Factual

ZDF Studios has announced that it will oversee international distribution for the gripping two-part documentary “The Godfather of St. Petersburg”, produced by Story House Productions for ZDF and ZDF Studios. Currently in production, the series offers an unprecedented exploration of the forces behind Vladimir Putin’s ascent.

In 2025, Vladimir Putin reached 25 years in power—but the roots of his rise stretch back to the turbulent St. Petersburg of the 1990s. This true-crime documentary revisits a city defined by corruption, criminal networks, and violent competition for influence. As deputy mayor, Putin forged connections with intelligence operatives, powerful businessmen, and notorious criminal figures—alliances that laid the groundwork for the political structure that governs Russia today.

Nikolas Hülbusch, Director Unscripted at ZDF Studios, said: “This documentary is more than a historical account—it’s a deep dive into the forces that shaped modern Russia. With exclusive access and compelling storytelling, The Godfather of St. Petersburg uncovers the networks and decisions that propelled Vladimir Putin from local politics to global power. We are excited to bring this extraordinary series to international audiences."

Drawing on top international experts, exclusive documents, eyewitness testimony, and previously unpublished material,”The Godfather of St. Petersburg” traces the creation of a system where loyalty is essential and dissent can be fatal. The series also includes exclusive interviews with former collaborators and acquaintances of Putin—some speaking publicly for the first time—revealing a complex web of political calculations, organized crime, and opportunistic alliances.

Jens Afflerbach, General Manager & CEP at Story House Productions, added: “With ‘The Godfather of St. Petersburg’, we aim to shed light on one of the most pivotal and least understood chapters in modern history. By combining exclusive documents, eyewitness accounts, and unprecedented access to Putin’s inner circle, this series reveals how a city in chaos became the cradle of a power structure that still shapes global politics today.”