For many centuries, the rose has been the subject of myths and legends the
world over. In medieval England, people have even fought wars in the name of the rose -
the red rose of Lancaster against the white rose of York. No flower had a stronger
symbolic impact than the rose, and none is more popular at present.
Our documentary features the creation of a floral megastar. In collaboration with some of
the world´s foremost rose authorities (such as the creator of the English Rose, David
Austin), we tell the story of the first cultured flower of mankind. Powerful myths are
accompanying the rose through the centuries: in ancient Rome, in Cleopatra´s Egypt, in
medieval Christianity and in the Romantic Period. The documentary explains the roots of
these myths as well as their effects.
Shooting will take place in rose gardens all over Europe, as well as in other athmospheric
locations like the magnificent town of York, one of the central theatres in the historic
War of the Roses. Furthermore, we will be visiting Turkey´s Isparta, where tons of roses
are harvested every year to manufacture the precious rose oil, and the trading halls in
Dutch Aalsmeer, next to Amsterdam Airport. There, 10.000 people are working at the
world´s biggest trading point for cut roses - the major battlefield in the present days´
real "war of the rose."
Planned Episodes (2 X 30 mins.)
1. The Rose - History and Myths
2. The Rose - Tough Business
© VIDICOM Media Productions
Dr. Peter Bardehle - Hofweg 49 - 22085 Hamburg - Germany
Phone: +49 40 222 133 / Fax: +49 40 2271 5757