ZDF Studios to Handle International Distribution of Historical Drama Mini-Series “Agnes”
Mainz, 22nd December 2025
ZDF Studios is proud to announce its role as the international distributor of the powerful new historical drama mini-series Agnes, a 2-episode period piece set in 13th-century Central Europe. The series is produced by Karla Stojáková and Pavel Berčík (Film Kolektiv / Axman Production), co-developed and co-written by German director Dagmar Knöpfel and directed by Czech director Lenka Wimmerová, with a script by acclaimed Czech writer Tereza Brdečková.
Agnes tells the compelling story of Princess Agnes of Bohemia, a royal born into a world of political alliances and dynastic expectations. Defying her fate, Agnes renounces marriage and power to find a convent and dedicate her life to helping the poor and sick. Her journey is one of spiritual awakening, political defiance, and personal transformation, making her a timeless symbol of freedom, compassion, and women’s empowerment.
The mini-series explores themes of gender equality, social justice, and moral courage, drawing parallels between medieval and modern struggles. Agnes of Bohemia, canonized just before the Velvet Revolution in 1989, remains a revered figure in both religious and feminist circles.
Confirmed broadcasters include Czech TV, Slovak TV and NDR/Arte, with the series shot in Czech. The production features a distinguished cast, with Eliška Křenková as Agnes, Jaroslav Plesl as inquisitor Marburg or Marián Mitaš as Emperor Friedrich.
Mirela Nastase, Director Drama at ZDF Studios, commented: “Agnes is a deeply moving and visually stunning series that brings to life the story of a woman far ahead of her time. Her courage, empathy, and unwavering commitment to justice resonate powerfully today. We are thrilled to bring this exceptional project to international audiences.”
Karla Stojáková:” “With Agnes, we wanted to tell a story that has long been missing from our screens—a story of courage, compassion, and conviction from a female perspective. While many historical dramas focus on male heroes, Agnes is different. The story of a unique female heroine protagonist based on the real historical character, It offers a poetic yet unflinching look at the Middle Ages through the eyes of a woman who dared to defy the roles imposed on her. Agnes of Bohemia’s journey—from royal pawn to visionary leader—is a powerful reminder of the strength it takes to live a meaningful, socially engaged life. Her story is not only historically significant, but urgently relevant today.”
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About ZDF Studios
ZDF Studios is a commercial subsidiary of ZDF, one of the largest TV broadcasters in Europe. Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Mainz, Germany, the ZDF Studios Group operates more than 30 direct and indirect subsidiaries and affiliates in Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom spanning TV production, distribution and services. The parent company, ZDF Studios, is responsible for global programme distribution, realisation of international co-productions, acquisition of licences and merchandising of successful programme brands under its own name, for ZDF and third parties. ZDF Studios has the largest German-language programme inventory in the world and a constantly growing range of international productions, consisting of series and mini-series, television films, documentaries and children's programmes.
The companies of the ZDF Studios Group cover the entire value chain from the development of scripted and unscripted TV content to production, marketing and monetizing, including TV and streaming licences as well as merchandising and online rights. The positioning of ZDF Studios as an integrated media company enables the development of innovative, outstanding and high-quality programmes and makes the Group an attractive workplace for German and international talent to flourish in a very inspiring and creative environment.
Contact ZDF Studios
Christine Denilauler (VP Marketing and Corporate Communications), ZDF Studios GmbH, Erich-Dombrowski-Str. 1, D-55127 Mainz/Germany, Tel.: +49 6131-9911130, E-mail: christine.denilauler@zdf-studios.com, www.zdf-studios.com
About FILM KOLEKTIV
The production company FILM KOLEKTIV was established in 2013 when Czech producers Pavel Berčík, Jan Kallista, Silvie Michajlova, Karla Stojáková, Ondřej Zima joined forces and their vast film production experience. Their respective film companies Axman Production, Evolution Films and Offside Men thus became sub-brands of FILM KOLEKTIV. In 2021, producer Jana Garajová became part of the FILM KOLEKTIV Slovakia.
They have been producing a full range of feature films, documentaries, coproductions, short films, TV series, commercials, documentaries and children’s programs. The strength of FILM KOLEKTIV lies in the extensive filmographies each founder brought along. Some of their films have achieved commercial success, while others have been highly acclaimed by critics and international festivals worldwide, including an Oscar shortlist. Their recent filmography includes among others Czechoslovak Architecture 58-89 (2024), Shadow of Victory (2024), Restore Point (2023), The Aristocrats (2024), Dragon Girl (2021), Emma in Love (2021), Three Wishes for Cinderella (2021), Cadaver (2020), The Letter for the King (2020), The Auschwitz Report (2020), or Amundsen (2019).