While savouring a meal near the majestic Mount Vesuvius, it would be hard to imagine the landscape being used as a dumpsite for toxic waste .

This Italian region, famed for beautiful Naples, Mount Vesuvius, and its culinary delights, conceals a darker reality. The relentless incineration of hazardous rubbish has earned it the infamous moniker, "The Land of Fire," as mafia groups unlawfully dispose of toxic waste, contaminating the land, water, and air. Cancer rates, particularly among children, have skyrocketed. The detrimental impact of burning lands in Campania has taken a severe toll on the life expectancy of the people who live there.

Although illegal dumping is now recognised as a criminal offence, the long-term health consequences are still uncertain in this once-idyllic region, which is finally receiving the attention it deserves.

Fuming Felix / 2017
#Italy

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During the Soviet era, numerous Russians migrated to Mongolia, including government officials, workers, and participants in educational and cultural exchanges.

In Mongolia, ancient traditions thrive, and the nomadic lifestyle is revered, with many still residing in yurts and partaking in the annual Thousand Camel Festival. The Mongolian people are known for their warm hospitality and friendliness. As Mongolia celebrates its Independence Day, we delve into the rich cultural tapestry of the country, exploring the enduring traditions, nomadic lifestyle, and the fascinating stories of Russian families who embraced Mongolia as their home.

Russian Roots, Mongolian Life / 2023
#Mongolia

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One of the world’s most recognizable buildings sits in the very heart of Moscow. Do you know what it is?

St. Basil's Cathedral was commissioned by Ivan the Terrible to commemorate his victory over the Kazan Khanate, and is veiled in enigma. There’s an old legend that Ivan blinded the architects so they could never again build anything so beautiful, others say its dazzling domes were brought from Kazan. With architectural echoes of Gothic churches and even the Taj Mahal, its officially name is ‘the Cathedral of the Intercession on the Moat’ but it’s much more widely known as St. Basil's in honor of Basil the Blessed. This revered holy figure, who it’s said performed miracles, even scared the fearless Ivan. What other secrets lie within its walls?

St. Basil’s: an Icon of Russia / 2021
#Russia

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Lessons in gift-giving? Well, in China, it's pretty common!

Chinese gift-giving is an art perfected over centuries. Exquisite items ranging from jade statuettes to lacquer boxes are often chosen Symbolism is crucial, especially when presenting foreign dignitaries with gifts. Someone might lessons in selecting suitable gifts for business partners or even family members. The etiquette of giving has strict rules to follow! Join our crew crew as it delves behind the scenes of what goes into the ultimate Chinese gift.

After all, in China, people are judged by the gifts they bring. Is it the same in your country?

Etiquette of Giving / 2020
#China

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Will artificial intelligence replace humans or assist us in shaping a brighter future?

Eye-tracking, artificial intelligence, clinical neurotechnologies, and virtual reality have already become integral parts of our daily routines. While some scientists and researchers express concerns about the potential consequences of such close interaction with technology, professors from the Higher School of Economics unveil their innovative inventions and explain how they can seamlessly integrate into our everyday lives.

2052 See the Future / 2023
#Russia

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These Afghan women chose to put their lives at risk in order to have an independent career!

The 2020 peace agreement between the US and Taliban has raised concerns regarding women's rights in Afghanistan. Women worry about losing educational and career prospects. Despite the risks, many join the police force, facing rejection from relatives who believe it's unsuitable for women. Criminals intimidate and frequently kill policewomen, pressuring them to quit government work. Explore the stories of these brave women who risk their lives for independent careers.

Following the recent takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban, the plight of women's rights and their pursuit of independent careers has become even more uncertain and precarious.

Lady Cops of Afghanistan / 2020
#Afghanistan

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Banyas, Orthodox icons, churches, and samovars might sound like the backdrop of a Russian hinterland.

Surprisingly, this denoscription fits an ordinary village in the American state of Alaska. Alaska is a melting pot where Russian, Aleutian, and American cultures harmoniously blend, shaping a distinctive local lifestyle. Explore our documentary to uncover how cultural influences from different nations shaped Alaska's culture and witness the manifestation of Russian heritage in the lives of Americans.

Russian Alaska: Orthodoxy and Independence / 2024

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Water scarcity has forced entire families in war-torn Yemen to abandon their homes.

