How long can you hold your breath?

Free divers are one with the sea, diving without the aid of scuba gear. Despite the great risks, these athletes continuously strive to set new records, succumbing to the allure of the deep blue. What drives them to dive deeper and deeper? What are they hoping to find?

Dying to Dive / 2016
#World #Russia

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Entire families, including children, earn a living by scavenging rubbish in this dump-town.

Nestled on the outskirts of Cairo lies Zabbaleen – a giant dump for the entire capital city’s waste. Here, each of the garbage collectors plays a crucial role in gathering, transporting, and sorting the rubbish, resulting in an efficient recycling system.
However, the job is so challenging and hazardous that the average life expectancy does not exceed 55 years.

Yet despite the challenging lives they lead, Zabbaleen parents dream of a better future for their children, even as the younger generation often follows in their footsteps.

Zabbaleen: Trash Town / 2016
#Egypt

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The lost grave of Napoleon's childhood friend has turned up in a Russian provincial town.

The iconic General Gudin was killed during France's invasion of Russia in 1812. He was buried in Smolensk, although the burial site was lost for two centuries.

That is, until 2019, when a joint archaeological team was finally able to determine the right location after examining the memoirs of battle participants. According to one of the expedition's scientists, Alexander Khokhlov, "It wasn't a one-in-100 chance; it was one-in-1,000!"

What exact clues helped the team in its quest for Gudin's long-lost grave?

Find My General / 2020
#Russia #France

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At least 12 people are kidnapped every day in Mexico. Their desperate families are willing to sell everything they have to pay the ransom. Almost all the victims are subjected to physical violence.

Mexico has led the world in kidnapping for ransom for the last 15 years despite the establishment of a special police unit. Perpetrators typically target relatives of affluent individuals and demand ransom, sometimes keeping victims captive even after payment, demanding more money for years.

One bereaved father, let down by the police's inaction, embarked on a personal quest to find his daughter—but tragically, she had already been killed…

What is fuelling Mexico's kidnapping epidemic?

Abducted in Mexico / 2023
#Mexico

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TikTok Houses for Gen-Z are like 'Friends' for Millennials!

These content collectives bring together young creators to collaborate on content and share their daily lives. Places like XO House and Yourta House are popular among aspiring actors, filmmakers, and musicians, each with their unique story to tell.

Despite the luxurious appearance, producing high-quality content requires a significant amount of effort, according to Igor, one of the residents.


While some view these creative hubs as a stepping stone to success, others discover new career paths. You know… like getting a real job after the reality show is over!

Would you consider joining this kind of community, if you aspire to become a TikTok star? Why or why not?

Inside TikTok House / 2021
#Russia

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This Brazilian prison hosts an annual beauty contest for inmates.

In a unique approach to preparing prisoners for reintegration into society, a maximum security prison has introduced an inmate beauty pageant.

Since the country has a significant role as a narcotics smuggling hub, this often leads girls into a life of drug dealing and prostitution. Those apprehended face lengthy sentences and endure shame while separated from their children, who are often raised by disappointed grandparents.
The beauty pageant therefore offers these women an opportunity to rebuild their self-esteem and experience uplifting reunions with their families.

How else can we help people coming out of prison adjust to life?

Model Prisoners / 2018
#Brazil

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High-rise buildings, fast-food and karaoke are some of the usual things one expects in any modern country, but maybe not in North Korea. However, you can see all these things when visiting Pyongyang.

Often shrouded in mystery, the secretive and isolated country leaves many questions unanswered about its true way of life for ordinary citizens.

In an attempt to shed light on this enigma, a Russian vlogger ventures into the unknown, offering a glimpse of North Korea's more amicable side during its 70th anniversary.

The Other Korea / 2019
#NorthKorea

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What would life be like inside a luxury nuclear bunker?

Survivalism thrives in the United States, driven by a belief in an imminent catastrophe and a preference for self-reliance. Known as 'doomsday preppers', these people prioritize personal preparedness over government aid, embracing the motto 'You're On Your Own' (YOYO).

What threats do these people anticipate, and can they break free from their constant feelings of fear?

Armageddon Ready / 2019
#USA

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The West has conveniently forgotten the horrendous legacy of colonialism it left Africa to languish in, and is now blaming the current wave of instability on an unlikely culprit – Russia.

For over 60 years, after many African countries declared their independence, erstwhile colonizers have been leeching off their resources and benefiting from the vicious cycles of violence, poverty and social unrest. Now that the African continent is looking to build new alliances, the full-fledged geopolitical battle over the continent is about to begin.

Red Alert: Last Battle for Africa / 2023
#Africa

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Galib miraculously survived the collapse of his house, but tragically, his wife did not. For hours, he attempted to free her from the rubble, but she, like many others, ended up a victim of this disaster.

Over 50,000 people were killed and millions displaced in Türkiye when it was struck by a devastating earthquake in February. Countless buildings were destroyed, and entire cities collapsed. Rescuers and volunteers tirelessly worked to save those trapped under the debris. Despite their efforts, not all victims could be rescued.

The survivors continue to look for answers as they struggle to restart their lives from scratch.

