published on in blog

Tepui Into the House of Gods, Exploring the Mountains of Venezuela, to Be Launched a

ZDF Studios is set to launch sales on documentary “Tepui – Into the House of Gods” at MipTV. The 50-minute film will “take viewers on a journey to a forgotten world isolated for millions of years – the tabletop mountains in southern Venezuela,” the distributor said.

The one-parter is produced by Gruppe 5 Filmproduktion for German broadcaster ZDF’s Terra X slot, in association with Arte and ZDF Studios. It is directed by Lars Abromeit and Jochen Schmoll, who also serves as cinematographer.

The word Tepui means “House of Gods,” and the mountains are revered by the indigenous people in southern Venezuela. Scientists see them as “islands of time,” and an international and interdisciplinary research team, including a geologist, microbiologist, bioacoustician and a biologist, set out on a dangerous expedition to investigate life on one of the most remote and largest mountains.

Related Stories

digital faces VIP+

Generative AI Fueling ‘Exponential’ Rise in Celebrity NIL Rip-Offs: Exclusive Data

Jeremy Allen White at the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards held at Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.

Jeremy Allen White Thanks 'The Bear' Co-Stars While Accepting His Second Emmy: 'I Want Us to Be in Each Other's Lives Forever'

The team explores whether the primeval microbes that built elaborate rock formations in an extensive cave system could be used for medical purposes. Can the bacteria produce substances that would assist in developing new types of antibiotics and thereby saving millions of lives?

Popular on Variety

The explorers discover a carnivorous aquatic cicada believed to be a mutation of a similar species that inhabits the surface of the Tepuis but only feed on plants. Another important find is proof that the peculiar guácharo birds, which nest in caves in large parts of South America, have developed completely new behaviors on the Tepuis: they build their nests on the ground instead of on higher cave ledges. The diversity of plants and animals are also documented as the researchers consider how the country could promote nature conservation.

Nikolas Huelbusch, director of unscripted at ZDF Studios, said: “Our affiliate Gruppe 5 has done an exceptional job in capturing the uniqueness of the Tepuis. Not only do we get a rare opportunity to see the beauty of these mountains, but the documentary also makes new discoveries including one that may hold the key to tackling a global problem.”

Read More About:

Jump to Comments

More from Variety

Most Popular

Must Read

Sign Up for Variety Newsletters

By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy.We use vendors that may also process your information to help provide our services. // This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Variety Confidential

A Variety and iHeartRadio Podcast

ncG1vNJzZmiukae2psDYZ5qopV9nfXOAjq2taJ%2BcpK%2BiuI6zm59lo6nCpbXOrGStnaCqtm61za2mZqyYmnqpu9SsnGanlmK0sLDSZqSiqKSrenJ%2Bkm5wbm9pboZw