BLACK BOX, THE

Like planes, sometimes human beings also crash. When a plane crashes and passengers and crew are killed, rescuers search for the black box to explain the disaster.

In this new documentary series we delve into the dramatic, fateful stories we sometimes notice in the newspaper headlines or on TV news bulletins; and we try to find out what went wrong.

The series uses sympathetic investigative journalism to find the causes of some of the great tragic enigmas of our day so that we may learn from them and perhaps avoid repetitions.

The Kim Mystery

In August 2000 an all persons bulletin was issued for sixteen-year-old Kim René Pedersen from the tiny Baltic island of Bornholm, wanted for the murder of his aunty. Everybody was shocked; Kim was a clever, popular boy. What had gone wrong? Through interviews with his relatives, friends and teachers we chart Kim’s life from his early childhood in Rønne until he was found in Sweden a week after he had killed his aunty.

The Poul Mystery

In November 1999 Haslev, a small town not far from Copenhagen, witnessed a family drama that shook the entire Danish police force. Respected DCI Poul Dinesen killed his beloved wife. How could a police officer be responsible for one of the worst crimes a human being can commit? Why did Poul kill the love of his life?

The Willy Mystery

Willy Strube was one of the most powerful men in Denmark, and the charismatic trade union boss was famous throughout the country. But in October 2001 he committed suicide, the tragic culmination of a story of fraud at the top of the second biggest trade union in Denmark. How could a man who had dedicated a lifetime to fighting for the little man end up abusing his members’ funds? Was it this revelation alone that drove him to take such a drastic step?

The Rudi Mystery

Early one morning in March 1997 42-year-old Rudi Jensen killed his 45-year-old wife and their 19-year-old daughter in their sleep. Then he went out to the garage and hanged himself.

In the last decade more than ten Danish children have been murdered because their fathers could not get their heads round divorce. Every time it happens we are horrified and ask the question: how could he?

1st Prize Winner TV FESTIVAL 2006 – best documentary series
The jury said: “That’s how you make the private universal and the universal to actual drama”

The Black Box gained an amazing share of 55 percent in prime-time in Denmark

Also available as format: THE BLACK BOX

Release year:

2006

Director:

Lisa Klit & Jesper Clemmensen.

Running length:

4 x 42 minutes

Production company:

Selskabet ApS for TV2 Danmark

 

Categories:

• People & Culture