DW Documentary

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country on 5th August 2024 after spending almost 16 years in office. Hasina had ordered a violent crackdown on student protests, but ultimately the uprising led to the toppling of the authoritarian leader. When Bangladesh's longest serving prime minister came to power, she awakened hopes with her drive to free millions of people from extreme poverty by liberalizing the economy. But the country's 'Iron Lady' became increasingly autocratic, and created a personality cult based around her long-dead father Sheikh Mujibur, the 'Father of the Nation', and forced political opponents and critical journalists and artists into exile. The protests began with student demonstrations against a controversial government job quota. Gen Z college students managed to organize broad resistance to the system reserving 30% of civil service posts for the descendants of freedom fighters from the 1971 War of Independence. In the ensuing crackdown, more than 60

Whether it’s ecstasy, speed or crystal meth, producing illicit synthetic drugs generates toxic waste. This often ends up in the local environment, posing a threat to humans, wildlife and the land. We look at cases in the Netherlands and Germany.

Is Javier Milei a savior or a destroyer? It’s been just over a year since the far-right, chainsaw-wielding 54-year-old was elected President of Argentina, and society is more divided than ever before.

Kiwi birds, New Zealand's national symbol, are unique animals. But they are in danger of becoming extinct. Who is responsible? And what can be done to save them?

A deep dive into the military alliance and the changes it has undergone since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, asking how stable the union is in the face of the different interests of its members and if it's ready to defend itself.

What does it mean for democracy when rich citizens can change an entire city? Do the interests of big donors always serve the common good? This film delves into the world of the super-rich and takes a hard look at how much influence they exert

A life just as it was 300 years ago: the Amish in the US. They live according to their own rules, reject technological advances, wear old-fashioned clothing and drive horse-drawn carts. An encounter with the Amish is like traveling back in time.

Germany has too few healthcare workers and is trying to plug the gaps with recruitment drives in poorer countries like Albania. As a result, many young and well-trained people are packing up and leaving the country.

Light can be deadly. Many animals and plants are threatened by artificial light. Numerous organisms have found their evolutionary niche in the dark of night, and now have to adapt to bright nights. Not all of them succeed.

Muhammad Ayaz used to run a hotel in northwestern Pakistan. Then the Swat River flooded and washed away his village.

Small groups of Kurdish men and women from Iran are camped out in the mountains of Iraq. The exiles have joined armed resistance units and are determined to fight the Iranian regime.

In Ukraine, the talented young dancer Danylo is on the verge of a breakthrough. Then, war breaks out. In Mainz, Germany, dance teacher Irina Starostina takes the 16-year-old in. A former ballet dancer in Kyiv, Irina promises to help him succeed at the highest level.

Carbohydrates, fats, proteins. Each person is different, and every body utilizes food in a different way. That’s why a personalized diet can help you lose weight, and give you more energy

Around one billion people struggle with stress-related illness globally - and that figure is rising. What protects those with good mental health? Is their resilience innate? Or is the ability to withstand chronic stress and crisis something that can be learned?

France’s overseas territory Mayotte is in a deep crisis. Can inhabitants like Wadaanti fulfil their dreams and leave precarious housing to study?

Over 100 days of war have left tens of thousands dead and widespread destruction in Gaza. The war waged by Israel in response to the Hamas terror attacks of October 7, 2023 has divided the international community. The question now is: what comes next?

Transylvania has a lot to offer: beautiful cities, endless forests, fascinating traditions. All of these are cultivated with great dedication by the people of the region.

Carmen Melanie Spitta is keeping the memory of her family alive, remembering other Romani people who were murdered in the Nazi concentration camps.

An October day in 1980, near Sao Paulo. A man lies dead in his bathroom. It is Gustav Wagner, the dreaded "Beast of Sobibor”, as he was known during his tenure at the Nazi concentration camp. The police classify his death as a suicide.

They scam unsuspecting victims all across the world — but they are victims themselves. Thousands of people are trafficked worldwide into Myanmar's war-torn east, where they are forced to trick people in Europe, the US, and China into scam schemes.

For decades, European countries have been dependent on Russian gas imports. And they did it to themselves. The biggest culprit? Germany. Only after Russia declared war on Ukraine did the German government realize that Russia has been using gas as a weapon for a long time.

An ecological disaster: The ship graveyard of Chittagong in Bangladesh harms both people and the environment

Champagne: a symbol of glamor and celebration. Tens of thousands of migrant workers head to France every year to harvest grapes in the Champagne region. But some pay a high price to bring this luxury product to market.

For some, cryptocurrencies are a dangerous bubble. For others, they represent the future of money. But what are the actual uses - and risks -- of cryptocurrencies? This documentary explores how crypto is altering global financial architecture.

For decades, European countries have been dependent on Russian gas imports. And they did it to themselves. The biggest culprit? Germany. Only after Russia declared war on Ukraine did the German government realize that Russia has been using gas as a weapon for a long time.

A journey into a forgotten conflict. Ten million people have been displaced by the civil war in Sudan, more than in any other crisis worldwide

Delivery service in the world’s smallest high mountain range is still done the traditional way. In the Alps and other European mountains, porters have long been replaced by helicopters and cable cars. But not in the High Tatras of Slovakia.

At the end of life, many people end up in a hospital. Whether or not they would prefer to die at home, more than half of the people in Germany die in intensive care units. Some die in nursing homes and a few die in hospices. Why is that? Most people want to die at home. But only very few manage to fall asleep peacefully with their family. Take Ingrid L., who’d been in a coma for three months following a cardiac arrest and was on a ventilator. Her husband was desperately fighting for the doctors to follow her living will and let her die. "It's a horror! She never wanted to live hooked up to machines for months on end, like that," he said. Modern medicine is making it possible to keep people alive for longer and longer. However, hospitals can also earn a lot of money by treating the seriously ill, especially in intensive care units. Intensive care physician Uwe Janssens believes that, when it comes to death and dying, economics often play a key role. People die almost every day in Jan

More than a quarter of the population of Germany has a migrant background. Many report that they have received substandard care from doctors and hospitals. Is the healthcare system afflicted by racism?

The psychoactive substance ayahuasca is common in Brazil. For generations, indigenous people have incorporated it into their rituals. Researchers say it can serve as an alternative to anti-depressants - and as a way to treat drug addiction.

The US presidential election will take place this November and Trump is polling well. What’s his appeal? Why does he remain so popular with voters?

She’s available in all skin colors, she’s diverse and inclusive. Created by businesswoman Ruth Handler, unveiled in New York in 1959, Barbie’s long been a money-maker. With millions of followers on Instagram, she’s now an influencer, too.

Patagonia's icefields are very difficult to access. As a result, they remain largely unexplored by climate researchers. Now, a scientist and two extreme mountaineers are venturing into this hard-to-reach area, in search of new data for climate research.

Turkey was hit by a major earthquake a year ago, hundreds of thousands were made homeless. The reconstruction process is sluggish.

Using algae to solve humanity’s most pressing problems - that’s the ambitious aim of a team of researchers from Germany. After all, algae are posessed of staggering superpowers: for example, the ability to bind CO2. Algae can also be used to make plastic substitutes and even medication.

Evangelical churches are growing fast in Brazil, often filling a void left by the Catholic church and the state.

A new supercomputer is slated to make it possible to reduce animal experiments and perhaps to cure cancer. The hype surrounding quantum computing is inspiring numerous industries, raising claims that it could help solve the problem of storing renewable energy, or that it could help revolutionize the logistics sector.

Without elementary particles, there’d be no X-Ray machines, no Internet and no electricity. Because some elementary particles penetrate matter without destroying it, they’re a boon for scientific and medical applications.

The race for supremacy in the age of artificial intelligence has begun. China, the USA and Europe are vying for the top spot. So are individual tech companies and start-ups. Who will determine which technologies will shape the future of humanity?

The flamingo habitat in the Albanian nature reserve of the Narta Lagoon is under threat. An international airport is to be built here to boost tourism. But it will come at the expense of one of Europe's last untouched natural paradises.

Poland may have succeeded in voting out a right-wing populist government, but have the country’s divisions improved?

The Mississippi stretches from the glacial lakes in northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. For many Americans, the mighty, almost 4,000-kilometer-long river is closely linked to the nation's history.

The Hansen twins share a dream. As boxers, they want to win gold medals at the Olympics! Assan and Ousainou's role models are the Klitschko brothers.

In 2015 Ryyan Alshebl fled Syria. Now, he’s the mayor of a German village. When he arrived in his adoptive home after a dramatic escape, he didn’t speak a word of German. How did he make this remarkable transition?

Copenhagen is renowned for being bike friendly and for its cutting-edge design and architecture. But the Danish capital has also become a hub of environmental protection and sustainability.

Putin's re-election laid bare the systematic suppression of the opposition. How are Russians-in-exile continuing the struggle?

Since 1949, NATO has shaped Europe‘s security policy like no other organization. Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty outlines the principle of "collective defense”. But is the world's largest military alliance ready to defend itself?

In April 1994, the parents of two-year-old Samuel Ishimwe were murdered in Rwanda. Their fate was shared by up to a million people in the genocide against the country’s Tutsi minority. Thirty years on, Samuel sets out to discover what set these terrible events in motion.

More and more Brits are leaving the Brexit chaos behind -- and seeking their fortunes in France. But their home nation’s exit from the European Union means they now face a plethora of bureaucratic hurdles.

Oleksandr Chebotaryóv is the only radiologist left in Kherson. All his colleagues have left the city in southern Ukraine.

Giant trees that have stood for decades or even centuries are an elixir of life on our planet. They help purify the air, preserve biodiversity and are key to slowing down climate change. But the number of these age-old giants is dwindling fast.

The war in Ukraine is thousands of kilometers away, yet Nepalese combatants are risking their lives fighting alongside Russian troops.

The gap between rich and poor continues to widen in many developed nations. The result: more and more people are finding themselves homeless, with women making up the fastest growing affected group.

Iqbal Khan is a young man living in Kashmir with a heroin addiction. For the past weeks he has been in a rehab center for treatment. Iqbal Khan’s father holds the government responsible for a drug epidemic in Kashmir. The authorities are turning a blind eye to the drug related problems. In the past five years, the number of heroin addicts in the Kashmir region administered by India, has increased by over 2000 percent. The region is characterized by violence, conflict, and unrest, more and more young people fall victim to drugs. Indian-Pakistani cartels are allegedly behind this problem. A Report by Akanksha Saxena, Irfan Mehraj, Khalid Khan and Saraskanth TK.

The Catatumbo forest is at the heart of the largest coca-growing area in Colombia. Cocaine has become the country’s most important export.

Luxembourg is seen as an oasis of luxury in Europe, but poverty and homelessness are on the rise. While the government has done little to respond here, NGOs are doing what they can to combat the most extreme levels of hardship.

Deutsche Bank managers driven by greed set it on the wrong track in the 2000s. The collapse played a key role in the financial crisis of 2007/2008. The consequences: billions of Euros in penalties and the decline of a German institution.

Brazil’s tannery industry exports products worth 1.5 billion Euros every year. Cattle meat and hides are a huge economic driver. But this business often involves the illegal destruction of the rainforest for grazing land.

The International Space Station (ISS) is a unique venture. It is the largest project in space the world has ever seen. Since its first component was launched into orbit on 20 November, 1998, the ISS has experienced both highs and lows.

In early 1945, at least 860,000 women and girls in Germany were sexually abused by Allied soldiers. The victims, and the children they bore after being raped, suffer trauma to this day. Many remained silent throughout their lives and took their stories to their graves.

Deutsche Bank managers driven by greed set it on the wrong track in the 2000s. For many years, the financial institution maintained close ties with Vladimir Putin. And involved itself in shady deals with the Russian autocrat.

The African Cape Verde islands have their own distinct genre of music and dance known as "morna”. It’s mostly in evidence during the carnival season across the archipelago that’s located in the Atlantic off the coast of Senegal.

Germany celebrates 75 years of the Basic Law. What does a German passport mean to people coming from different backgrounds?

Under Augusto Pinochet's military dictatorship, thousands of Chileans disappeared without a trace, including the father and brother of Juan Eduardo Rojas-Vásquez. His quest to find out what happened to them led him to the Colonia Dignidad.

For years, good relations with China guaranteed the German economy healthy profits and cheap goods. But over time, that relationship has become a dependency. The documentary "In the Jaws of the Dragon - How to Deal with China?” explores the nature and extent of this reliance.

There are men on this planet who challenge death every day to feed their families. Between the desert and the Pacific Ocean, in the region of Huarmey in Peru, stand vertiginous cliffs. Men like Purunga must overcome them.

With this investigation, we can reveal that two of the UN's troop contributing countries — Bangladesh and Sri Lanka — are sending officers on peacekeeping missions who are implicated human rights violations like torture and extrajudicial killings back home. The UN is seemingly turning a blind eye.

Almost of a third of all birds in the US have disappeared since 1970. That’s just under three billion animals. In Europe, the number has been decimated by around 25 per cent. Climate change and the destruction of natural habitats pose the greatest challenges. Conservation efforts are more urgent than ever.

Rainforests are sacrificed to provide the rubber used in tires, even though alternatives exist. 70% of the global rubber harvest goes to the tire industry, which must now meet new supply chain rules approved by the European Parliament in April 2024.

On social media, crystals are hyped as a cure for all sorts of ailments, and for beauty and spiritual purposes. Consumers hope to gain all sorts of benefits. But what is life like for the adults and children sourcing the crystals? We investigate the crystal hype and discover that behind the shiny surface, there is a ruthless, profit-driven web spanning the globe. 

Billions of people in cities around the world are affected by climate change. Sustainable urban planning can help reduce risks and improve life in urban centers.

Despite sanctions against Russia, asset managers are said to have hidden money belonging to Putin‘s confidants. This documentary follows the trail of shadow bankers and high-ranking Russian officials to Switzerland.

Investigative journalist Tim Sebastian exposes the growing threat of far-right extremism in Europe. From secret neo-Nazi gatherings in Germany to the alarming rise of populist leaders, discover the chilling realities facing democracy today. Watch as he delves into the ideologies, scandals, and political maneuvers threatening to reshape the European Union.

Is Europe facing a shift to the right? Pollsters predict that radical right-wing parties could win votes in the upcoming European elections, and gain strength within the EU Parliament. However, Europe’s radical right is already influencing EU policy.

India, a nation on the verge of becoming a superpower? The country has overtaken China and is now the world’s most populous nation. The average age is 28. What dreams and what opportunities for advancement does this generation in India have today?

There’s hardly a more divisive topic in Europe than the issue of immigration. When the refugee crisis began in 2015, the EU welcomed many with open arms. Now, tightened borders have become the norm.

Right-wing extremist attacks on politicians are endangering Germany's democracy - it's better to talk than to fight, say these three initiatives.

Svalbard Island is known for its snow-capped mountains and unique wildlife. It’s also an international melting pot, but soon all that could change.

Sepsis changed Georg Winterling’s life forever: both his arms and legs had to be amputated.

The island world of the Aegean Sea is both fascinating and incredibly diverse. Each island has its own charm and character. The film travels to the Greek Cyclades island group and visits five islands. Along the way, viewers meet people whose love for their islands is tangible.

In December 2023, DW broadcast a documentary on sex tourism in Pattaya which unleashed a wave of outrage. National media in Thailand took up the story - at its center, the case of a suspected German pedophile.

Irene and Christian love each other and have been married for many years. To receive the blessing of Irene's family, they travel to Tanzania.

Bunkers, tunnels, former torture chambers: Georgia is home to secret underworlds, built during the Soviet era. Hardly any other country in the world has as many underground structures as tiny Georgia. What lies dormant just a few meters underground is being brought to light for the first time.

Gisela, Inga and Ulrich are pensioners – and poor. They’re constantly short on cash, even though they worked as hard as they could.

Bogs and swamps contain more carbon than all other ground vegetation. As the permafrost melts, greenhouse gases are released, which in turn accelerate global warming.

On June 25, 2024, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange was able to walk free following a deal with the US government. Does this surprising end to the publisher’s many years of criminal prosecution and imprisonment signal a positive outcome for press freedom?

If you’re young, you don’t usually do enough to protect your hearing. But more than a billion youngsters are at risk of hearing loss worldwide. People often turn to assistive devices when it’s already too late. Hearing loss can result in isolation and accelerate the onset of dementia.

NATO calls itself the strongest and most successful defense alliance in the world. But this view is not universal. Countries in Africa and Asia regard the organization with skepticism and distrust, accusing it of double standards and hypocrisy.

Today, Pembe Özkan lives in Turkey. Before that she’d lived almost her entire life in Germany, where she came out and married a woman.

West African waters once had some of the richest fish stocks in the world. Today they are severely depleted. Fishermen in Senegal fear for their livelihoods. Europeans, Chinese, Russians and Turks have overfished the waters.

Could nuclear fusion generate an infinite amount of clean energy? In contrast to nuclear fission, nuclear fusion looks favorable when it comes to environmental and safety concerns. Could nuclear fusion be the solution to our environmental problems?

On 6 January 2021, hundreds of Donald Trump supporters stormed the Capitol in Washington. Five people were killed and many injured. Some 15 per cent of those involved were former members of the US military or police.

Mittweida in Saxony needs skilled workers. Mayor Ralf Schreiber wants to make his town attractive again

Turning vapor into drinking water: a bizarre response to the impact of climate change? Or a stroke of genius? It’s hoped that the cloud catchers - nets that fish water out of the air - will provide a solution to water shortages worldwide. But how does it work?

Ali Can Pektas is a dribbling maestro in blind soccer. One of the best blind soccer players in Germany, his dream is to take part in the 2024 Paralympics in Paris.

