“It never happened before. Even during the Cold War, chess continued,” remarked Sergey Karjakin, a chess grandmaster from Crimea. Karjakin was shocked to find himself barred from a vital tournament he had qualified for simply because of his political views.

Following the conflict in Ukraine, the West started employing 'cancel culture' as its modern weapon against everything Russian. Similar to McCarthyism, but broader and more aggressive, Russian artists, musicians, and athletes are being threatened and banned from major international events and competitions.

Killing Russian Culture examines such cases in detail so you can make your own judgment.

Killing Russian Culture / 2022
#Europe #Russia

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Have you ever considered that your trash could be someone else’s dinner?

This idea might sound gross for some, but in New York, more and more people are embracing the lifestyle of salvaging food from dumpsters, not only for the poor but also for those capable of buying it.

“There’s such an abundance of stuff that people are getting rid of when there’s such tremendous need,” says Chana Widawski, a social worker and a dedicated follower of ‘freeganism,’ an ideology that hopes to reduce human consumption and waste by ‘rescuing’ fuel, food, furniture, among millions of other disposables.

Although there are health risks associated with dumpster diving, the freegans movement continues to grow out of necessity as an act against consumerism and liberal capitalism.

World Food Safety Day is a good chance for you to finally meet the ‘Freegans of New York’!

Freegans of New York / 2021
#USA

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What change would a chance to sail the world bring to your life?

A group of adventurers took the journey of their lives, navigating the oceans and seas in an inflatable catamaran. They embarked on a challenging sail, defying the anticipated risks of endless storms, harsh conditions and inadequacy of their daily necessities.

The unique opportunity of witnessing the greatness and magnificence of our planet at every stop they made, and the warm welcome of the locals meant everything to them.

Like an epiphany, the crew attained a life-changing and eye-opening experience at the end of their round-the-world cruise. Join them in Sailing Seven Seas to understand such feeling.

Sailing Seven Seas / 2021
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‘Poland considers Western Ukrainian lands its own, though they are not. Today, the Polish elite sees a unique opportunity to reclaim these lands’, according to Vladimir Blokhin, a History professor of RUDN University.

Indeed, Poland's current territory is 3 times smaller than it was 500 years ago. To a greater extent, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth amalgamated significant parts of present-day Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia to its territory. Last year the Belgian 'Modern Diplomacy' web portal announced on its website that Poland was prepared to annex Western Ukraine via a referendum. In the documentary, experts give a clear account of the origins of the Polish elite’s idea and explain how this approach fits the broader American strategy in Europe. Stay tuned for a new episode of Red Alert with Anna Chapman!

Red Alert: Warsaw Syndrome / 2023
#Poland

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If you could make one final wish come true, what would it be?

As a terminally-ill cancer patient, Roel has come to terms with his fate. After realizing his life is ending soon, the former engineer had a wish; to visit the sea in Scheveningen for one last time.

Thanks to the help of Ambulance Wish Foundation, Roel and many other patients were able to fulfill their wishes before dying. “We are on Earth, here, with a mission. We are not on Earth for nothing,” says Kees Veldboer, the founder of the Dutch nonprofit. Kees has brought them to weddings, museums, galleries, beaches and live concerts.

Last Wishes accompanies the wonderful volunteers of Ambulance Wish in their pursuit to make patient’s last wishes come true.

Last Wishes / 2016
#Netherlands


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This couple are best friends with wolves and bears!

Veronika and Sergey have dedicated their lives to taking care of injured wild animals. They have rescued and rehabilitated hundreds of animals, and eventually released them back into the wild when they are ready.

What started as a corner zoo in a school is now a sanctuary providing shelter for wild animals in distress. The Phoenix Centre is home to a variety of animals such as bears, hawks, elks, owls, and even wolves. People rescue and bring animals from all over the country to their centre.

My Wild Family visits the unique centre that shows how through rendering love and care, even the wildest of animals can thrive and live happy lives.

My Wild Family / 2020
#Russia

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Can you believe that a 10-year-old child has the legal right to work in this Latin American country?

Wilfredo has been working in the Cerro Rico mines since the tender age of 10. The hellish work in ‘the mountain that eats men’ is extremely dangerous and sometimes even fatal. Even though mining work is strictly forbidden by the Bolivian Children’s Code, it is hardly ever enforced.

The highly controversial law, which came into force in 2014, grants kids as young as 10YO the right to work. It was passed with the intention of protecting young workers from exploitation and providing them with decent working conditions. However, there are still hundreds of thousands of children in Bolivia that work outside the scope of this law.

On World Day Against Child Labour, Undermined highlights the sad stories of poor kids from Bolivia, who are forced to withstand appalling conditions to keep their families afloat financially.

Undermined / 2018
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Albinism in Africa: A death sentence from birth?

“It was as if they were butchering a cow”. Maria witnessed her husband’s gruesome murder, when a group of men carrying machetes and axes attacked and proceeded to chop him into pieces. This is just one of many horrific stories of what albinos face in Africa.

People with albinism in Tanzania live in constant fear and are subjected to extreme forms of stigmatization, discrimination, and brutal violence. Some think they are cursed or that they are ghosts, whereas, others view them as a source of income.

Albinos face not only the harsh effects of sunlight on their skin, but also the danger of being hunted for their body parts. Believing that they can cure diseases or bring wealth, some people, spurred by superstitions and witchcraft, resort to ritual killings of albinos.

