EXCLUSIVE: ZDF Studios has acquired international distribution rights to Black Fruit (Schwarze Früchte), the buzzy debut series from actor-writer Lamin Leroy Gibba. 

A co-production between Jünglinge Film, Studio Zentral, and ARD Degeto, Black Fruit debuted at last year’s Tribeca Film Festival before a highly-publicized release on ARD in Germany. 

Set in contemporary Hamburg, the series follows the journey of mid-twenty Lalo (Gibba) as he grapples with the sudden loss of his father, embarking on a tumultuous path of impulsive decisions that reverberate through his life and those around him. Alongside his ambitious best friend Karla, Lalo strives to define his identity amidst societal pressures and personal struggles. The show is one of the first serial productions in Germany to chronicle the lives of Queer people of color. 

Gibba stars in the series and also serves as the showrunner. Writers on the show include Sophia Ayissi, Naomi Kelechi Odhiambo, Lisa Tracy Michalik, and Sarah Claire Wray. The wider cast features Melodie Simina, Vanessa Yeboah, Benjamin Radjaipour, Daniel Hernandez, Nick Romeo Reimann, Simon Kluth, Thapelo Mashiane, Christine Rollar, Sheri Hagen, Jerry Kwarteng, and more. Elisha Smith-Leverock and David Uzochukwu directed the eight-episode series. 

The series EP credits include Faraz Shariat, Paulina Lorenz, and Lasse Scharpen. Producers are Raquel Dukpa and Olivia Kpaleté. The show had funding from MOIN Film Fund Hamburg Schleswig-Holstein.

Gibba is a German-based writer and actor. Black Fruit is his debut series. He co-produced, wrote, and starred in the 2022 short Dogfriend, which screened at Tribeca. He studied acting at the New School in New York. 

Black Fruit screens at the upcoming BFI Flare film festival.