The CEE Screenings 2025 kick off officially today online with the proposals of our Official Partner ZDF Studios.

The German distributor presents two of the biggest crime and drama hits coming out from the Czech Republic, The Markovic Method and The King of Sumava, as well as the brand-new super CEE co-production Von Fock which is currently breaking records in Estonia.

This year, you can screen new series from nine CEE countries.


The King of Sumava | ZDF Studios
Country: Czech Republic, Genre: Drama, 9x45'

King of Šumava is an enthralling adaptation of David Jan Žák’s acclaimed novel The Return of the Šumava King. Set against the backdrop of post-war Czechoslovakia in the spring of 1948, the story follows the gripping journey of Josef Hasil, a 24-year-old cook in the National Security Corps. Having survived the war in a German labour camp and fought alongside partisans, Hasil has no interest in politics. However, as the Iron Curtain descends, the rapidly closing borders and looming fears of World War III thrust him into the perilous world of smuggling.


The Markovic Method | ZDF Studios
Country: Czech Republic, Genre: Crime/Drama, 6x55'

Set during the normalization era of Czechoslovakia, this new six-part miniseries entitled The Markovič Method tells the story of the apprehension and conviction of one of the most terrifying serial killers of the time, Ladislav Hojer, by the legendary detective Jiří Markovič.


Von Fock | ZDF Studios
Country: Estonia, Latvia, Italy, Genre: Reriod/Crime/Romance, 4x45'

When Paul von Fock, the youngest of three brothers, inherits Sagadi Manor, he struggles to fit into his new role socially – but his brilliance at managing his estate and his keen sense of justice quickly secure him the position of assessor at the local court. Expecting to only solve pub brawls and border disputes, he is wholly unprepared for what awaits him – murder mysteries, fake identities, paintings and cash, stolen fortunes and futures. Realizing that not only is his appointment at stake, but his reputation and sometimes his life, he admirably rises to the occasion and proceeds, with the help and intervention of the notorious femme fatale Maria von Nottbeck, to become a seasoned detective. The greatest mystery, however, is Maria herself – but somewhere along the line, she allows Paul to unravel it.