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
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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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‘On our former land, which was very good for the farm, there are white people’s farms now,’ says Joseph Hanse, a farmer from Namibia. During the colonisation of Namibia, Joseph’s family fled to Botswana and left their fertile land. This was part of the massive genocide carried out by Germans in 1904-1908.

Over this period, almost 3/4 of Herero and 1/3 of Nama people were killed. Decades later, when indigenous farmers started to come back, their land were already occupied by white farmers. Joseph’s family just as many other victims, couldn’t choose their preferred settlements and had to start their life from scratch on rocky terrains.

Today, thousands of Namibians dream of getting justice and hope that someday they will get reparations for the grave sufferings their forefathers were subjected to.

Namibia: Pain to Pay For / 2023
#Namibia

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In Benin, parents voluntarily send daughters to Voodoo convents in the belief it will appease spirits in cases of illness or bad luck. The girls are given new names and forbidden to use old clothes, or speak their native language. They miss out on education, and release ceremonies cost $50, unaffordable for most.

If you want to learn more about the mysterious Voodoo religion and listen to stories of voodoo priests, local kings, and children of Benin, check out "Voodoo Brides".

Voodoo Brides (2022)
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"In fact, the West invested in creating a terrorist network, which was meant to serve the West, not just in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but also beyond its borders," believes

Jevad Galiyashevich, an expert in Social Relations and Counter-Terrorism. Jevad explains why the Bosnian war became a turning point in the growth of global jihad. Amidst this war, thousands of Serbs confronted the threat of execution at the hands of Mujahedeen. However, those responsible for these crimes were never brought to justice.

Instead, foreign mercenaries who took part in the conflict were granted citizenship of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Watch the documentary to find out why it happened and who benefited from these events.

Bosnia and Herzegovina: European jihad / 2023
#BosniaHerzegovina

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How can you tell whether it's really your 'bank representative' on the line, or just a cunning scammer?

The rise of online services has led scammers to move their operations online as well, resulting in an estimated $30 billion in phone fraud damage in the US in 2021. Among their deceptive tactics, posing as bank employees or online-store managers has become alarmingly common, luring unsuspecting individuals into surrendering their credit card details under false pretences.

While some bloggers record conversations with scammers to make fun of them, this can be dangerous as scammers may recognize and threaten them. Despite the risks, these types of blogs are popular among those who enjoy seeing fraudsters punished.

Cyberscammers / 2022
#World

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Dr. Erik Jennings is on a mission to help the indigenous tribes of Brazil living in the Amazon rainforest.

It can take several hours for people living in the Amazon forests to reach the closest medical facilities and, occasionally, doctors opt to travel to the settlements themselves. Dr. Jennings is a neurosurgeon with roots in the region who is determined to provide assistance to these tribes and preserve the Amazon rainforest.

To celebrate his priceless efforts, let’s watch the film Jungle M.D., which showcases his one-of-a-kind journey.

Jungle M.D. / 2017
#Brazil

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Jarat Chopra is on a quest to return his ancestor's sword to India. It was taken as a spoil of war by the British Empire back in 1849. This British-Indian man believes that only the repatriation of the family treasures will resolve the effects of history on his family.

Since the 18th century, British colonizers were looting Indian natural resources, including diamonds, artifacts, and shrines, and exporting them to their own country. The native peoples were often poorly treated throughout this process.

India was one of the richest nations in the world before the British rule. The colonization of India led to poverty and starvation. In August 15, 1947, India was finally freed from British colonial authority.

Looted India: Cost of an Empire / 2023
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While AI is often thought of as a new technology, the concept has been around since the 1950s. Eduard Letskiy was one of the first scientists to set out on a mission to teach machines how to think. He educated multiple generations of researchers who have come closer to this goal than ever before. Discover the roots of AI, tracing its inception to the cutting-edge advancements of today. Uncover how the first robots were developed back in the 1950s and explore the groundbreaking discoveries that have revolutionised the industry. As AI continues to reshape industries and redefine the way we work, what are the advantages and potential dangers for our future?

Directed by Neural Network / 2023
#World

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Wearing a suit, turban and armed with a pistol, Bibi Hokmeena still considers herself a woman but doesn’t embrace her femininity. Raised by a village elder, the "Woman King" fights for women's rights in Afghanistan and serves as a local justice officer. Having waged jihad, fighting alongside her brothers, she carried on with her father's legacy. Despite not fitting Western feminist ideals, her story highlights the intricate interplay of tradition and activism in her community.

The Afghan Woman King / 2021
#Afghanistan

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Leith's entire family was killed before his eyes during the war in Syria.

Years after the tragedy, one wonders if time has helped Leith heal from the immense trauma he experienced and whether the country could provide comfort and reassurance to children like him who are struggling to cope with the aftermath of the conflict…

Syria: The Story of One Tragedy / 2021
#Syria

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