Munich, June 30, 2026. The TV movie *NEUES LAND* (ZDF) celebrated its world premiere yesterday at the Munich Film Festival to a standing ovation. In the “New German Television” section, the film—which explores political and economic structural change in Central Germany through the lens of a moving family story—was presented to the audience for the first time at the Gloria Palast.

The cast members Jördis Triebel, Jörg Schüttauf, Lucy Gartner, Naemi Florez, and Thomas Dehler attended the premiere. Also in attendance were director Esther Rauch and UFA Mitte producers Katharina Rietz and Henriette Lippold. In addition, Matthias Pfeifer represented ZDF, while André Naumann and Markus Görsch attended on behalf of the Central German Media Fund (MDM). Ulrike Frick represented the Munich Film Festival. Another special guest of the evening was Tobias Künzel, guitarist for the band “Die Prinzen,” who contributed the title song “Perfect Sommer” to the film.

Esther Rauch, director of *NEUES LAND*: “I’m proud that we get to celebrate the premiere of UFA Mitte’s first film—with a story like this—right here in Munich at the Filmfest. It’s the perfect finale to a truly wonderful journey with Henriette and Katharina, but also with Jördis, Lucy, and the entire cast—a journey that has been infinitely enriching for me.”

Directed by Esther Rauch, the film stars Jördis Triebel, Jörg Schüttauf, Lucy Gartner, Ronald Zehrfeld, and Naemi Florez, among others. The screenplay was written by Khyana el Bitar and Dörte Franke. Mario Minichmayr served as director of photography, and Matthias Mücke was the production designer. Costume design is by Saskia Richter-Haase. The film was produced by UFA Mitte in co-production with ZDF. The executive producers are Henriette Lippold and Katharina Rietz; the producers are Tom Haase and Toni Heye. Matthias Pfeifer serves as the ZDF editorial supervisor. The film was funded by the Central German Media Fund (MDM).

“NEUES LAND” is scheduled to air on ZDF later this year.

About UFA Mitte

UFA is consolidating its activities in the program genres of fiction and serial drama, as well as variety, factual, and documentary, under one roof. UFA Mitte is the newest unit of the UFA Group, based in Leipzig. It was founded in September 2024 and evolved from the previous local branch. The goal of this new, independent unit is to continue existing successful programming brands and to develop and produce new original content for broadcasters and streaming services right here in Central Germany. *NEUES LAND* is UFA Mitte’s first feature film project. The managing director of UFA Mitte is Katharina Rietz. Producer Henriette Lippold is responsible for developing new programs.

UFA Mitte Press Contacts:

Janine Friedrich
Head of Communications
janine.friedrich@ufa.de
Tel.: +49 30 700185 379

Caroline Frenzel,
Manager Public Relations
caroline.frenzel@ufa.de
Tel.: +49 30 700185 381

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The press release as pdf for download: