What ZDF Wants: The Documentary Topics This German Broadcaster Is Looking for in 2025–2026
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Germany’s public broadcaster ZDF and its affiliated networks (ARTE, 3sat, ZDFinfo) have shared their content priorities for the next two years. The list outlines what kind of documentary films and formats they are actively seeking for broadcast through 2025 and 2026.
It is a strong signal to filmmakers, producers, and distributors, especially those working on international stories, that Germany’s public channels remain committed to factual programming that blends depth, public relevance, and global appeal.
History, Society, and War
Historical topics remain at the core: from ancient civilizations to both World Wars and modern German history including DDR and reunification. Biographical documentaries about major historical figures and courtroom stories such as the trials of Nazi officials are also in demand.
War and conflict, especially World War II and Europe’s wars post-1945, are of interest, particularly through personal experiences and memories.
Science, Environment, and the Future
Science documentaries will find a home at ZDF if they explore physics, biology, psychology, space missions, or data science. There is also strong interest in blockchain, AI, and quantum tech.
Environmental concerns are a major focus, from biodiversity and urban resilience to climate change, food scarcity, and sustainability. Unique food-related stories are also welcomed, including explorations of the industrial food system and future foods like algae.
Politics, Identity, and Social Topics
Current affairs, geopolitics, economic crises, and fake news are key themes. ZDF is also interested in social documentaries around identity, family, parenthood, gender, migration, disability, and religious communities.
Religion and philosophy-oriented films are welcome, especially if they ask big questions, such as the existence of God or the meaning of life, through accessible formats.
Culture, Arts, and Creative Formats
Cultural and artistic stories, about painters, musicians, dancers, or writers, remain essential, alongside stories about art history and European cultural heritage.
At the same time, ZDF is open to creative storytelling. Hybrid forms, experimental documentaries, and cinematic personal essays are encouraged, especially for formats like La Lucarne (ARTE) or Das kleine Fernsehspiel.
Nature and Wildlife
Wildlife documentaries continue to be in demand, particularly those capturing remote landscapes and endangered species, or showing how climate change is affecting animal life.
Preferred Formats
ZDF and its partners are particularly interested in:
Serial documentaries (2x45’, 3x52’, 6x30’, etc.)
Strong personal narratives with artistic approaches
Innovative, story-driven or hybrid documentaries
These networks also align their programming with public holidays and events, such as religious festivals or election years , so timely ideas are more likely to be commissioned.
Looking to Pitch to ZDF?
ZDF accepts proposals from independent producers and distributors. Each department has its own editorial leads, and the broadcaster recently released a full brochure outlining their commissioning needs and contact details.
Deadline and Contact Info
There is no fixed deadline, but early pitching is always recommended.