We made these documentaries during the American occupation of Afghanistan. Now that the Taliban effectively took over the country, what do you think will happen to the people featured in these films?

Watch here: https://clck.ru/WsGPk

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Traffic cop turned cult leader
#video #Russia

Sergei Torop was a traffic cop until one day he realised he was the manifestation of Jesus Christ!

He changed his name to Vissarion, wrote 18 volumes of teachings, and started an eco-village in the middle of nowhere. Vissarion has gathered thousands of followers from all walks of life, many of whom sold everything they had to move closer to their messiah.

Vissarion’s sect adopted veganism, rejected money, and lived in heavily guarded communes. While the sect took a lot from the Russian Orthodox Church, its members had their own way of making the sign of cross and counted years starting from 1961, when Vissarion was born. The key idea was that the end of the world was near, and only cult members would survive.

After three decades, Vissarion’s utopia came to an end when he was arrested in 2020 on charges of starting an illegal organisation, extortion, and abuse.

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USSR Collapse
#video #SovietUnion

Exactly 30 years ago, the collapse of the Soviet Union began. Tanks rumbled through the streets of Moscow, and state TV and radio announced the formation of new leadership under the auspices of the State Committee for the State of Emergency. Communist hardliners decided it was time to save the Union and overthrow Gorbachev, revered in the west and widely unpopular at home.

Tensions rose, anti-coup demonstrators flocked to central Moscow and formed human chains. Then, the Russian leader, Boris Yeltsin arrived in Moscow, joined the protesters near the White House and denounced the GKChP's activity as a ‘reactionary coup’.

The failed coup precipitated the end of the union. By the end of 1991, the USSR had disintegrated into 15 republics.

Check out the online premiere of our new documentary to hear first-hand accounts from participants in the 1991 events. It is starting right now - https://youtu.be/-EjWcpOIZa4

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Mass hysteria or mystery illness?
#video #Nicaragua

Locals call it Grisi siknis. Nicaragua’s indigenous Miskito community is gripped by a mystery ailment that strikes suddenly, causing convulsions, shaking, and breathing difficulties. Victims can become extremely strong during Grisi siknis seizures.

The mysterious phenomenon affects mostly young girls. According to locals, the fits of hysteria can be contagious. If a victim mentions someone’s name, that person may also suffer a Grisi siknis attack.

The affliction can’t be cured by conventional drugs, so Miskito people turn to traditional healers, who usually mix up a remedy consisting of medicinal herbs and plants. Locals believe Grisi sikinis may stem from demonic influences, and scientists can’t find a physiological explanation.

Some also note that the mystery illness is similar to other culturally-specific disorders, like Indonesia’s Amok, or ‘polar madness’.

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What do pandas say? 🐼
#video #China

Animal keepers at Chengdu’s Giant Panda Breeding Research Base spend so much time with the bamboo-eating 🎋 bears that they understand all the noises they make!

The centre’s research scientists and caretakers work to ensure that the pandas successfully breed, and later see to their reintroduction to the wild. How? They tend to the pandas’ every need, providing food, medicine, clean enclosures, and play. The caretakers even give these love-shy animals Sex Ed classes!

The Chengdu Centre has been so successful that pandas were taken off the endangered species list in 2016. There are some 600 pandas currently living in captivity and nearly 2,000 roaming the wild. The black-and-white bears have become an icon for conservation, as their viability in the wild is still threatened by factors like loss of natural habitat.

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Exploited by Tradition
#video #Indonesia

East Java, Indonesia has an ancient tradition with a dark secret.

Young boys here are sent to live with grown men called a waroks, who are believed to possess magical powers. But in exchange for their gift, waroks can’t be involved with women. That’s why they employ servant boys like Pak Dirman, who was sent to live with a man when he was 12.

Though it isn’t openly talked about, it’s understood that, besides household chores, this ‘service’ may include the fulfilment of sexual desires.

Proponents defend the practice, saying it’s merely an archaic tradition that appeared before such behaviour was considered inappropriate. They argue that only willing children are sent to join waroks.

Others see it as a clear cut case of child sex abuse.

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Russia’s Ice Maiden ❄️
#video #Russia

Just looking at Galina will make you shiver. When everyone’ s wrapped up in sweaters and coats, she’s walking around in a beach dress and sandals..

Galina insists she doesn’t feel the cold. She also eats raw squid and maintains a good mood at all times. She learned these practices from Dr. Vasily Makarov, the founder the ‘long lifer’ club, whose members must agree to live to over 100 and pay membership fees. The group also makes use of charged water, positive vibes, and other longevity promoting methods that raise quite a few eyebrows.

However, Galina claims developing a resistance to cold has helped her stay healthy and young.

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Buying tickets to Dagestan in 3,2,1…
#video #Russia

Sulak Canyon is one of southern Russia's most unique and beautiful natural landmarks. It’s 60 metres deeper than the famous Grand Canyon and has the turquoise Sulak River flowing through it.

