This year marks the centenary of the death of Franz Kafka, a well-known German author whose influence remains as profound and enigmatic as his works. Born in 1883 in Prague, Kafka is renowned for his unique narrative style that explores themes of alienation, bureaucracy, and existential anxiety. His works, including “The Metamorphosis”, “The Trial”, and “The Castle” have left a lasting mark on 20th-century literature, shaping genres such as existentialism and absurdism. Despite his untimely death on June 3rd in 1924, Kafka's legacy continues to intrigue and inspire readers worldwide, his name now synonymous with the surreal, nightmarish scenarios he so vividly depicted.

Vienna – The internationally renowned author Daniel Kehlmann and the exceptional writer David Schalko joined forces to create “Kafka”, a mini-series that debuted in March of this year, commemorating the life and legacy of the iconic literary figure. Guided by Kafka expert Reiner Stach, the series was crafted for success. The show is a co-production by ORF, NDR & Superfilm, funded by FISA +, Austrian Television Fund & Vienna Film Fund in Association with ORF-Enterprise.

At the heart of the mini-series are Kafka’s remarkable love affairs with Felice Bauer, Milena Jesenska, and Dora Diamant, his difficult relationship with his tyrannical father and his close friendship with Max Brod, who ultimately betrayed his terminally ill friend but ensured his enduring fame in the process.

The series highlight sparked considerable interest among many broadcasters across the globe. Since the premiere, the Content Sales International team of ORF-Enterprise successfully licensed “Kafka” to Austrian neighbors Czech Republic (CT), Slovenia (RTV Slovenjia), and Switzerland (SRF) as well as Sweden (SVT), Poland (TVP), the United Kingdom (Channel 4), and Finland (YLE). 

“Kafka” also made its way across the pond, where Brazil (Arte 1) and Mexiko (TV Unam) opted for the mini-series. 

The German publisher Polyband released a DVD as a Limited Mediabook Edition. 

ORF-Enterprise succeeds with further sales to The Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB)s, that secured the rights to broadcast “Kafka” as part of their onboard portal “ÖBB railnet”, providing passenger with the thought-provoking mini-series. By incorporating “Kafka” into their entertainment options, commuters are offered the opportunity to immerse themselves in captivating narratives while traversing through picturesque landscapes.

“Kafka” gracefully made its appearance at the Jewish International Film Festival in Australia, home to the most comprehensive selection of Israeli and Jewish-themed films. 

ChaiFlicks (US), the leading Jewish Video-On-Demand streaming service, has proudly included “Kafka” in their rich tapestry of content revolving around the Jewish world, now accessible to a global audience.

Walter Presents (UK) has acquired the captivating series “Kafka”. This alluring addition is now available on their respective Video-On-Demand platforms, providing viewers an engaging binge-streaming experience.

ORF-Enterprise's Content Sales International serves as preferred partner for broadcasters and platforms around the world as a one-stop-shop for high quality content offering a wide range of titles from all genres: Blue-Chip Documentaries, TV-Series and Movies, Children's Programs, Music as well as scripted and non-scripted Formats.

ORF-Enterprise is the Austrian Public Broadcaster’s exclusive marketer for advertising in all ORF media.

The portfolio comprises four national television stations, three national radio stations, Austria’s leading website ORF.at and the On-Demand Service ORF ON as well as the magazine ORF nachlese and ORF TELETEXT.

ORF-Enterprise’s activities also include a music library and publishing house.

The program catalog targets the international television and media industry, comprising TV, VOD, DVD and ancillary rights of ORF's documentaries, TV series and movies, children's shows and music programs.

A powerful presence at the annual well-known fairs MIPTV, MIPCOM, Sunny Side of the Doc, NATPE Budapest and Avant Première is part of our daily routine.

The whole selection of the programs distributed by ORF-Enterprise can be found easily on our website. Here you get detailed information such as cast, synopsis, awards as well as important technical details at any time.

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