Fifth Season has unveiled a major addition to its international distribution slate with “Black Gold,” a German-language historical epic co-produced by Kinescope Film and FilmNation Entertainment. The series, commissioned by NDR and ARD, marks Fifth Season’s first foray into German-language production and will be introduced to global buyers with a high-profile creative team and cast.
Matthias Greving, CEO of Kinescope Film, said, “With ‘Black Gold,’ we set out to tell a story that is both epic in scale and deeply human — a tale of ambition, love, and resistance set against the seismic shift of Germany’s industrial awakening. Rooted in the striking landscapes of the North German heath and inspired by the first oil discovery in Wietze, it’s a chapter of history rarely told on screen. Partnering with Fifth Season and FilmNation allows us to bring this uniquely German story to a truly global audience. Welcoming Gwendoline Christie, Márton Csokas and Merlin Sandmeyer to our already brilliant cast is a thrilling moment; their characters bring a bold, outsider energy to where history and drama collide. And with Hans Zimmer and Aleksey Igudesman’s unmistakable musical voices shaping the emotional landscape, we believe ‘Black Gold’ will resonate far beyond borders.”
Jennifer Ebell, EVP of Television Distribution at Fifth Season, added, “'Black Gold' is a sweeping, emotionally charged story that brings a fresh perspective to a chapter of history we don’t often associate with Germany. Set against the backdrop of an oil rush, it’s a drama of greed, betrayal, and shifting fortunes, told with real scale and heart. Having Gwendoline, Marton, and Merlin join the exceptional cast, along with Hans Zimmer to bring the soundtrack to life, makes the series even more powerful. As our first German production, we’re especially proud to back a project that combines true prestige storytelling with broad international appeal.”
Kirstie Macdonald and Andy Kim of FilmNation Entertainment added, “We’re delighted to partner with Kinescope and Fifth Season to bring the remarkable historic epic ‘Black Gold’ to life. We know this truly international series, featuring an exceptional cast and musical score, will resonate with audiences far beyond Germany and we can’t wait for viewers worldwide to experience this brilliant story.”
“Black Gold” tells the story of the Lambert farming family in early 20th-century Germany, whose discovery of oil beneath their land draws the ruthless attention of the powerful Pape dynasty. As an oil rush begins to tear apart the community on the Lüneburg Heath, a forbidden romance blossoms between Richard Pape and Joanna Lambert. At the heart of the conflict, the Lambert women rise to challenge a system of greed, betrayal, and social division in a fight for justice and survival.
Newly announced cast members include Gwendoline Christie (“Severance,” “Game of Thrones”), Marton Csokas (“The Luminaries,” “The Equalizer”), and Merlin Sandmeyer (“Die Discounter”), who join an ensemble that already features Harriet Herbig-Matten (“Maxton Hall”), Aaron Hilmer (“All Quiet on the Western Front”), Tom Wlaschiha (“Game of Thrones”), Lena Urzendowsky (“How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast)”), Jessica Schwarz, Henny Reents, Slavko Popadić, and Liliom Lewald.
The series will feature an original score by two-time Academy Award-winning composer Hans Zimmer and violinist-composer Aleksey Igudesman. The soundtrack is expected to enhance the show’s cinematic scale and emotional depth.
Created by Justin Koch (“Passage”), who also serves as head writer, “Black Gold” is directed by Tim Trachte (“Biohackers”) and Nina Wolfrum (“Yesterday We Were Still Children”). Executive producers include Matthias Greving for Kinescope Film, Kirstie Macdonald and Andy Kim for FilmNation, Anita Juka for 4film, and Daniel Kresmery and Jonathan Halperyn for Hero Squared. Additional executive producers are Kirsten Lukaczik and Dennis Becker. Production is supported by funding from the German Motion Picture Fund, nordmedia, MOIN Filmförderung, FilmFernsehFonds Bayern, and the Hungarian National Film Office.
“Black Gold” joins Fifth Season’s growing portfolio of premium international dramas, which includes titles such as “American Classic,” “He Had It Coming,” “The Good Daughter,” and the documentary series “Death Cap.” The company continues to expand its footprint in global scripted content, leveraging its artist-first approach and worldwide distribution capabilities.
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