ZDF Enterprises completed production of four brand new documentaries

Ralf Rueckauer, VP ZDFE.unscripted, ZDF Enterprises, said: “From history, science and wildlife to exploring mythical legends, our factual slate will be enriched by these exciting titles. High production values and excellent storytelling bring to life the range of topics covered by the documentaries, offering great entertainment for audiences globally.” 

Premiering at Virtual Screenings Worldwide in September 21-30, Rescued Chimpanzees of The Congo with Jane Goodall, filmed over 30 years, is a groundbreaking series revealing Goodall’s journey to create the largest chimp sanctuary in Africa. Following the rehabilitation of a cast of orphaned chimpanzees from recovery to eventually living in a wild environment, the sanctuary is challenged daily on a whole range of issues from malnutrition to disease and paralysis. The wildlife series was produced by Off the Fence Productions with the support of the Jane Goodall Institute for Curiosity Stream in association with ZDF Enterprises.

Legendary Heroes, from ZDF’s renowned Terra X documentary slot, was filmed in nine countries across Europe. Produced by NFP Media Rights with ARTE as co-producer, the three-part series looks at fantastical stories that have enthralled humanity for centuries, seeking their origin and whether any truth exists behind the legends. The series begins with King Arthur, a literary invention of the 12th century. Likely inspired by a British ruler from the late antique period, the 4th and 5th centuries when Roman rule was coming to an end and the country was divided into numerous kingdoms. Leading the defence of Britain against Saxon invaders, the romantic legend of King Arthur has been a subject of fascination ever since. The magnificent finds excavated in Cornwall in 2018 has given scientists cause to believe the ruins of Tintagel might be the long lost castle of this British hero.

The Year that Rocked the World celebrates iconic and extraordinary global moments from politics, cinema, crime, celebrity, sports, disasters, science, inventions, music and the arts — landmark events in the course of one year that profoundly shaped the world we know today. Combining archive footage, engaging interviews from well-known faces to pop hits of that time, the series captures the essence of five different breakthrough years.  1977 saw the debut of both Star Wars and Concorde as well as Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee while 1981 features the wedding of the century as Prince Charles marries Lady Diana Spencer. The collapse of the Berlin Wall and students revolting in Tiananmen Square in 1989 along with major events in 1997 and 2004 all had a powerful impact on society. The Year that Rocked the World was produced by Off the Fence for CuriosityStream in association with ZDF Enterprises and zdf.info

A visually spectacular cave exploration series employing pioneering 3D technology, Underworld was filmed in five international locations. From the final refuges of the Neanderthals in the caves of Gibraltar to the largest caverns on Earth in China, these underground adventures will build a detailed picture of a unique world hidden beneath our feet. It was produced by Off The Fence for Curiosity Stream in co-production with ZDF Enterprises and Youku, in association with Wingsight.