Factual

ZDF Studios has commissioned a new eight-hour factual series from Canadian producer Go Button Media, titled "Shadows & Dust: Lost History", further strengthening the growing partnership between the two companies. Canadian broadcaster Super Channel is also on board as the domestic partner, with ZDF Studios handling international distribution outside Canada.

Blending historical investigation with cinematic storytelling, "Shadows & Dust: Lost History" explores enduring mysteries from across human history, focusing on famous people, places and artefacts that have seemingly disappeared from the historical record. Each episode tackles a different story, spanning continents and centuries to examine cases that continue to intrigue historians and conspiracy theorists alike.

Among the subjects explored are Russia’s legendary Amber Room, believed to have been looted during the Second World War; the mystery surrounding Jesus’ Lost Tomb; and the story of the lost army of Cambyses, where 50,000 soldiers are said to have vanished in Ancient Egypt.

Each instalment reconstructs the final moments before these events slipped into legend, using a mix of archival material, ancient artwork, CGI and dramatic reconstructions to bring lost worlds back to life.

Daniel Oron, Co-Founder and Executive Producer at Go Button Media, said: “We’re thrilled to continue building our relationship with ZDF Studios while strengthening our long-standing partnership with Super Channel. Our first collaboration proved productive and rewarding for each of the partners, and I believe that all the elements are in place for 'Shadows & Dust: Lost History' to produce an equally dynamic and successful follow-up. This new series taps into humanity’s enduring curiosity about the unknown. Many of the stories we explore —like the disappearance of Christopher Columbus’ flagship, Santa María, and the missing shoreline settlement of La Navidad built from its timbers — have become faded with time. While the physical evidence of these historical events may have vanished, the mysteries remain powerful and compelling. The series brings these important stories back into the spotlight, showing that while these chapters of history may be lost, they are far from forgotten.”

Ralf Rückauer, VP Unscripted at ZDF Studios, added: “The appetite for high-quality factual content that challenges what we think we know about the past has never been stronger. With 'Shadows & Dust: Lost History', Go Button Media delivers exactly that—an enthralling blend of expert insight, cinematic reconstruction and global historical intrigue. We look forward to bringing this standout series to audiences worldwide.”

Kim Ball, EVP, Content & Communications at Super Channel, said: “'Shadows & Dust: Lost History' is an ambitious and compelling series that reflects Super Channel’s commitment to premium factual storytelling. We’re pleased to continue our partnership with Go Button Media and to bring this thought-provoking exploration of the past to Canadian audiences.”

"Shadows & Dust: Lost History" is currently in production and is expected to be delivered this summer.