ENlightenment
The rheon path
A dystopian series dispo
In Post-EU superstate Futura, Rene has to decide whether to follow his Christian familys' traditions or join the radical religious cult ruling the country.
How would you react if god appeared on earth?
Genre:
Drama, DystopiaLength:
45 minutes/ Episode
8 Episodes/SeasonLanguage:
English, German
2035. Futura
A new superstate arose from the ashes of the European Union. The Union collapsed in a brutal civil war against the global political system, which had failed to solve impotence. The disease that punished a sinful society with its dead newborns.
A crisis of faith and religious exclusivism
The civil war was led by social activists, who called themselves communitists and had their brutal leader, “The Blessed Mother”. When He saw that His perfect creation was tussling and on the brink of abolition, the Rheon came to the Earth.The Rheon called Himself the one true god, the messiah of the people who believed in Him. He spread the word of a world where everyone can be equal, loved and happy, a world where everyone belongs to one community family.
historical memory and modern ideology
The countries tried to regulate the new religion, but the EU couldn’t reach a common commitment in time, leading to divisions among member countries. In some countries, nationalism escalated, and they chased the communists. The first countries to officially accept the new religion were fighting for a stronger European Union. A civil war broke out between the communists and conservatives in Europe, ending with the communists' victory and the formation of the post-European superstate, the Futura.
individual identity in a restrictive society
In Futura, people are officially free to choose which religion to follow, but soon only the enlightened are allowed to work, vote, and participate in communities. The enlightened ones live in communities governed by the religion's morals. People in communities have complete freedom, but must meet communitist standards. They work for the community, receive its benefits, and live in complete safety guaranteed by the Rheon.
How can you be free in a society that traps you?
Seven years after his brother's bloody birth, René gets caught on the Polish border. He left his father, grandmother, and boyfriend behind to fulfil the dream of seeing his mother again and tried to escape Germany before the end of the civil war. The German government fell, the 'Blessed mother' took over control of the country and no one is allowed to cross the border anymore.A new era starts in Europe. 2035. The first year of the communitist empire: the Futura. The country in which one of the inhabitants is the one true god. The Rheon, who is without actual power, is the most powerful being on Earth. The Rheon offers something that no one could before: potency, love, and a future for children.René felt trapped in Futura, along with his father and grandmother, and his mother wasn't there when she was most needed. She wasn't there when the world changed, and she wasn't there when René came out and everyone was against him. Yet, René doesn't know right from wrong and hides behind the portrayal of his mother and all the challenges that come with the world changing.
acceptance and success within a conformist society
The Rheon offered a new life, where everyone could be themselves. A world where RENÉ could work and enjoy enormous benefits as a graduate and take a role in the system. His goal is to show the world what he can achieve, to prove himself to everyone who doesn't believe in him. RENÉ struggles with himself and thinks he must decide whether his empathetic half - the one that wants to preserve the past and save people in need - or the rebellious one - that hallucinates of taking revenge - is his real self.
The current state of the project
Shot in August and September across 10 locations with more than 60 people involved, the pilot is currently in post-production with a planned festival run in early summer of 2026. This pilot episode is a proof of concept, aiming to secure funding for a full season.
A full season treatment is currently in development, and we're searching for producers for an upcoming series.
Who we are
Robin Csodó
Writer, director of the pilot
In 2019, he completed his screenwriting studies at the NeoArt Film Academy in Hungary. He has published two books. From the end of 2020 to the autumn of 2021, he worked for Offener Kanal Wettin as part of the ESC program. Besides filmmaking, he is passionate about teaching and supporting young people. After returning to his home country, he participated in various events to promote the ESC and other EU programs among his generation. His passion lies not only in communicating values through his films but also in giving young people the opportunity to develop and express their ideas about our world. His first feature-length movie, 'Silent Tears', premiered in a Hungarian cinema in February 2024. In 2026, he graduated from Macromedia University in Berlin with a degree in film directing.
Pavel Penev
Writer, director of the pilot
Pavel Penev comes from Bulgaria and moved to Berlin (Germany) to study at Macromedia University. Before that, he worked for the video production of the improv theater “andundpfirsich” in Switzerland from autumn 2021 to summer 2022.Pavel has experience in production not only from student projects but also from his work at “Solent Film”, one of the largest production companies in Bulgaria. In the summer of 2022, he was able to help with advertising productions with more than 60 people on set. There he learned how complex a professional production is.Pavel's goal is to return home at some point to make his mark on the local film industry. His passion lies in storytelling. He believes that films have the power to change opinions and values. “With the right tools and know-how, you can convey any perspective to anyone, no matter which side of the fence you're on.”In 2026, he graduated from Macromedia University in Berlin with a degree in film directing.
Jan-Eriq Maaß
Director of Photography
I've been making films since I could hold a camera. What began as a childhood fascination became my vocation over time. During my film directing studies in Berlin and my self-employment as a filmmaker, I have realized projects ranging from documentary home movies to creative, narrative concepts.With my production company Optimaass Film, I develop high-quality image films, documentaries and commercials from the initial idea to the final realization. My biggest project so far, the Heimatfilm Mein Varel, was created over three years and was received with great enthusiasm. But my focus goes far beyond regional stories. I love creating visually strong narratives that convey emotions and stay in the memory.