"Enemy artillery won't always spend a shell on 3 or 4 people. But if they see clothes that aren't khaki, but blue… like most journalists’. Then, yeah, we're an enticing target,'' reveals war correspondent Denis Kulaga.

Despite international law strictly prohibiting the killing of war correspondents, it has since been brushed aside by Ukrainian soldiers. While the documentary was in post-production, Russian correspondent Boris Maksudov tragically lost his life in Zaporozhye, targeted by a Ukrainian Armed Forces drone. Boris was one of the architects of the War Correspondents School, aimed at guiding novice war correspondents to safeguard their lives while in intense combat zones.

Delve into the documentary to explore more about this school and its pivotal rules.

Way of the War Reporter / 2023
#Donbass

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These volunteers left their lives behind and took on a mission to clean the wild Arctic from century-old rubbish!

Russia's Arctic, situated in the far north, is a vast territory spanning 24,140 kilometers and home to reindeer and polar bears. However, the destructive impact of human activities during World War II and the race to the Polar North has marred its unique and untamed beauty. Abandoned warehouses, scrap metal, and fuel tanks now litter the landscape, causing harm to wildlife. To restore the pristine allure of the region, volunteers embarked on the 'Clean North, Clean Arctic' expedition. For six weeks, these dedicated individuals left behind their work, responsibilities, and loved ones to make a difference.

What transformative impact did the project have on the Arctic?

Cleaning the Arctic / 2022
#Russia

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"A big kind heart is good, especially in Donbass. But I'd say it should be coated with some kind of armour. Working with suffering and fear is very difficult. And it... can wear you down," according to Ekaterina Pankova, Deputy Head, 'Road of Life' Charity Foundation.

Every day, Ekaterina faces episodes and touching stories that throw her off balance. However, children in Lugansk with serious and sometimes incurable diseases, desperately need care and treatment that only experienced professionals like doctors from the 'Road of Life' can offer.

That's why Ekaterina and her colleagues prioritised the well-being of these children over their own safety, regularly visiting children's homes in Donbass to provide them with the aid and care they need. Learn about these passionate doctors and their everyday challenges in Donbass.

Road of Life / 2023
#Donbass

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Is the EU in for yet another chilling winter? The energy crisis measures could be extended for another year, to cope with the gas crisis following the Ukraine conflict and sanctions on Russia.

In 2021, Russia provided 40% of the EU's gas. After European leaders sanctioned Russian energy sources in 2022, prices surged, impacting living standards. Consumer goods prices tripled, while heating bills became unaffordable. Citizens and authorities are seeking alternative energy sources to replace Russian gas. European leaders hope to compensate with the Groningen gas field in the North Sea, despite its earthquake history. Locals demand its closure, but finding an eco-friendly substitute remains elusive.

Europe Undone / 2022
#Europe #Russia

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Fatherless and forgotten, countless children in the Philippines bear the burden of foreign sex tourism.

Angeles City in the Philippines has become a hub for sex tourism, attracting retired men seeking paid encounters. Local women, driven by desperation, work in bars and clubs to make ends meet and support their families. The real tragedy lies with the children of these sex workers, born from liaisons with foreign visitors. These mixed-race children stand out in their communities, left behind by fathers who show no interest or knowledge of their existence. The burden of raising these children falls solely on the struggling mothers.

How do these children live and what do they dream about?

Fallen Angels / 2016
#Philippine

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Despite endless war, can tango dance emerge as a symbol of resilience?

Over the course of the decade-long conflict in Syria, the pursuit of art took a backseat as survival became the primary concern. Artists witnessed their earnings dwindle, musicians grappled with instrument shortages due to sanctions, and families lived in constant fear. Seeking safety and freedom to create, many opted to emigrate.

However, amidst this adversity, a collective known as Dare emerged, inspiring others with a resolute message to pursue their dreams. Witness the sight of dancers fearlessly tangoing barefoot in street fountains, musicians holding concerts amidst the chaos, and sculptures crafted in the heart of danger zones.

On the International Day of Tango, explore how these artistic warriors valiantly combated the war with their creativity, tirelessly fighting for the indomitable spirit of humanity.

Syrian Tango / 2019
#Syria

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How could a person who organized terrorist acts and killed officials become a national hero in Ukraine?

The growth of Ukraine's nationalist movement was not a sudden occurrence but the result of years of careful cultivation supported by Western influencers and funds. Prior to the Maidan, neo-Nazi units operated freely, with the government turning a blind eye. Military and terrorist groups actively participated in anti-Maidan gatherings. In 2019 and 2020, protests in Kiev aimed to sever ties with breakaway regions.

Fuelling this movement was an ideology that dehumanized Russians and broke the long-standing links between these brother peoples. Stepan Bandera, a Nazi collaborator and Ukrainian supremacist, was revered as a national hero, despite his involvement in atrocities against Jews and Poles.

Fast Forward to Fascism / 2022
#Ukraine #Donbass

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Are the economic sanctions against Russia actually working? Well, yes... if by 'working' you mean 'stimulating the Russian economy'.

With Russia's intervention in Ukraine and the subsequent wave of sanctions from Europe and the US, Russian businesses faced significant challenges. However, some companies viewed the sanctions as an opportunity to become less reliant on foreign resources and technology.

Firms such as this footwear company in Dagestan, or this dairy in Vladimir, have survived previous crises, and the sanctions regime provided them with a new opportunity: with Western imports increasingly unavailable, the de facto tariff allowed them to meet domestic demand with high quality and affordable alternatives. Although initial shortages of inputs and parts posed some problems, these resilient businesses overcame these challenges through optimism and innovation.