With travel restrictions in place, Dagestan has seen a rise in domestic tourism. Holidaymakers are exploring the Southern republic’s hidden gems, ancient cities, and crafts. Now you know Dagestan isn't just where undefeated UFC star Khabib Nurmagomedov’s is from. https://youtu.be/hvIn91j-5gI

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Mysterious Arctic village submerged in sand
#video #Russia

Shoyna was a prosperous fishing village in the Russian Arctic before sand began swallowing entire houses. Shoyna’s population has plummeted from 3,000 residents to a hardcore 300 who have stayed against all odds. Although jobs are scarce, there’s a meteorological station that studies weather and provides precise forecasts.

It’s still not clear what caused the incursion of sand, but some blame overfishing for disrupting the area’s ecosystem. Yet, the biggest question is why people continue to live in such an unwelcoming environment?

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#video #Afghanistan

During the Taliban's reign in the late 1990s, fashion, music, and cinema were banned. After the Islamists were ousted by a US invasion in 2001, it took years for the Afghan art scene to revive. A group of Afghan designers and models was brave enough to shoot in the streets, displaying traditional garments and talking about their mission.

When they were being filmed for the Art at the Stake documentary in 2018, the artists received threats and insults from people who considered their work ‘un-Islamic’. With the Taliban reconquering the country, what will happen to them now? Will Afghanistan’s creative landscape disappear once more?

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#video #India

There’s a street in the Indian city of Muzaffarpur known as a 'pleasure district'. Men supposedly come here to watch women dance and sing, but it’s really only a cover for prostitution. Some 2,500 sex workers live here. Some were sold or forced to sell their bodies, some had nowhere else to go, and some have even followed in their mothers’ and grandmothers’ footsteps.

These ‘dancers’ are the legacy of the ‘devadasi women’ who used to sing and dance at temples as ‘servants’ to the gods, but were also sexually exploited. That tradition was banned in 1988.

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Twin Oaks, or Life in the Woods
#video #USA

Communism exists in Twin Oaks, Virginia, where members of a small rural community live and work free of bosses and bills. Every ‘Oaker’ has to work 42 hours a week, doing household chores and producing hammocks and tofu for sale. In return, all their basic needs are covered, including food, clothes and housing. Nothing is owned and everything is shared, including sexual partners, as non-monogamous relationships are common in this community.

The eco-village has since inspired other communities since it was founded more than 50 years ago. Currently, around 90 adults and 15 children live in Twin Oaks, and there is a long waiting list for those wanting to join.

Would you live in a community like this?

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#video

On September 19, 2019, the European Parliament passed a resolution in which it said the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany non-aggression pact paved the way for the outbreak of WWII.

The Western countries have rewritten the history of WWII, and a recent version went as far as naming the Soviet Union one of the instigators. The West backs up this claim pointing at the Molotov-Ribbentrop non-aggression pact, signed by the USSR and Nazi Germany in August 1939.

But before this pact was signed, the UK, France, and Italy entered into several agreements with Hitler in 1933, 1935, and 1938. US companies also lent the Wehrmacht economic support. The UK and the US tried to enter into a separate peace agreement with Germany leaving the Soviet Union out. What was going on in the allied camp?

Tune in for the premiere of Fascism: A History right now on RT Documentary! https://youtu.be/nxNjyE65IS4

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#video

When they set out on a round the world trip on a steel yacht, the Russian crew of “Elizaveta” knew it would be no picnic, but they were hardly prepared for this: half way through their journey, the COVID-19 lockdown had them trapped in the middle of the Pacific. The courageous lot started their voyage in 2019, but it was cut short when the pandemic started. Having reached the shores of Chili, they left their boat there and flew home for eight months to wait it out.

Once the imminent danger seemed to have passed in early 2021, the renewed team continued their journey. However, the second wave was on the way and hit right when they were crossing the Pacific. All ports on the boat's itinerary were shut down and refused to let the team on the shore. They had to stay in the boat months on end, having to endure squalls, living off the rain water and scarce food supplies they had left.

Tune in for the premiere of Pandemic Odyssey on RT Documentary

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#video #moscow

The five-storey Sky Penthouse in Monaco’s skyscraper is considered the world’s most expensive apartment — in 2016, it was reportedly priced at $335 million. It has a rooftop deck, cinema, library, and an infinity pool. The second most expensive flat is located in London. It features a wine cellar, a golf simulator, private cinema, and spa, among other things, at the cost of $220 million. Finally, the world’s third most expensive penthouse is found at the top of the 12-storey building in Hong Kong. In 2015, priced at $66 million, it became the costliest apartment ever sold in Asia. Its 505 sq metre penthouse has a rooftop Jacuzzi.

In Russia, the most luxurious penthouses are located in the tallest tower of Moscow’s modern business district. RT’s Erick Fonseca Zárate tours the 2,000 sq metre 3-storey apartment and enjoys the breathtaking view. Join the tour and watch Moscow Neighbourhoods: 100 Years of History on our YouTube channel.


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