On 19 July 1979 the Sandinistas overthrew Nicaragua's dictator Somoza. A young generation took over the government with the goal of building a new society. What has become of those dreams today?

Sophie, 32, opts for medical gender reassignment. Luca, 16, knew as a child that he was a boy, born into the body of a girl. And 69-year-old Nora campaigns for trans rights.

The elephant hunt is bitterly criticized – at least by western NGOs. In Botswana, home to 130,000 elephants, it’s seen differently.

Coated pans, waterproof clothing, refrigerants for air conditioning systems. All these everyday items contain PFAS. This group of chemical compounds makes life more convenient. But PFAS compounds are also highly controversial because they are both toxic and long-lasting.

St. Kitts has one of the few still-functioning sugar cane railway lines in the Caribbean, running along almost 30 kilometers of coastline. A pair of islands in the Lesser Antilles, St. Kitts and Nevis is one of the smallest nations in the world.

Her favorite music to play is techno and house. 76-year-old Elly Steiner is Germany’s oldest DJ. Elly Steiner is a fixture on the party scene in Stuttgart and the surrounding area. With her fiery red hair, a baseball cap and a full-sleeve tattoo, she looks a bit atypical for her age. She’s been spinning records for over 35 years under the moniker DJ Elly. The vivacious DJ loves making people happy through music and seeing the “sparks fly”. She’s had a full life, with many ups and downs - including battles with depression and drug addiction. Today, she’s 100% sober and according to herself music is her new drug. A report by Almut Röhrl.

Deachen from Ladakh has a dream - to qualify for the youth squad of India’s national women’s ice hockey team. But because of the climate crisis, winters are getting shorter meaning there’s less time to train.

Building in harmony with nature, using renewable materials from the region. Sustainable building is still an adventure. But in future, it’s likely to be necessary.

For years, Sofia suffered from eating disorders and depression. By talking openly about the issue, she hopes to help others.

Amid far-right populism and growing support for the AfD, what can Germany do to ensure the atrocities of its history are never forgotten or repeated?

Mexico City used to inspire fear. But these days, the megacity is a hotspot for tourists. Still, the city has not lost its fighting spirit. Some use it to put on a show, while others simply try to survive.

Elephants, antelopes, lions. Rich people kill animals threatened with extinction, then hang them on their walls as trophies. On the face of it, trophy hunting seems morally reprehensible. But could it be more complicated?

The Nazis meticulously planned and documented their acts of mass murder. They were just as meticulous when it came to covering their tracks. Their systematic, cruel methods are a chapter of war history that’s still largely unknown.

Sewing quilts and playing Scrabble: for pensioner Ruth Miller from Britain, that wasn’t enough. After retiring from her teaching job, she wanted to make punk music again. So she founded her own band. It was a huge success.

Africa is a continual target of land-grabbing. Big international corporations are snatching up farmland. A group in Sierra Leone fights for justice.

Be it for nose jobs, hair transplants, or liposuction: Turkey's beauty industry is booming. Medical tourists from abroad are being attracted by clinics and agencies offering low prices. In countries like the UK, the same procedures often cost double, or triple the price. Cases of botched procedures and even deaths are on the rise, though. Victims and their relatives are demanding accountability.

The Baltic states regained independence more than 30 years ago. Now, Russia has them looking over their shoulder, again. Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine has left many people wondering whether Russia will set its power-hungry sights on the Baltic states, once more.

190 million women around the world suffer from endometriosis, a chronic disease of the abdomen. For a long time, medicine didn’t take these women’s complaints seriously. But now, the taboo issue is finding a wider audience. Women are breaking their silence.

Tens of thousands of people have fled to Egypt to escape the war in Gaza. There they seek to start a new life and put the traumas of war behind them. They hope for peace but also fear for those who are still in Gaza.

In India, Varanasi is considered a holy city. Millions of Hindus believe that people who die here, in this city on the Ganges, are lucky. Because if they are cremated here, they can break the eternal cycle of birth, death and rebirth.

Rats are seen as transmitters of disease and are hated in the West. But to this day, we don’t know very much about this feared animal. Science is only just beginning to properly delve into the world of rats and "rehabilitate" their image.

The small Ukrainian city of Beryslav on the Dnipro River has become the target of an unprecedented wave of Russian drone strikes that has left nearly 150 civilians injured or killed.

In Indonesia, couples typically belong to the same ethnic group and religion. Yet this traditional mindset is slowly changing.