Sanctions: Opportunity in Disguise / 2022
#Russia

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From a tender age, children in Matadi learn the ways of robbery, violence, and drug use, eventually growing up to become the notorious Kulunas.

These teenage outlaws wreak havoc in the Democratic Republic of Congo, engaging in theft, extortion, and violent clashes that terrorize the local community. Frustrated with their actions, Matadi residents sometimes resort to vigilantism, while the Kulunas rely on magic charms and even consume cat meat for perceived protection and strength.

In this film, you can gain a first-hand perspective of the world of violence and drugs as witnessed by the Outlaw gang members and their older mentors, and explore their social impact.

Machete Boys of Congo / 2019
#Congo

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"Now, I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds." This quote from the Hindu noscripture, the Bhagavad Gita, was often cited by Robert Oppenheimer after the first successful nuclear weapons test.

Over the span of the nuclear arms race, the world has grappled with the catastrophic aftermath of atomic explosions. Today, more than 300 detection stations globally operate under the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. Employing seismic, radionuclide, hydroacoustic, and infrasound technologies, these stations capture echoes of nuclear tests anywhere on Earth. How do these stations operate? Where are they located, and whose responsibility is it to monitor nuclear explosions?

Nuclear Watchdogs / 2023
#USA

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Imagine the allure of life on a football pitch-sized island—welcome to the enchanting realm of Migingo in Lake Victoria.

Despite its small size, it's home to several hundred people. Metal shacks cover the island, resembling an iron-plated turtle. Migingo boasts all the essentials of a town, including shops, cafes, brothels, a port, a church, and even a hotel for occasional tourists. While larger nearby islands are avoided due to superstitions, the rich fishing waters surrounding Migingo keep Kenyan and Ugandan fishermen and their families residing there. This densely populated rock is a captivating testament to human resilience amidst nature's abundance.

Migingo: The Iron-Clad Island / 2015
#Kenya

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For a career that ends in their early twenties, the dedication of Russian rhythmic gymnasts is immeasurable.

Russian rhythmic gymnasts, led by renowned coach Irina Viner, have gained global fame for their exceptional performances. Viner's coaching methods, blending strict discipline with a love for children, have yielded remarkable results. These young gymnasts sacrifice normal teenage activities, including dating, and strictly adhere to a specific weight limit.

Despite the challenges, they embrace the sport's demands with unwavering dedication, driven by their passion and the desire to succeed.

Their careers conclude in their early twenties, making their immense effort and dedication the foundation for their extraordinary achievements on the world stage.

Winner Takes it All / 2015
#Russia

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This tiny home community offers solace to over half a million homeless Americans and countless others teetering on the edge.

Located in Springfield, Missouri, Eden Village emerges as a beacon of hope In the midst of this crisis. Founded by Linda and David Brown, Eden Village provides fully-furnished homes and solid support to the long-term homeless with disabilities. Despite the $300 monthly fee and a strict drug-free policy, the demand for housing surpasses the available resources.

Delve into the poignant stories of residents and explore the founders' mission to combat homelessness.

Eden for the Homeless / 2022
#USA

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The US and EU are piling on the pressure as they urge Serbia to abandon its historical ties with Russia.

In the current political landscape, Serbia faces a choice between maintaining a friendly relationship with Russia or yielding to Western pressure to impose sanctions. Despite the global wave of Russophobia, Serbian film director Emir Kusturitсa asserts that a majority of Serbians, around 70-80%, support Russia. While ordinary Serbians are supportive, politicians may not align with public sentiment, as evidenced by Serbia's unexpected vote against Russia in the UN.

Listen to Serbian politicians, artists, and ordinary people on why they choose to side with Russia.

Serbia's Choice / 2022
#Serbia #Russia

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Is Nazism making a comeback in Ukraine? Find out in this thought-provoking film.

In a chilling parallel, the nationalist ideas that Soviet soldiers fought against in World War II are resurfacing in Ukraine today. As history books are rewritten, figures like Stepan Bandera and Roman Shukhevich are hailed as new role models while monuments of WWII heroes, including General Nikolay Vatutin, are demolished. Why has this inhuman ideology resurfaced in the new conflict in Ukraine? Explore the striking similarities in this compelling film.

From Berlin to Maidan / 2023
#Ukraine

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Who wouldn't love to learn math through dancing?

Percy Jackson, a Ghanaian teacher, gained social media fame by posting videos of himself dancing with his students. He teaches creative arts, ICT, and math at Twenedurase Presby Primary School in Kwahu Obo. Percy's unconventional teaching style incorporates dance to make learning more enjoyable and appealing. He believes that since dancing is an integral part of Ghanaian culture, it should be utilized as a tool in the classroom. Percy showcases his successful methods to build trust, create positive learning experiences, and connect students with their heritage. Outside of school, he continues to pursue his passion for dance and aspires to spread his dance crusade globally.

Danceducation / 2019
#Ghana

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Overall, landfills in Russia cover an area comparable to that of the Netherlands, amounting to approximately 5 million hectares.

Moscow has ambitious plans to convert its massive toxic dumps into lively parks and encounters challenges, as safety concerns and off-gassing complicate efforts to create a greener and more sustainable cityscape. Will the transformation of waste mountains into safe sites yield successful outcomes?

Down in the Dumps / 2020
#Russia

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