Imagine if the family you believed was yours had actually abducted you…

The victims of Argentina's military dictatorship discovered a devastating truth: their families and identities were part of a cruel conspiracy. With the help of their natural grandmothers' tireless efforts, they reclaimed their true identities. These children, whose biological parents were among the "disappeared" activists, now face the challenge of living as their authentic selves. While their past remains painful, they are determined to embrace their newfound freedom and self-discovery, guided by the unwavering dedication that brought them their true identities.

Argentina's Stolen Children / 2015
#Argentina

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Why are many women in Kyrgyzstan tragically compelled to wed their abductors?

The deeply rooted custom of Ala Kachuu, or "grab and run," entails young men forcibly abducting girls and coercing them into marriage. The pursuit of gender equality and human rights for girls in Kyrgyzstan is complicated by traditional norms. Despite the efforts of human rights advocates to impose a ten-year sentence for kidnappers, these girls frequently endure humiliation at the hands of their families, communities, and even the authorities.

How can this pervasive issue be effectively tackled?

Stolen Brides, Stolen Lives / 2021
#Kyrgyzstan

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'Since World War II, the United States has fostered extremist anti-Russian prejudices and hatreds among the Ukrainian diaspora in at least Canada, the United States, and countries in Eastern Europe.

Probably, everywhere in the world,' states American politician Geoff Young. While sifting through declassified CIA documents, Geoff frequently encountered evidence of U.S. intelligence collaborating with radical cults. Could they have foreseen the harrowing consequences this might lead to?

Cults: The CIA's Secret Weapon / 2023

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How much effort does it take to save China’s bamboo-munching bears from going extinct?

The Giant Panda thrives in China's wild. The government has gone to great lengths to protect these adorable creatures from extinction. The Chengdu panda breeding center, staffed by experts from all over, ensures the safety and successful reproduction of the pandas. They provide everything from a perfect diet to Sex Ed classes for the pandas, even acting as interpreters for their language. Their efforts paid off when, in 2016, the Giant Panda was removed from the endangered species list.

Yet, challenges remain, as pandas need to breed freely in the wild without falling victim to poaching or deforestation.

It's a Pandaful Life! / 2017
#China

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When false promises of a better future in Europe don't work, young Nigerian girls are ensnared in the horrors of sex slavery while taking binding voodoo oaths.

Dutch authorities made a distressing discovery as girls brought to Europe mysteriously vanished from refugee centers. Their investigation exposed a criminal network responsible for trafficking these girls from Nigeria and dispersing them across the continent. Operating under the guise of a travel agency, a front organization in Nigeria seized their passports upon arrival. Consequently, these girls sought asylum in the Netherlands without proper documentation.

Voodoo, Money and Sex Slaves / 2022
#Nigeria

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From playing music on stage to the frontlines of a raging conflict – it’s not the easiest move to make!

Musicians and singers who found themselves on the frontlines of the Donbass region have joined DPR forces to fight against neo-Nazism. Musician Victor Petenko, who played the drums in the Donetsk philharmonic, was connoscripted into the military in February 2022. His squad, comprising only musicians, received codenames based on their instruments. Vocalist Francois Maud d'Émé, volunteered to join the Donbass militia to protect his new home.

Despite the ongoing conflict, their colleagues continue to give concerts to uplift civilians and wounded soldiers in hospitals. The question remains: how do they adapt to their new roles?

Theatre of War / 2022
#Donbass #Donetsk

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One Tunisian man built a cemetery providing a dignified burial for migrants who have failed to reach Europe through Libya.

Since 2010, a significant number of migrants' bodies have been discovered at sea by fishermen in the Mediterranean or washed ashore. Chamsaddin Marzouk has established a cemetery in southern Tunisia called the "Cemetery of the Unknown," where he voluntarily ensures that these strangers receive a respectful burial. Each grave in this cemetery tells a poignant story of hopeful aspirations for a better future tragically cut short by the perils of the sea.

As EU countries have suspended rescue missions, the plight of these migrants serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges of migration in the Mediterranean and underscores the urgent need for effective solutions.

Fisher of Men / 2019
#Tunisia

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Is Europe ready for a second winter without gas from Russia?

Sanctions on Russian energy sources have led to soaring prices, leaving many Europeans unable to heat their homes. Some have resorted to moving to rural areas where firewood is used for warmth. However, the consequences extend beyond high bills. Unemployment and a looming famine are attributed to the link between Russian gas and fertilizer supplies. ‘Sanctioning Russia is like shooting ourselves in the foot,’ says Austrian Hannes Brejcha. And many European citizens agree with him.

Protest organizer Martin Rutter warns that the sanctions only benefit companies selling more expensive energy resources, while entrepreneurs suffer losses. Could alternative energy sources offer a solution?

Ice Station Europe / 2022
#Europe

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Nenets children from families of reindeer herders can herd thousands of deer in the wild tundra, but may not know how to wash up or sleep in a bed.

This year, the kids will be attending boarding school in the city for the first time. Accustomed to living in self-made tents with deer, they must learn basic things from scratch and try to adjust to the city life. The school can be reached only by a helicopter, and their parents, perturbed by the months of separation, share their worries. What challenges do these kids, torn from their nomadic life, face?

