Factual

ZDF Studios  has secured the international distribution rights for the two-part documentary series Silent War: In the Shadow of Atomic Bombs, produced by OutreMer Film for ZDF and ZDF Studios. This timely and thought-provoking series examines the enduring impact of nuclear weapons—from the first atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki to the renewed fears of nuclear escalation in today’s geopolitical climate.

Eighty years after the dawn of the nuclear age, the specter of atomic warfare looms large once again. Against the backdrop of current global tensions, Silent War: In the Shadow of Atomic Bombs takes viewers on a journey through history, exploring the Cold War’s nuclear brinkmanship and the devastating legacy of more than 2,000 nuclear tests worldwide.

Featuring exclusive archival footage and commentaries from internationally renowned nuclear experts, the series combines rigorous historical analysis with deeply personal testimonies from victims of nuclear testing and atomic bombings in the United States, the former Soviet Union, Japan, and the Pacific. From the Marshall Islands to Kazakhstan, Nevada, and beyond, the documentary reveals the human and environmental toll of nuclear weapons—a story of power, secrecy, and survival that continues to resonate today.

Nikolas Huelbusch, Director Unscripted at ZDF Studios, said: “This documentary is more than a historical account—it’s a wake-up call. Silent War: In the Shadow of Atomic Bombs reminds us that the nuclear threat is not just a relic of the past but a pressing issue today. We are proud to bring this powerful and timely series to audiences worldwide.”

Dirk van den Berg, CEO of OutreMer Film added: “With my co-director Pascal Verroust our goal was to retell the history of nuclear weapons from the ground up—through the voices of those who lived in the shadow of the bomb. By combining exclusive archival material with personal narratives, we hope to spark a global conversation about responsibility, memory, and the future of nuclear security.”