ARTE Distribution will be back at MIPCOM CANNES 2024, showcasing a remarkable new ancient history collection. This year’s catalog features a selection of insightful and visually stunning documentary, from the world of ancient Egypt to that of ancient Greece.
At the heart of this collection is RAMESSES II, SECRETS OF A PHARAOH (3×52’), a captivating three-part series offering a fresh perspective on one of Egypt’s most iconic leaders. Through advanced 3D visual reconstructions and interviews with renowned Egyptologists, the documentary unveils fascinating details about Ramesses II’s personal and political life, shedding new light on his extraordinary reign.
Another highlight is POLYCHROMIA: ARCHEOLOGY OF COLORS – ANCIENT GREECE (52’ & 90’), an engaging one-off documentary that, through state-of-the-art technology, restores the long-lost colors of ancient Greek sculptures and artworks. This film brings to life the rich aesthetic heritage of ancient Greece, revealing its vibrant visual culture in ways previously unseen.
The collection also holds THE MYSTERY OF THE DESERT KITES (52’ & 90’), a compelling documentary that uncovers groundbreaking discoveries about the enigmatic geoglyphs in Jordan’s Black Desert. Through innovative scientific techniques and historical analysis, the film offers fresh insights into the purpose of these structures and the ancient civilizations behind them, marking a significant development in both the archaeological and historical understanding of this heritage.
Lastly, ARTE Distribution presents VIZIER WENI THE ELDER, THE MYSTERY OF THE SECOND TOMB (52’ & 90’), a program that follows a team of Egyptologists as they seek to uncover the secrets of a newly discovered tomb, believed to belong to Vizier Weni the Elder, a prominent figure in Egypt’s history. The documentary combines historical insight with scientific rigor to piece together the life and influence of this high-ranking official.
“These new titles represent some of the most exciting, high-quality historical documentaries available today,” says Joséphine Létang, Head of Sales at ARTE Distribution. “It’s a pleasure to collaborate with such esteemed production companies and directors who consistently prioritize scientific accuracy while delivering visually compelling storytelling. We’re confident that these documentaries will engage audiences and partners around the world.”
ARTE Distribution is the international program sales unit of the European public channel ARTE with a catalog of over 4,000 hours of documentaries entrusted by more than 150 prestigious French and foreign production companies. ARTE Distribution has made its mark on the 5 continents, bringing a wide range of documentaries to the world. A reference for factual documentaries, ARTE Distribution has won the 2023 Unifrance TV Export Award that recognize the best-selling French documentary worldwide, with THE LASTEST SECRETS OF HIEROGLYPHS by Patrick CABOUAT.