ZDF Studios to Rep Biodiversity Doc

ZDF Studios has taken on the global distribution rights, excluding India, to the award-winning biodiversity documentary Colonies in Conflict.

From Rajani Mani, the 1×74-minute film, a finalist at Jackson Wild Media Awards and winner of the best independent production award at Rotterdam’s Wildlife Film Festival, explores the state of wild bees in India.

Mani’s credits include Miles to Go, In God’s Own Country and Food? Health? Hope?. She founded Elephant Corridor Films to spotlight stories of human activities and the natural world. Colonies in Conflict was filmed over a two-year period and features science, biology and taxonomy experts.

“This project took root during the pandemic,” Mani said. “It was a rare opportunity to slow down and take in your surroundings, and that’s when I became fascinated by this amazing species. My research, highlighting that the number of beehives in my own community had reduced to less than a quarter within seven years, made me realize that this is a local story with global consequences. We all have an obligation to do whatever we can to protect the environment, and I sincerely hope the film makes people aware how fragile our ecosystem is and that everything we do to nature, good or bad, has an impact.”

Nikolas Huelbusch, Director Unscripted at ZDF Studios, added, “Rajani and her team have produced a powerful, enlightening documentary, one that we are very proud to represent. The story of the unique Rockbees, never captured on film before, and their fight for survival is one that audiences everywhere will find engaging and relatable.”