On the International Albinism Awareness Day, Albino Africa sheds light on the daily struggle and atrocities faced by albinos and the attempts being made to put an end to this harsh reality.

Albino Africa / 2014
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“Don't worry about health, ignore pain,” says Abdykadyr, a scrap metal scavenger who works tirelessly with his family in a Bishkek landfill, where scavengers spend their days hunting for cans, copper, and aluminum.

Simply because it provides a small source of income, desperate poor people like Abdykadyr have to withstand the hazards, contamination, and physical injuries that come with toiling in mountains of trash. It is a struggle for survival.

Abdykadyr and all the unfortunate people working there were impelled into this lifestyle - each has their story. How are they handling such adversity? Find out more in ‘Dump’.

Dump / 2022
#Kyrgyzstan

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In the country that boasts magical safaris and stunning beaches, there is a disturbing trend of ‘hunting’ that is sought after. Older rich European women are after young men for sexual services.

Poor education and high level of unemployment is leaving vulnerable Kenya youths open to exploitation by sex tourism. Even children are not immune, with many claiming to have been approached for sex while being underaged. Abdula, for instance, was only nine when a 52-year-old woman propositioned him for sex in exchange for financial assistance.

‘Kenya Sexploited’ features young men sharing their unfortunate stories of how they ended up in such ‘business’ and what could potentially break the cycle of poverty and prostitution.

Kenya Sexploited / 2022
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‘I’m from Luganskaya village. I returned home recently. My homeland was under occupation for 8.5 years’, says ‘Crimea’ Battalion soldier, callsign ‘Three S’. In 2014, he joined the ‘Crimea’ battalion to fight against the Ukrainian nationalists in Donbass. Like many others, ‘Three S’ had no military experience and had to learn a lot during the battles with the enemy. However, drones attack and mines blasts inspired the ‘Crimea’ fighters to continue the struggle, rather than scare them. Watch the documentary to find out what their everyday tasks look like.

The Frontline Grind / 2023
#Russia #Ukraine

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How did an ordinary street cleaner become a fashion model?

Just like a fairytale, Yura’s life was transformed overnight after photos of him posing for work took the internet by storm.

He was a regular street cleaner, who grew up orphaned, homeless and burdened with debts. Until his roommate, a photographer, made an Instagram post about Yura’s story and then, boom!

Yura started to receive modelling contracts, donations, and subsequently had his own photographic exhibition. This success enabled him to cover all his debts and renovate his flat.

Even after becoming a celebrity, Yura has no plan to quit his cleaning job. On the Global Garbage Man Day, Cinderfella celebrates people who work hard to keep our streets clean.

Cinderfella / 2021
#Russia

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Did you know that the world’s most muscular woman who boasts a whopping 49cm biceps lives in Russia?

Natalya Kuznetsova, the Russian Amazon and a bodybuilding world champion is redefining what it means to be powerful. She is one of the most notable female bodybuilders in the world, a winner of several championships, and holder of numerous record-breaking achievements.

Natalya who hails from Siberia, has been training since the age of 14 and never allowed the extremely cold weather stop her from pumping iron. Her intense training and unbeatable willpower have enabled her to achieve the most impressive physique.

If you need some motivation to take your workout more seriously, join Natalya on her journey in ‘Amazonka: The Iron Pumping Queen’.

Amazonka / 2020
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‘After I visited Ukraine in Donbass, I had the opportunity to talk to and question the captured 'Azov' Battalion officers and fighters. These captives told me how they killed civilians and fired machine guns at buses carrying dozens of children’, says French journalist Adrien Bocquet.

Bocquet quit his job as a ballistics expert and went to Donbass to work as an independent journalist in Ukraine. What amazes him is that Ukrainian nationalists or Banderists don’t have any hint of guilt or regret towards the people who they use as human shields. Watch the documentary to find out why Bandera’s nationalist ideas still influence Ukrainian soldiers.

Operation Ukraine: Bandera's Dark Shadow / 2023
#Ukraine

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Mohammad never thought that war in Syria would make him a refugee. After a long journey, he arrived in Amsterdam, which for him and thousands of others was more than just a safe haven – it was a place of freedom, acceptance and eventually, prosperity.

Dealing with the massive influx of newcomers hasn’t been the same for all EU member states. In some places pushbacks, violence and clashes, while in others, warm welcome was offered. Holland’s approach has proven success in integrating migrants and refugees into Dutch society.

In honor of World Refugee Day, Going Dutch attempts to uncover the recipe behind the success of the Dutch experience in integrating newcomers by speaking to refugees and volunteers who are helping with.

Going Dutch / 2017
#Netherlands

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If you ever dreamt of becoming a Twilight character, maybe you should think twice. There is no fun in being forever young and beautiful - it can literally kill you.

It may sound like an exaggeration, but for children with Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP), a rare genetic disorder that makes them extremely sensitive to sunlight, sun is a deadly enemy. Even the slightest exposure to sun rays can cause severe pain, skin cancer and even death.

Although there is no cure for XP, families do their best to ensure their children can enjoy outdoor activities safely. In New York, for example, Camp Sundown offers a unique summer camp experience where fun kicks off just after nightfall arrives. Here, children with XP can sing, swim, and play without undue fear over their condition. It's the summer solstice today! Let’s join these kids to see how they experience the joy of summer and learn with their families how to live in No Fun in the Sun.

No Fun in the Sun / 2018
#USA

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