ZDF Studios Unveils Premium Factual Line-up Ahead of Sunny Side of the Doc
New factual slate explores history, power, and the natural world
Mainz, 15 June 2026
ZDF Studios will present a focused, high-impact slate of premium factual programming at the upcoming edition of Sunny Side of the Doc, offering buyers an extensive look at its rich and diverse unscripted catalogue.
From 22-24 June in La Rochelle, ZDF Studios will spotlight a compelling mix of high-end history, character-driven storytelling and top-tier nature titles – designed to meet the growing demand for relevant, thought-provoking, and emotionally engaging content across global markets and platforms. Representing ZDF Studios on site will be Directors Unscripted Nikolas Hülbusch and Margarita Garcia, alongside Kristina Hollstein, Director Acquisitions and Coproductions Documentaries ZDF, all looking forward to discovering powerful new stories, developing international co-production and distribution partnerships.
Ralf Rückauer, VP Unscripted at ZDF Studios, says: “Sunny Side of the Doc is a key marketplace for meaningful partnerships and premium storytelling. Our latest slate brings together globally relevant topics, outstanding craftsmanship and strong narrative hooks. We are seeing continued demand for factual content that both informs and resonates emotionally – this is exactly what we aim to deliver with our line-up.”
ZDF Studios’ current headline titles include flagship historical docuseries addressing subjects of both current and enduring global relevance.
“Silent War: In the Shadow of Atomic Bombs” (2x50’, OutreMer Film) delivers a timely exploration of the ongoing nuclear threat and its historical background, while “Ancient Betrayals” (6x50’, KM Plus Media and WildBear Entertainment for ZDFinfo) examines how deception reshaped the fate of ancient civilizations, from the fall of the Spartans at Thermopylae to the political intrigues of Emperor Caligula, and the controversial legacy of La Malinche. Also featured is “Constantine the Great” (2x50’, eco documentaries for ZDF/ARTE), offering fresh insight into one of antiquity’s most influential and enigmatic rulers. A key highlight of the slate is the brand-new historical documentary “America’s Wars” (3x50’, eco documentaries), which offers a critical perspective on how military conflict has shaped the identity, values and global perception of the United States. Spanning from the War of Independence to the present day, the series traces a nation founded on ideals of freedom yet repeatedly defined by war. It also explores today’s shifting foreign policy in an increasingly unstable world, painting a nuanced portrait of a country caught between its ideals and its actions.
Broadening the portfolio are documentaries on social and cultural issues. “Citrus World” (6x50’, doc.station for ZDF/ARTE) delivers a visually rich six-part journey into the cultural and ecological significance of citrus fruits worldwide - from Spain’s oranges to Italy’s lemons and Malaysia’s pomelos. “Las Vegas: From Rags to Riches” (1x50’, Moving Story Productions for ZDF/ARTE) uncovers the forces behind the city’s glittering façade, revealing a place where ambition, illusion and social divides define the true cost of the American Dream.
ZDF Studios will also highlight premium storytelling with its nature and wildlife slate. “Cheetah Fast and Wild” (1x50’, Fast Cat Films) follows two cheetah cubs raised under human care as they face the ultimate challenge: survival in the wild. Complementing this is “Lord Howe Island – Reset for Paradise” (1x50’, Flowmotion for ZDF), a hopeful story of ecological restoration set within one of the world’s most unique island ecosystems. Featuring stunning and rare wildlife footage captured over 20 years, the film powerfully illustrates both the destructive and restorative impact of human intervention on nature. Further titles, including “Wild about Art” (1x50’, Doclights for NDR/WDR/SWR/ARTE/ORF), underline ZDF Studios’ commitment to distinctive, high-quality factual content. The documentary explores the fascinating origins of creativity in the animal kingdom, from painting elephants to design-savvy bowerbirds, revealing how art may have evolved long before humans.
With this year’s showcase, ZDF Studios reinforces its position as a trusted partner for premium unscripted programming, bringing together powerful storytelling, international relevance, and strong production values for the global market.
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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 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, 55127 Mainz/Germany, tel.: +49 6131-9911130, email: christine.denilauler@zdf-studios.com, www.zdf-studios.com