Mark Junglas is disgusted by conventional factory farming. The trained butcher wants to do better. Eating meat is fine, he says. But only if the animals have led a good, species-appropriate life -- and experience a stress-free death.

When international troops withdrew in 2021, the Taliban recaptured Afghanistan. The ‘forever war’ was over. But this documentary shows how western military forces were misled or acted on insufficient intelligence -- with fatal consequences for the Afghan civilians they were sent to protect.

Will artificial intelligence save us or kill us all? In Japan, AI-driven technology promises better lives for an aging population. But researchers in Silicon Valley are warning of untamable forces being unleashed– and even human extinction.

Ballet is her passion. But in Peru, few can afford dance lessons. Maria del Carmen Silva provides children with free tuition.

"Pretty people have it easier in life," says 15-year-old Moritz. When he posts a video of his body on social media for the first time at the age of 13, it takes a toll: Moritz is bullied at school and starts thinking he’s far too chubby.

The 2003 war against Iraq was based on a lie. The US claimed that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction. A war of aggression, that the US never was penalized for. How are the people affected by this war faring today?

In response to reports that right-wing extremist groups have considered plans to forcibly repatriate migrants, young Germans are reacting with anger and fear - and humor. Now, they’re also sensing a growing threat from mainstream society.

Spectacular cliffs and traces of the Vikings can be found along Ireland’s most beautiful train route. It leads from Rosslare in the southeast via the capital, Dublin, to the Howth Peninsula. In times gone by, the region has been inhabited by Vikings, Normans and the English.

As societies get more prosperous, more and more people are unable to afford many basic needs. In South Africa and in the UK, Liz and Sakhumzi believe in the virtues of capitalism, whilst Jamie and Princess struggle to make ends meet.

Children are particularly affected by large-scale deforestation in Indonesia. The indigenous people are suffering.

The latest research shows we’ve long underestimated the intelligence of insects. Bumblebees, for example, succeed at behavioral tests also passed by intelligent crows. They use tools to reach nectar in an artificial flower.

If you want to experience China, you can't avoid Chongqing. This megacity is growing at a blistering place. But beware, it is not a place for anyone with a fear of heights, or a sensitive stomach.

Housing is a recognized human right in Mexico and Canada. But it’s also big business and a major source of conflict in many countries around the world.

The gulls and sandworms probably recognize Knud Knudsen, because he walks across northern Germany’s mud flats every few days to deliver the mail.

The Houthi movement has established totalitarian rule in northern Yemen. Who are these militants who invoke the Prophet Mohammed, fire rockets at Israel and paralyze world trade with their attacks on Red Sea shipping?

Climate change is real, and it is dangerous. Some people are actively trying to stop it. Others deny or intensify it - or suppress information. Most don’t bother at all and continue to contribute to global warming through their lifestyle.

Cocaine and crack cocaine are spreading across Ireland—and not just in the capital Dublin, but in more rural areas as well. How did this happen, and what is being done to combat it?

Climate change could halve the amount of land suitable for coffee production by 2050. In a bid to save one of the world’s most popular drinks, many people are busy experimenting with more resilient coffee varieties and sustainable growing methods.

Hidden in the forests of eastern Germany are relics of the Cold War. This documentary follows experts as they search for clues and uncover secrets in the bunkers of the former East Germany

The world's largest beer festival represents deep Bavarian tradition and boundless partying. The flip-side includes alcohol binges and guests losing control. Many of the jobs at the Oktoberfest have therefore long been in the hands of men. But a number of women are now taking over what used to be male domains: they helm the giant beer tents, drive bicycle rickshaws and operate carousels at the fairground. We follow three women who give their all in this environment. Equal rights in practice - or pure madness?

How was the attack on the Israeli state prepared? How was it even possible? To mark the first anniversary of the Hamas attack, the documentary film analyzes the failures of intelligence services, politics and the army.

Soot, particle pollution and heavy fuel oil: freighters and cruise liners are real climate killers. It’s high time for a change of course on the seas. The film shows how both innovations and tried-and-tested ideas can make shipping cleaner.

The Hamas terror attack of 7 October 2023 has had profound consequences in Israel, Gaza and beyond. This film asks how those in Tel Aviv have reacted to the subsequent war, and what they expect the future will bring.

Support for the far-right is growing in Germany, raising fears of a new 1933 - the year Adolf Hitler came to power. Does the recent electoral success of the far-right Alternative for Germany party indicate the country’s democracy is under threat?