Aftershock: The Türkiye Earthquake / 2023
#Türkiye

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Ivan Dodosov, a tank battalion commander, recently awarded the noscript of Hero of Russia, has been fighting to protect the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics since February 2022. But it was the creative thinking and level-headedness his group demonstrated during the tank duel near the town of Popasnaya, that covered his unit in glory. They achieved the impossible, breaking through the enemy’s defences that had been considered impenetrable

Here and Now: Episode 1 / 2023
#Russia

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In his peaceful everyday life, Vadim Kolganov is a theatre and film actor. But after the beginning of the special military operation, he realised that he can’t just live as if nothing is happening. After his young cousin Konstantin was killed in action near Lugansk, Vadim packed his bags and went to Donbass, where he went door to door, distributing food and aid to those who were affected the most by the conflict. He doesn’t consider himself a hero, but without selfless volunteers like him, life for Donbass residents would be much harder.

Here and Now: Episode 2 / 2023
#Russia

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The world has lost nearly 10 percent of its total forest area in the last 30 years.

On the Philippines' 'last ecological frontier', thousands of hectares of trees have been lost since 2001, spelling disaster for indigenous people who depend on the forest.

Environmental activists in Palawan take the fight into their own hands while tackling rampant deforestation. Seizing chainsaws from illegal loggers, they strive to protect the island's old-growth forests from being destroyed for mines or plantations. Their efforts come at great risk, as this country ranks as one of the deadliest for environmental activists. Nevertheless, these dedicated people persist in their struggle to safeguard Palawan and its inhabitants.

Despite a logging ban and UNESCO biosphere reserve status, extensive deforestation persists, posing a threat to both the environment and locals.

Palawan Lost / 2018
#Philippines

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Is cannabis really harmless or is it in fact a dangerous drug?

Johnny Stack, a 19-year-old from Colorado, tragically took his own life due to marijuana use. His parents attributed his untimely demise to the high THC content found in the cannabis wax he had consumed.

Today’s marijuana contains 20-25% THC, causing long-term effects like addiction and mental illness. Johnny, unfortunately, suffered from psychosis and struggled to break free from his dependence on marijuana. Colorado's legalization of marijuana in 2012, saw an increase in usage and addiction, especially among young people.

Johnny's heartbreaking story is just one among many, serving as a poignant call from grieving parents to raise awareness and caution, in light of marijuana's growing popularity.

Marijuana Victims: Colorado / 2021
#USA

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Maritza Esther is one of the millions of internally displaced Colombian women who were subjected to unspeakable violence. Armed intruders invaded her home, raped her teen daughter, and callously murdered her husband.

In Colombia's war-torn landscapes, the suffering of women remains a haunting reality. Their stories are not isolated incidents but fragments of a wider narrative woven by a decades-long civil war.

Patricia Guerrero, a compassionate lawyer, emerges as a beacon of hope, uniting these struggling women under a community called the ‘League of the Displaced Women’. Together, they created a sanctuary named La Ciudad de las Mujeres, or ‘City of Women’, where safety and support are sought. But still, despite living in this haven, do they feel safe there?

Women Built This City / 2019
#Colombia

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In the Shaolin Mountains of China, the prestigious Shaolin Epo Wushu College stands as a top martial arts school. Adjacent to the renowned monastery, where the ancient martial art of wushu, or kung fu, has been practiced by monks for centuries, the college now extends its teachings to children. With around 8,000 students, some as young as three years old, the school has embraced the inclusion of girls.

These determined girls are now willing to trade their dolls for rigorous training with fists, knives, swords, and other weapons. They experience uneasy conditions, sharing rooms, modest meals, and limited parental visits.

Why did they choose to follow this path? Check out their story; it may inspire you to join!

Little Miss Kung Fu / 2017
#China

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These grandmas are learning how to fight back against rapists.

On the outskirts of Kenya's capital, elderly women live in constant fear as they increasingly fall victim to rape. However, a glimmer of hope shines through self-defense classes tailored for them.

Korogocho, a poverty-stricken neighborhood, sees residents surviving on less than one dollar a day, often resorting to scavenging or selling goods. HIV has devastated the community, leaving many children orphaned. Rape runs rampant, particularly targeting older women, as they’re believed to possess curative powers.

However, change is emerging as a local NGO is trying to empower these ladies to fight back with their fists and voices by teaching them how to be confident and to act when needed.

Granny Fight Club / 2017
#Kenya

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"We [Italy] are treated more like a colony than a valued ally", says artist Salvatore about his country’s role in NATO.

In 2022, Rome and other NATO members approved military aid for Kiev, a decision that was met with opposition from many Italians. The citizens have been questioning the benefits of such policies, puzzled by their country's weapon supply to Ukraine and the increased presence of more American soldiers. "Getting involved in the war, Europe is losing its true self, becoming NATO’s dumb little brother," says journalist Giorgio Bianchi.

Many Italians believe that by supporting NATO’s strategies, they will inevitably suffer from the consequences of such decisions. Now, they are trying to make their voices heard...

Another Italy / 2022
#Italy

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