German Youth Series About DDR Wins International Emmy - German and British productions shine at the 2024 International Emmy Awards
The International Emmy Awards honoured winners from around the globe this week. A mix of British, German, and Australian productions took home top honours in categories ranging from comedy to documentary.
Among the highlights, a German series on youth in the GDR secured a win, while a British crime-comedy with growing German ties also claimed an award.
The MDR production Following Fritz’s Footsteps: What Did Young People Live Like in the GDR Before the Fall of the Berlin Wall? won in the Kids: Factual & Entertainment category. The six-part series, partly animated, explores daily life in East Germany before 1989 through the eyes of young people. Screenwriter and producer Ralf Kukala, accepting the award, shared personal reflections on the GDR’s final days.
Another German nominee, Herrhausen: The Man Who Ruled Money, missed out on a prize in the TV Movie/Miniseries section. Meanwhile, the British crime-comedy Ludwig took home the Best Comedy Series award. The show’s second season will now include ZDF as a co-production partner, strengthening its German connection.
The Best Documentary award went to Hell Jumper, a British film about a volunteer killed while fighting in Ukraine. A Netflix documentary on Luis Rubiales kissing Jenni Hermoso after Spain’s World Cup win also received recognition. In news coverage, a British production on daily life in Gaza claimed the top prize.
Australia’s Bluey won Best Kids’ Animation, while the British 1980s-set drama Rivals secured the award for Best Drama Series.
The awards showcased a diverse range of international storytelling. German productions made their mark, particularly with Following Fritz’s Footsteps, while British and Australian projects also stood out. The wins highlight ongoing collaborations, such as ZDF’s involvement in Ludwig, as well as the global reach of documentaries and children’s programming.