Looking back, every life has at least one turning point. Change often comes about unexpectedly - and with a powerful force. In this film, people from Eastern Europe talk about their very own personal turning points in life.

n the South China Sea, the US and China are fighting for dominance in the Indo-Pacific region. The Philippines finds itself caught in the middle of a struggle between two superpowers.

Major Indian cities like Kolkata have seen mass protests against sexual violence. In rural India, justice for the rape or sexual abuse of young girls is hard to come by.

People should know what is happening in Ukraine. That's the motivation for journalists and photographers who are reporting from the war-torn country - and risking their lives in the process.

Between Russian pressure and European influence: Georgia is at a crossroads. How is the country faring ahead of parliamentary elections?

Western intelligence services are warning of the threat of a Russian shadow war against European states. Germany is possibly one of the targets of this hybrid warfare. Authorities have observed suspicious ship movements in the Baltic Sea.

Nicolás Maduro has been president of Venezuela since 2013. He rules the country, which faces grave political and economic problems, with an iron fist. Despite massive criticism from home and abroad, Maduro is clinging to power. Successfully, so far.

Pandemics, wars and natural disasters jeopardize trade and supply chain security. Even in the best of times, international supply chains often lack the necessary transparency, especially when it comes to poor working and environmental conditions.

Their votes could spell victory or defeat. Just ahead of the U.S. Election, what issues concern the Latino community?

With state and national elections approaching in the US, the country is more divided than ever before. Also on the campaign trail are a range of young politicians fighting for office. Will they be able to overcome the growing polarization in society?

Critics of growth want to bring the economy into harmony with the environment and social well-being. They see a world that functions without constantly wanting more. But is that realistic?

The US in 2024: a fateful year, for a divided nation. This film tracks the heartbeat of US society over several months during the presidential election campaign. Observing the everyday lives of very different people, it asks: how does America tick?

Cosplay originated in Japan. Now, enthusiasts like Andreas escape their everyday lives across the globe by immersing themselves in fantasy worlds.

Everyone who survived has a story that you simply can't believe.” Charlotte Knobloch survived the Holocaust - because farmer's wife Kreszentia Hummel passed her off as her own, illegitimate child and kept her hidden on her farm.

Migrants continue to try and reach Europe via the Mediterranean. To stop them, European governments are giving billions of Euros to North African countries. Their security forces are expected to stop the migrants -- with deadly consequences.

Heatwaves. They are occurring more and more frequently, lasting longer and becoming more intense. In Europe, temperature records are constantly being broken. One question has scientists particularly concerned: How hot will it get in the future?

The Ahmadiyya Muslim community in Erfurt, Thuringia has around 100 members, so their planned mosque is not particularly large. Nevertheless, the construction project has been met with fierce opposition from some residents.

Berlin's Jews, Israelis and Palestinians have lived through a year of fear and anger. Since October 7, 2023, anti-Semitic incidents have increased, while police have dealt harshly with pro-Palestinian demonstrations.

Roosters bring little profit on the poultry market. They lay no eggs and produce little meat. So, many German hatcheries sell millions of chicks abroad. Animal welfare usually falls by the wayside.

The search for World War Two’s fallen soldiers is still ongoing. The German War Graves Commission receives more than 35,000 enquiries every year. Often, it’s a chance find that puts researchers on the path to identifying a missing serviceman.

Even though he insults them and questions their rights, many women voted for Donald Trump, convinced only he can solve the country’s problems.

Is Javier Milei a savior or a destroyer? It’s been just over a year since the far-right, chainsaw-wielding 54-year-old was elected President of Argentina, and society is more divided than ever before.

In Pakistan, every third child is out of school – and the situation is dire in particular for children belonging to the ethnic group of the Pashtuns. Poverty, corruption, terrorist attacks, and traditions that sometimes oppose to secular education all get in the way of these kids. And yet, some don’t give up. We meet Jalal, who’s school classes take place in a tent in the mountains – and we follow his and his father's fight for better education.

After decades of civil war, over a million landmines remain in the ground in Sri Lanka. Women are on the frontline of the demining effort. Fifteen years after Sri Lanka's brutal civil war, its northern lands remain littered with deadly landmines. They are a haunting reminder of the conflict’s survivors, who lost everything. On behalf of the Halo Trust, an NGO clearing landmines, women like Chandradevi and Sasireka, war widows and single mothers, are taking on the perilous task of demining — rebuilding their lives and their communities, one patch of land at a time. We travelled to the north of Sri Lanka to witness their daily work and see what challenges these communities face. A report by DW’s Akanksha Saxena.

Bhutan is famous as the ‘land of happiness’ in the Himalayas. But little is known about the country’s subtropical South. This film explores the little-known region, where people live according to ancient traditions and maintain close-knit communities.

