain strange collective behavior and explore how we can learn from nature to bring about astounding technological advances.”

ZDF Studios is also delivering new productions in its strong suit of wildlife and nature. Andrea Liebler, Director Unscripted, highlights Gift from the Ice—Japan’s Wild North about the Shiretoko National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its tremendous biodiversity. “With climate change altering the natural habitat of these creatures, what will become of Japan’s biodiversity hotspot?”