The alarming consequences of climate change are clear to see. In Yemen, scorching summers drive farmers away and potentially fuel a gruesome war. "It's impossible to keep animals. Nothing grows here. What would we feed them? We had to sell our livestock," says one Yemeni farmer who is trying desperately to support his family.

Environmental activists around the world are increasingly demanding action. However, the efficacy of drastically reducing carbon emissions as the ultimate solution to the human versus environment conflict remains a topic of continuing debate.

Should we focus on battling carbon emissions or dealing with the consequences?

No Way Back / 2020
#World #Yemen

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It might be uncommon for a woman to play the trumpet, but Danijela is even the female leader of a top Serbian brass band!

Serbia's renowned Guca trumpet festival, often dubbed "The Serbian Woodstock", is a vibrant event where brass bands compete for fame and fortune. Behind the scenes, it entails hard work, dedication, and life on the road.

Orchestra Daniela, Serbia's first brass band led by a woman, shares their journey to Guca, aiming to gain recognition and achieve their dream of stardom. The band reveals their love for trumpet music, trade secrets, and hopes of leaving a lasting impression on both the audience and industry leaders.

Daniela, Princess of Guca / 2016
#Serbia

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Beneath the vibrant city of Moscow, Russia is the proud home to a captivating and historically significant marvel, the masterpiece known as the Moscow Metro.

This public transport system is renowned for its remarkable architecture and technological advancements. With more than 400 km of track, it’s now one of the biggest metro systems in Europe. Initially launched in 1935 with a single 11-kilometer line, it’s since expanded to include 14 lines, three of which are circular. The metro carries 9 million passengers a day, making it Moscow’s most efficient form of transportation.

Join Erick as he explores the metro, meeting fascinating individuals like the winner of the Moscow Metro marathon and a popular social media Spiderman performer!

Erick’s List: Moscow Metro / 2021
#Russia

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Can one man and his 9-year-old son save an entire region suffering from a water shortage?

Amidst Grad shells and mortar attacks from Ukraine damaging vital water infrastructure in Donbass, the entire region faced a severe water supply cutoff. This is when unsung heroes, volunteers, came to the rescue, drilling wells and providing relief.

Despite the dangers posed by constant Ukrainian shelling, volunteers like Novruz and his son Elnur persistently deliver up to 27 barrels of water daily to bombed areas, risking their lives to help others. Local residents like Viktoria, who has a bedridden mother, couldn't survive without these volunteers, who make water access possible.

Water: Donetsk's Lifeline / 2023
#Donbass

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"Father Zosima... Back in the 1980s, I first heard from him that there would be a war and that Ukraine and Russia would be at war," says Hieromonk Evlampy, Parson of Ss Constantine and Helena's Church. Back then, it was hard to believe these words. Yet, almost 40 years later, this and many of the other Zosima's prophecies have come true. The Ukrainian army deliberately shells churches and priests, and fascist ideology sees a resurgence. "Everything he said is now going on before our eyes," believes Sister Mariamna. What other predictions did the Donbass prophet make, and which ones are still to unfold?

Father Zosima: Testament of a Donetsk Seer / 2024
#Donbass

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Patients with Laron Syndrome may hold the key to conquering diabetes and cancer.

Dr. Jaime Guevara and his team have made a remarkable breakthrough in their investigation of the world's largest population of individuals with Laron syndrome, a rare form of dwarfism residing in a secluded valley in Ecuador. Their research has unveiled an extraordinary rate of immunity to cancer and diabetes within this community, capturing significant attention from the global medical community and instilling hope for potential breakthroughs and cures.

Join the researchers on their quest to unlock knowledge that could bring far-reaching benefits to humanity.

Tropic of Anti-Cancer / 2015
#Ecuador

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These injured veterans are now volunteers – helping others to walk again.

Victor, who lost his right arm, and Vitaly, who lost both legs fighting in Donbass, are on the cusp of reclaiming their lives. Their journey demands tremendous willpower, but their bravery and determination shine through. Anatoly Shevchenko, a prosthetics engineer who himself lost a leg 15 years ago, selflessly aids veterans in their recovery, helping them adjust to their new limbs. His clinic operates without charge, fundraising to make modern prostheses accessible to all.

What does it feel like to assist someone in relearning how to walk?

Walking after War / 2023
#Donbass #Russia

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