The Shah and the Ayatollah

A film by Holger Preusse, WDR/SWR/ARTE, 52 & 43 min.

Forty years ago, a revolution in Iran led by Ayatollah Khomeini overthrew the ruler Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, and with this a monarchy that had lasted over 2,500 years. The story of the Shah begins with bright ideas and strong ideals, and ends in bloody turmoil. From the beginning of his reign and in his aspirations to modernise Iran, the Shah depended on the support of the clergy and the mullahs. Finally, it is they who bring him down. The struggle between the Shah and Ayatollah Khomeini lasts many decades. In the end, Islamic fundamentalism triumphs, heralding a new challenge for global politics.

Commissioning editors:
Beate Schlanstein (WDR)
Ulrike Becker (SWR)
Peter Gottschalk (ARTE)

Magic Moments of Music | Anne-Sophie Mutter and Herbert von Karajan

A film by Eric Schulz, ZDF/arte and C Major Entertainment, 43 min.

This series is dedicated to stellar musical events that gripped the whole world and remained unforgettable until today – with touching interviews of today’s artists, celebrities and eyewitnesses. Anne-Sophie Mutter’s and Herbert von Karajan’s version of the Beethoven Violin Concerto. Interviews with Anne-Sophie Mutter.

Magic Moments of Music | Horowitz in Moscow

A film by Holger Preusse and Philipp Quiring, ZDF/arte and C Major Entertainment, 43 min.

This series is dedicated to stellar musical events that gripped the whole world and remained unforgettable until today – with touching interviews of today’s artists, celebrities and eyewitnesses. Horowitz in Moscow – after 60 years absence from Russia, the pianist returned to his home country for the first time. Interviews with Peter Gelb, Martha Argerich, Daniil Trifonov.

“Magic Moments of Music – Horowitz in Moscow” was nominated for the 2019 VENICE TV AWARD 2019 in the category “Performing Arts”.

Magic Moments of Music | Berlin Wall Concert

A film by Eric Schulz, ZDF/arte and C Major Entertainment, 43 min.

This series is dedicated to stellar musical events that gripped the whole world and remained unforgettable until today – with touching interviews of today’s artists, celebrities and eyewitnesses. The Berlin Philharmonic’s legendary Berlin Wall Concert under the baton of Daniel Barenboim in November 1989. To get in, East German citizens just had to show their identity cards. Queuing started outside the Philharmonie at five in the morning, many spent the night on the parking lot in their Trabi cars. Interviews e.g. with Daniel Barenboim, Walter Momper

Sound of Freedom

A film by Ulrike Neubecker, Bernard Wedig and Chrysanthi Goula 2 x 52 min., arte 2019

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The two-part documentary “Sound of Freedom” goes back to the roots of the music of hope and rebellion, and to the sounds that have inspired unconventional thinkers and the oppressed. From “La Marseillaise” to “Bella Ciao” to “We Shall Overcome”, “I Will Survive” and “Wind of Change”. Spanning Jimi Hendrix to Serge Gainsbourg, all the way to Pussy Riot. With the international super-hits of freedom, the films take us from the 18th century to the present day – from Billy Holiday to Nina Simone, Beyoncé and numerous others.

Some songs have changed the course of history, others are iconic tunes that are today inseparably entwined with a historical event. Music touches people and offers consolation and inspiration like no other medium. Since at least the French Revolution, social upheavals and political songs have been closely connected. Music is a tool for mobilisation, it is the embodiment of hope and the utopia of a better life. It provides solidarity to the oppressed, rouses resistance movements and emboldens revolutionaries.