The Yamal Peninsula in the Arctic is the heart of the Russian energy empire. It is home to the world's largest natural gas reserves. But this is also where the migration routes of the Nenets run. Is their habitat being destroyed?

Experts estimate that Europe’s dog mafia makes around a billion Euros every year. Birgitt Thiesmann from the animal welfare foundation "Four Paws” fights against the illegal puppy trade.

Ali used a smuggler to get from Pakistan to Europe. His parents have had no contact from him since he left.

Spanish farmer Antonio Basa is has to guard his olive grove at night. Heat-related crop failures have driven the price of olive oil sky high and now, professional gangs are stealing the lucrative fruit.

One of the most famous paintings by Vincent van Gogh was sold at auction in 1990 - before disappearing without trace. What has happened to it? The search has taken investigators from the US, to France, Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Astrophysicist Gernot Grömer wants to promote space travel. So he founded the Austrian Space Forum. Grömer sees himself as a "shipbuilder” who’s working on making the journey to Mars possible in 20 to 30 years.

Indonesia is grappling with grave ecological problems. While pollution caused by plastic waste threatens ecosystems, Jakarta is sinking into the sea. The city is quite literally going under. Climate activists and authorities are doing what they can to halt the process.

Behind today's AI revolution stands an invisible workforce: millions of data workers who painstakingly train artificial intelligence systems we all use. Many of them are based in the Global South, like Kenya. They are being exposed to traumatizing content and difficult work conditions, while earning a fraction of their counterparts in developed countries. But the tide is turning. These workers are breaking their silence, challenging the system, and demanding fair recognition in the world of AI.

Father Jose Maria Gimeno has a mission - he wants to convert mothers in Venezuela's slums. His message: Stop eating meat, cook with soy!

Europe is the largest exporter of shark meat and fins - in an industry worth several billion euros per year. Fishing crews in the EU earn around €12 per kilogram of shark fin. But in Asia, where shark fin soup is a delicacy, prices for customers can reach €1,500.

With the Russian invasion of Ukraine, fears of a nuclear accident have returned. In the very first days of the war, Russian troops occupied the exclusion zone around what’s left of Chernobyl. Shortly afterwards, they took control of Zaporizhzhia’s nuclear power plant.

What kind of environment is the right one for people with dementia? The film explores new ways to provide more appropriate care to sufferers of this disease.

Around a quarter of Latvia's population have Russian roots - a community struggle to reconcile their own distinct identity with loyalty to their country of birth. What impact is Russia's invasion of Ukraine having on Latvia?

More and more people are taking the migratory route through Belarus - and disappearing without a trace. Relatives from their home countries, such as Iraq, Syria and Egypt, are looking for them. Polish volunteers offer their support in what is often a distressing endeavor.

The French Foreign Legion is regarded as the toughest army corps in the world. Its soldiers fight on the frontlines of France's wars.

For the first time, a documentary film penetrates deep into the most extreme levels of online hate. Cyberbullies engage in a series of campaigns intended to provoke an intense emotional reaction from the victim. The film explores some of their most perfidious methods.

In the far north of Norway, where western Europe and NATO border Russia, lies Kirkenes. It only has 3,500 inhabitants, but it’s a geopolitical heavyweight. A border battalion with 600 elite soldiers makes its military presence felt.

The Assad regime in Syria has fallen. More than 30,000 people have been freed from its prisons, but a further 100,000 remain missing. Families are desperately searching for their loved ones - including Hind Gharz al Deen, whose son Hussam is missing.

Cheap fashion jewelry is a booming business, but its shine hides a dark side. Workers endure starvation wages, and toxic materials in the jewelry endanger customers' health. This film uncovers the origins and production of these items.

How can we preserve our current flood of knowledge, data and objects for future generations? What is important, and what can go? The better storage options become, the more difficult it is to answer this question.

All around the world, entrepreneurs and scientists are looking for a way out of factory farming. They’re concerned by the issue of animal welfare. But a primary motive is the ecological impact of industrial livestock farming.

Many Syrians are euphoric after the fall of the Assad regime, with some already returning from exile. What awaits those choosing to return home?

Germany’s pubs, kiosks and corner stores aren't just a place to pick up a late-night beer. They're a social hub that helps create a sense of community.

While the German economy navigates troubled waters, the lives of the rich continue on unaffected. This film takes a look into the largely closed-off world of the country's millionaires and billionaires - and at how the wealthy see themselves and their privileged lifestyles.