Filming is underway for a new crime drama set in Frankfurt, featuring the dynamic detective duo of Maryam Azadi, played by Melika Foroutan, and Hamza Kulin, portrayed by Edin Hasanović. This team, both with migration backgrounds, brings a fresh perspective to solving cold cases. Their debut case, inspired by a 1970s incident, focuses on reconnecting with victims’ families. The show aims to highlight character-driven storytelling while reflecting Frankfurt’s cultural diversity. The premiere is set for next fall.
New Faces in Frankfurt’s Crime Scene
Filming is currently underway for the inaugural crime drama featuring the new investigative duo, portrayed by Melika Foroutan and Edin Hasanović, in the vibrant city of Frankfurt am Main. According to the producers, this fresh ‘Tatort’ team is poised to become one of the most endearing in the series’ history, as highlighted during a press conference held on November 11. The duo’s intriguing approach to tackling ‘cold cases,’ as referred to by Foroutan at the Atelier Lihotzky in the former Neckermann area near Ostbahnhof, sets them apart from traditional German crime shows.
Meet the New Detectives
During the press event hosted by Hessischer Rundfunk, details about the new detective team were unveiled. Foroutan shared insights about her character, Maryam Azadi, an Iranian-born chief detective residing in Frankfurt. “Maryam completed her psychology degree before undertaking three years of police training,” she explained. “I would describe her as an astute judge of character.” Azadi is characterized as intelligent, quick-witted, and friendly, making her a relatable figure in the series.
Hasanović introduced his character, Hamza Kulin, who has a compelling backstory rooted in the Bosnian War. “Hamza arrived in Germany at the age of three with his mother,” he stated. After completing police training, he served in the riot police before being reassigned to the homicide department alongside Azadi. Kulin is portrayed as introverted and reserved, with Hasanović humorously noting, “Unlike me, Hamza cannot sing and dance.” He also takes pride in his distinctive haircut, a ‘0-6-9,’ which reflects both the barber’s millimeter specifications and Frankfurt’s area code.
The actors were thrilled to have a hand in selecting their characters’ names, which they felt was a fitting choice for a city known for its diversity. “It makes sense that both detectives have a migration background in a city with such a rich tapestry of nationalities,” Foroutan remarked, emphasizing the international essence of Frankfurt.
A Gripping First Case
The debut case for this new duo draws inspiration from real-life events, though it is not classified as true crime. The storyline is based on a notable incident from the Rhine-Main area dating back to the 1970s. Director Stefan Schaller revealed that the plot will critique the sensationalism often associated with serial killer films, shifting the focus instead to the detectives as they work to reconnect with the victims’ families after body parts are discovered in a deceased individual’s garage.
Through flashbacks, viewers will learn about the victims’ stories, with the historical and cultural backdrop of Frankfurt intricately woven into the narrative.
Looking ahead, filming for two additional cases is planned for the upcoming spring, with the premiere of the first two episodes scheduled for next fall. HR representatives noted that this new duo is unlikely to venture into experimental crime narratives.
The previous team of Frankfurt detectives, Brix and Janneke, played by Wolfram Koch and Margarita Broich, made a dramatic exit in their final episode titled ‘It Greens So Green When Frankfurt’s Mountains Bloom’ at the end of September.