‘They were performing clinical trials on unsuspecting people here’, says Investigative journalist and former US marine, John Dougan, after visiting one of US-sponsored biolaboratories in Donbass. He launched his investigation shortly after the United States government once again denied that its laboratories ever existed in Ukraine.

John collects locals’ stories and videos to fight the powerful Western propaganda narrative. What evidence has he found for the secret experiments conducted by Ukrainian scientists under Pentagon supervision?

Biological Warfare Department / 2023
#Ukraine

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The meditating body of Lama Itigelov is incorruptible nearly a century after death.

Dashi-Dorzho Itigilov, a Buddhist leader in Buryatia, achieved nirvana almost 100 years ago and was buried in the lotus pose. When his body was exhumed decades later, it had not decayed or mummified. The 12th Pandito Khambo Lama is now considered to be alive and worshipped by many who seek his blessing.

Was it a miracle that his body didn’t decay all this time or is there a scientific explanation for this phenomenon?

Miracle Monk / 2022
#Russia

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What is it like to find oneself directly under the fire of an enemy tank? The fighters of Storm Cossack Battalion "Crimea" know this firsthand. From daring missions of locating enemy's firing positions to the everyday battles, they fearlessly navigate the frontlines. At the moment, these bravehearts hold and control the strategic town of Vasilyevka in Zaporozhye.

To capture the Cossacks’ daily work, the cameraman had to spend several days with the Crimea battalion. He even joined the fighters during one of their missions. What does an actual battle look like? Where do the fighters find such courage? How do they cope with the loss of their comrades?

Cossacks in Combat / 2023
#Russia

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The young boy who made real-life Wall-E from e-waste is now a distinguished scientist in Bolivia.

Self-taught Esteban Quispe Churata, was a teenager when he gained recognition for his talent in creating robots using e-waste. He focuses on using retrieved and recycled components to make his inventions eco-friendly. One of his notable creations is a real-life version of Wall-E, a Pixar animated film.

Esteban was determined to pursue his passion for building robots. How did he start and what inspired him?

Roboboy / 2017
#Bolivia

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Martin was looking for treatment for his haemophilia, but instead caught HIV after taking an NHS-approved prenoscription.

He was one of thousands who were infected in the 1970s and 1980s. Back then, the NHS introduced a new drug called ‘Factor 8’, which promised to make life easier for haemophiliacs, thus allowing them to self-medicate at home. Unfortunately, it was later discovered that the drug, which was imported from the US, was made using blood from paid donors, including inmates and drug users, resulting in the infection of numerous haemophiliacs.

Survivors and their relatives have fought for the truth to come out, and a national inquiry into the contaminated blood scandal has been launched to give them the answers they seek.

Bad Blood / 2019
#UK

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A shift on a "bear patrol," a visit to the Amur tiger rehabilitation center, and helping restore Saker babies to their nests. These are some of the daily activities of wildlife enthusiasts.

What level of efforts are dedicated conservationists putting in saving endangered animals worldwide?

On International Tiger Day, let’s celebrate wildlife with the unique footage of ‘Freed to Be Wild’.

Freed to Be Wild / 2020
#Russia

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Have you ever wondered how Arctic explorers manage to stay alive and operate on drifting ice floes?

Since 1937, Russian scientists have been studying the Arctic region while residing on drifting ice stations to gather essential data. However, melting ice cover due to rising temperatures has made it difficult for missions to fine carried out while atop ice floes without a support vessel nearby.

Lately, researchers have been trying out a new experimental ‘Ship and ice’ polar station, which will allow people to work largely on the ice but retreat to the safety of a ship ‘wedged’ into the ice floe when needed. This new approach will enable the researchers to continue their work despite the changing climatic conditions in the Arctic region.

Going with the Floe / 2019
#Arctic

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The villagers of Indonesia’s Semunying Jaya found themselves facing a relentless battle against palm oil giants to reclaim their rainforest.

The once-thriving community relied on the forest for their livelihoods, but in 2004, the government initiated a land grab, allowing companies to replace the rainforest with oil palm plantations. Furthermore, the use of pesticides has poisoned the environment, making it impossible for the villagers to cultivate crops, consequently leading to a decline in wildlife. Determined to fight for their rights, the villagers have joined forces with NGOs and environmental organisations, taking the legal steps to reclaim their land.

The palm oil producers have refused to pay imposed fines or repair the damages to the rainforest years after the court ruled against them.