Torn From The Tundra / 2023
#Russia

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This 69-year-old man walked 16 km every day to attend classes!

Durge Kami, a widowed father of seven from Nepal, is finally realizing his lifelong dream of education. Despite financial constraints preventing him from attending school in his youth, he joined a class alongside schoolchildren to learn reading, writing, English, and computer skills. Despite facing ridicule from the community, Durge Kami remained unwavering in his pursuit. His remarkable story garnered national and global recognition, inspiring hope for children to excel in school and bring about positive change in Nepal's education system.

Discover if his decision to seek education was supported by everyone in this film!

The Long Road to School / 2016
#Nepal

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Warding off troubles, curing diseases, and providing advice - that's what a resume of a skilled shaman should include.

The Buryat people of Buryatia, Siberia, embrace the belief that spirits are present in our world, with shamans acting as intermediaries. Passed down through generations, shamanic traditions are flourishing in the region. Shamans, dressed in traditional robes and headdresses, enter a trance to communicate with spirits, offering protection, healing, and guidance. A three-day rite of passage follows a reluctant shaman named Zandan, while a visit to the Tengeri center in Ulan-Ude reveals the daily lives of approximately 100 shamans. The journey culminates in a vibrant ceremony on Olkhon Island, where numerous shamans summon spirits through rhythmic chants and drumming.

So, you want to be a shaman / 2019
#Russia

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Despite gaining independence in the 1960s, many African countries still face political and economic pressure from the West. Current laws on resource extraction make it easy for private corporations to exploit Africa's resources, and many countries still operate under production licenses issued by former colonial institutions.

However, Africans are becoming more aware of their ability to govern themselves, leading to increased freedom of choice and reduced dependence on Europe. In 2022, Mali defied French neo-colonialism and forced the withdrawal of international troops. This defiance, along with a belief that Russian policies show respect for African countries, has led to a growing desire for closer ties with Russia. The future of Africa's rapidly growing society remains uncertain.

On Africa Industrialization Day, this film highlights Africa's pursuit of self-governance and economic empowerment.

Battle for Africa / 2023
#Africa

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The European refugee crisis is a direct consequence of NATO's unwarranted intervention, according to Marinella Correggia.

Italian activist, Marinella, strongly opposes NATO, holding the alliance responsible for political and economic instability in countries where it has intervened. According to Marinella, NATO's pre-emptive strikes and attempts to establish 'democracy' are mere pretexts for ulterior motives.

Marinella collects evidence and testimonies from affected families, with the aim of suing NATO for its alleged criminal acts, seeking compensation for victims, and achieving legal condemnation of the alliance's actions.

This woman has dedicated her life to protesting against NATO's abuses of power. She is a real role model for rights activists everywhere!

Signora Anti-NATO / 2015
#Italy

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Young girls are over-fed to fatten them in the name of beauty.

In Mauritania, the tradition of "leblouh" persists, where girls are forcibly fed from infancy to adulthood in order to attain a larger body size. Contrary to Western ideals of thinness, Mauritania views a fuller figure as a symbol of health and elegance, believed to enhance a young girl's chances of finding a suitable husband and achieving success in life.

Despite the influence of the internet and changing beauty standards, many people, particularly in rural areas, cling to this tradition, believing that "a bigger woman takes up a bigger place in a man's heart."

Fed to Wed / 2015
#Mauritania

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Freezing temperatures, landmines, and police brutality: migrants in Bosnia play a hellish ‘Game’ to reach a better life.

During the European migrant crisis, Bosnia initially avoided large numbers of refugees. However, when other routes closed, Bosnia became a waypoint for those trying to reach the EU. Bihac, located near the EU border, now hosts Bira, a refugee camp in a converted factory. Determined migrants from the Middle East, including Iranians, Pakistanis, Afghans, and Syrians seek to cross into Croatia. This dangerous journey, known as "the game", involves freezing temperatures, landmines, and alleged brutality by Croatian police. Meanwhile, concerned Bihac residents demand action to address the crisis.

Game Over the Border / 2019 #BosniaHerzegovina

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Did you know that Nigeria has its own, even bigger, version of Hollywood – Nollywood!

During the 1990s and 2000s, the Nigerian film industry emerged as the second-largest globally in terms of annual film productions, surpassing the United States and trailing only behind India. Nollywood witnessed a rapid rise during this period, raising the question of whether its success can be attributed to the ambitious directors who aimed to shoot several films each month or the poignant stories depicted in its movies that intimately explore the concerns of the Nigerian people.

My Favourite Nollywood Movie / 2015
#Nigeria

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"The most terrifying thing [about combat operations] are the children running around here. They are near the frontline. Ukrainians don't evacuate their own civilians and children. That's terrifying," says artilleryman Salgir.

His unit is scattered around the island on the Dnieper river. The fighters' primary mission is to patrol the river and thwart potential enemy attacks. Every step from the shore onto the boat could be their last. Amid constant threat of drones and mortar attacks, where do they find the strength and zeal to perform these dangerous tasks?

Our Shores / 2023
#Donbass

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