Austrian Crime Drama “The Silence of the Donkeys” Wins Prestigious Award
The Austrian country crime drama “The Silence of the Donkeys” has added another accolade to its already impressive list. The film, the third installment in a popular ORF series, was recently awarded the “Best Television Film 2024” prize at the TeleVisionale Film and Series Festival Baden-Baden.
Continued Success for a Regional Hit
ORF program director Stefanie Groiss-Horowitz expressed her delight at the win, stating: “The renewed award for our country crime series is impressive evidence of the strength and appeal of regional stories. The success shows that as a public broadcaster we can successfully build a bridge between regional authenticity and international relevance. My thanks go to the talented authors, directors and actors who make all of this possible with their skills and creativity.”
“The Silence of the Donkeys” follows on the heels of an extremely successful run for the series, which premiered in January with an average of 750,000 viewers and a 25 percent market share. Written, directed by, and starring Karl Markovics, the film has garnered critical acclaim and audience adoration.
More Rural Crime Thrills on ORF
Following the success of “Steirergift,” which premiered on ORF 1 on November 26th with an average of 811,000 viewers, ORF will continue to captivate audiences with more gripping tales set against the backdrop of Austria’s diverse landscapes. On December 3rd, “The Dead Man in the Gorge” starring Patricia Aulitzky and Dominik Raneburger, will premiere on ORF 1, with a preview on ORF ON on December 2nd. A week later, Hary Prinz and Anna Unterberger take on another rural mystery in a new “Styrian Murder” case with Tobias Moretti playing the role of the murdered fiancé’s father.
The family of the victim falls under suspicion as the storyline calls upon the investigative talents of Prinz and Unterberger. Finally, Maria Hofstätter stars as a retired investigator from the State Criminal Police Office in Upper Austria, who gets involved in a case when a young policewoman is murdered in no man’s land between Austria and the Czech Republic. The thrilling mystery will premiere on ORF 1 on December 17th and become available on ORF ON on December 16th.
What award did “The Silence of the Donkeys” win at the TeleVisionale Film and Series Festival Baden-Baden?
## Interview: “The Silence of the Donkeys” Takes Home Another Prize
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Joining us today is Stefanie Groiss-Horowitz, program director at ORF, to talk about the latest win for the hit Austrian crime drama “The Silence of the Donkeys.” Stephanie, congratulations on this exciting achievement!
**Stefanie Groiss-Horowitz:** Thank you so much! We’re thrilled that “The Silence of the Donkeys” has been recognized once again with the “Best Television Film 2024” award at the TeleVisionale Film and Series Festival Baden-Baden.
**Host:** This is another feather in the cap for a show that’s clearly resonating with audiences. Can you tell us a little bit about what makes “The Silence of the Donkeys” so successful?
**Stefanie Groiss-Horowitz:** I think it’s the unique blend of captivating storytelling, stunning Austrian landscapes, and compelling characters. It’s a show that truly offers something for everyone. The combination of mystery, humor, and heartwarming moments seems to hit the right note with viewers.
**Host:** And this is the third installment in the series, correct?
**Stefanie Groiss-Horowitz:** That’s right. It’s wonderful to see this continued success for a regional hit. “The Silence of the Donkeys” has proven that Austrian storytelling has a lot to offer on an international stage.
**Host:** Absolutely! Well, congratulations again on this well-deserved win, Stefanie. We wish you and the entire team behind “The Silence of the Donkeys” all the best for future success.
**Stefanie Groiss-Horowitz:** Thank you so much.