Spoils of Destruction / 2018
#Indonesia

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Would you give up having children because of climate change?

Environmental concerns and reluctant parenting are just some of the reasons why the childfree lifestyle is gaining popularity.

Leilani and her husband Craig are examples of the growing childfree movement, which involves people who have made a deliberate choice not to have children. The decline of a traditional family model and the availability of modern contraceptive methods have made it possible for couples to forgo parenthood without social stigma. However, some still view the decision as selfish.

But is it really possible to live a completely childfree life? On International Childfree Day, we bring the film ‘Kidless’ to highlight the issue.

Kidless / 2019
#USA

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Do you know who is the richest man in our history, Mansa Musa? In fact, he was the ruler of Mali in the 14th century. During his reign, Mali was one of the richest kingdoms of Africa with his empire occupying a vast territory that spread from Nigeria to the coast of Senegal. However, the colonial period put an end to the wealth of the continent. Today, Mali is among the 25 poorest countries in the world, while France has the third largest gold reserves. How did that happen? Will modern Malians succeed to resist French influence and reclaim their rich cultural heritage?

Mali: Au Revoir, France / 2023
#Mali

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One million lives were lost in the genocide of Rwanda in 1994, leaving women as the majority of the surviving population.

In the wake of this, women have been instrumental in rebuilding the country and promoting women's rights. Progress has been made, with women now holding leadership positions and having the right to inherit from their parents. However, many women, particularly those who are poor and uneducated, still face challenges in proving their worth and challenging cultural expectations, and exposure to domestic violence.

Rwanda, or "the land of equal rights," as the locals refer to it, is currently one of the world's leading pro-women nations.

Rwanda. Women in Charge / 2018
#Rwanda

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"It wasn't me who waged war against them [Ukrainian military]. It was them who sent their troops here. Why should I leave?" A resident of Slavyansk shared in a 2014 interview. Despite relentless bombings by Ukrainian forces, locals refused to abandon their city and formed a militia to defend their homeland. However, they stood no chance against the heavy artillery that the Ukrainian army used to pummel residential areas.

Only in 2022, with the start of the Russian special military operation, the Donbass militia finally had a chance to free their motherland. In the past year, local fighters and Russian forces liberated half of the Donbass towns devastated by Ukrainian shelling, bringing displaced residents closer to returning home.

How soon will the people of Slavyansk be able to do the same and forget about the nightmarish shelling that has persisted for 9 years?

The Road to Slavyansk / 2023
#Donbass

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Often referred to as the 'Venice of China', Fenghuang or 'Phoenix City' is renowned for its beautiful houses perched on stilts along the riverbank, and ancient boats drifting down the canals.

This picturesque ancient town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its traditional stone homes, upturned Chinese roofs, and charming bridges. While taking in the sights of skilled batik makers and traditional silver jewellers, visitors can enjoy the relaxed charm of the area.

The town appears to have been frozen in history, as if protected by the wings of a Phoenix, defying the passage of time.

City of The Phoenix / 2021
#China

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After the tragic death of her parents, Kristina became the guardian of her five younger siblings at just 19 years old.

Dropping out of college, she moved back to the village to run the family farm and take care of her family. Kristina's days are filled with household chores, looking after the farm animals, and taking care of her siblings. Her story went viral on the internet, attracting letters, gifts, and money from people across the country and beyond. Despite numerous romantic overtures, Kristina's focus remains on her family.

On Sister’s Day, let’s celebrate Kristina's devotion and the power of the family bond.

Big Sister / 2019
#Russia

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Seventy years after the first atomic bomb was dropped on Japan, survivors are still haunted by their memories and the human toll of the bombings is still felt until this day. Over 300 thousand Japanese lost their lives.

The real reasons behind the US decision to drop nuclear bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki remains a subject of controversy among historians, 78 years after the tragedy. Declassified documents suggest that the strikes were not necessary for military purposes but may have been intended to intimidate the Soviet Union.

What would have happened if the US had bombed the USSR instead? Most likely millions of lives would have been lost.

Atomic Message (2015)
#Japan

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Tarantino would surely be impressed by this babushka if he knew of her skills and accomplishments!

Galina, a Russian granny, has become a worldwide sensation as a knife-throwing champion. Despite starting her career at the age of 56, Galina has won over 50 noscripts, including European and World Championships. At 68 years old, she is still inspiring others with her passion and dedication, proving that age is just a number.

Granny Blade / 2021
#Russia

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