The ZDF Mediathek provides an extensive selection of series and documentaries, showcasing both German and international content. Netzwelt highlights seven intriguing documentaries, including explorations of artificial intelligence, the rise of the Kardashian family, and the unsolved mystery of Flight MH370. Notable series include “Digital Empire,” which critiques AI’s implications, and “Lagos – Metropolis of Extremes,” depicting the contrasting wealth in Lagos. These documentaries reveal important societal issues and cultural phenomena.
The ZDF Mediathek features a diverse collection of series and films, showcasing both German and international content. Besides entertaining programs, it is particularly renowned for its engaging documentaries, which delve deeply into various topics with meticulous research and compelling storytelling.
To keep you informed, we’ve put together a list of the seven most intriguing documentaries available in the ZDF media library. Discover insights into artificial intelligence and its benefits and drawbacks, explore the glamorous life of the Kardashian family, or uncover the enigmatic details surrounding a missing aircraft.
ZDF Zoom: Digital Empire (2022)
The documentary series ‘Digital Empire’ from ‘ZDFzoom’ offers a thought-provoking exploration of artificial intelligence. Featuring discussions with experts and impacted individuals, it addresses the risks of discrimination linked to AI technology. The second episode specifically examines the realm of cybercrime, focusing on the enormous profits associated with cryptocurrencies. Subsequent episodes investigate online dating dynamics and the implications of state surveillance and censorship.
This series aims to critically analyze the underlying mechanisms of technology, emphasizing the influence wielded by tech firms. It highlights areas where government intervention is necessary while also pointing out instances of excessive digital power. Notably, the series received the prestigious German Television Prize.
New German Wave (2023)
The documentary series ‘Neue Deutsche Welle’ takes viewers back to the early 1980s, a period when this music movement revitalized the industry in Germany and beyond. It provides an in-depth look at this creative musical era, featuring interviews with artists, journalists, and music producers discussing the phenomenon.
Spanning three episodes, ‘Neue Deutsche Welle’ offers unique perspectives from notable figures such as Markus, Joachim Witt, Kai Havaii from Extrabreit, Peter Hein (Fehlfarben), and Robert Görl.
ZDF Zoom: On All Fronts (2022)
‘On All Fronts,’ produced by ‘ZDF Zoom’, is a compelling documentary featuring first-hand accounts from war correspondents. These journalists share their journeys into the field and reflect on tough questions: What horrors are acceptable to portray? How do they interact with traumatized individuals? How do they cope with the harrowing experiences they’ve witnessed?
The documentary brings together voices from various war reporters, including Frederik Pleitgen (CNN), Mstyslav Chernov (AP), Christoph Reuter (Spiegel), Hind Hassan (VICE), Johannes Hano, and Katrin Eigendorf (ZDF).
Deutsche Bahn: The Insiders – Tricks Behind the Scenes (2024)
In ‘Deutsche Bahn: The Insiders – Tricks Behind the Scenes,’ four veteran employees reveal secrets about Europe’s largest railway company. To ensure their anonymity, they appear on-screen with masked identities. Drawing from their extensive experiences on trains, in dining cars, and within corporate offices, these insiders provide a rare glimpse into the company’s inner workings.
Lagos – Metropolis of Extremes (2024)
Lagos is the fastest-growing city worldwide, setting records across sub-Saharan Africa. Despite its over 25 million residents living in poverty, it boasts a wealthy elite thriving in opulence. The documentary ‘Lagos – Metropolis of Extremes’ explores this bustling metropolis, offering a vivid portrayal of its contrasting lifestyles.
This documentary is part of the ‘Megacities – When Night Falls’ series, which has also highlighted cities like Chongqing and Mexico City.
Kim Kardashian & Co.: Famous at Any Price (2024)
The Kardashian family is among the most recognized and affluent reality TV clans globally, rising to fame through ‘Keeping Up With The Kardashians.’ Kim Kardashian, acclaimed for her $1.7 billion fortune according to Forbes, is particularly renowned.
The documentary ‘Kim Kardashian & Co.: Famous at Any Price’ explores the secrets behind the family’s extraordinary success and traces the origins of the global phenomenon they have created.
Flight MH370 – Lost Over the Sea (2024)
On March 8, 2014, flight MH370 took off from Kuala Lumpur, bound for Beijing, with 239 passengers aboard. Just 38 minutes after departure, the aircraft vanished from radar over the South China Sea.
The six-part series ‘Flight MH370 – Missing Over the Sea’ investigates the mysteries surrounding the flight’s disappearance, delving into what remains one of aviation’s greatest enigmas.