Juli Zeh makes her television series debut with the six-part premium drama, High Valley, set in the competitive world of professional equestrian sport.
ZDF Studios has launched worldwide distribution of High Valley, a new six-part premium drama created by bestselling German author Juli Zeh together with Lukas Becker. Produced by Studio Zentral, a subsidiary of ZDF Studios, in co-production with Load Studios, the series is directed by Christian Zübert.
The series marks Zeh’s television writing debut, with the author also serving as Creative Producer. The cast includes Lili Epply, Joshua Hupfauer, Karoline Eichhorn and Heino Ferch.
A Drama Set in the World of Equestrian Sport
Set against the backdrop of the renowned Hohenfelden equestrian centre, High Valley follows talented show jumper Ina Hansen as she attempts to rebuild her career after a serious falling-out with her mentor.
Seeking a fresh start, Ina enters a community shaped by financial pressures, personal dependencies and long-hidden secrets. As she fights to secure her future in professional sport, she discovers evidence linking her to Cora, the owner of the facility, through a deadly secret.
The series combines the competitive world of professional equestrian sport with a character-driven family drama, exploring themes of ambition, identity, belonging and self-determination.
Juli Zeh Makes Her Television Debut
Known for novels translated into 35 languages and published internationally, Zeh brings her focus on social conflicts and human relationships to the television format with High Valley. Her knowledge of equestrian sport also informs the series’ portrayal of a world shaped by prestige, tradition and intense performance pressure.
Sebastian Krekeler, Director Drama at ZDF Studios, highlighted the series’ distinctive setting and international potential, pointing to the combination of Zeh’s creative vision, emotional storytelling and an environment rarely explored in international drama.
Lucas Schmidt, Producer at Studio Zentral, described High Valley as a series built around questions of identity and belonging, combining suspense and family drama within the demanding world of professional equestrian sport.
High Valley consists of six 45-minute episodes. ZDF Studios is handling worldwide distribution.
