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From DW Documentary. The weapons technologies of the future are presenting national militaries with new challenges. The conflict in Ukraine has shown that warfare is changing. Can the German armed forces keep up? New weaponry is being developed: from drones to artificial intelligence and automatic missile defense systems. Germany’s military, the Bundeswehr, is rearming on…
From DW Documentary. Poland’s new president, Nawrocki is polarizing. Some celebrate nationalist Karol Nawrocki; others fear setbacks on LGBTQ rights and abortion. Last autumn, euphoria swept through Poland: Donald Tusk had won the parliamentary election, unseating the right-wing populist government after eight years. Poland showed what was possible – a shift away from nationalism to…
From DW Documentary. The way we feed ourselves is changing. Agriculture will also be impacted by Artificial Intelligence. Could AI present an opportunity for increased food security in the future? From the climate crisis to depleted soils: farmers all over the world fear for their future. Our food security is at risk. The United Nations…
From DW Documentary. Cosmetic procedures are on the rise. Experts believe that social media can often fuel trends like plumped-up lips. While hyaluronic acid fillers are marketed as natural and safe, some individuals experience serious side effects, including inflammation, death of body tissue, or even blindness. Experts are raising concerns about a lack of information…
From DW Documentary. Sudan has been in the grip of a civil war since April 2023. The consequences for the civilian population have been devastating. Hundreds of thousands have sought refuge in the remote Nuba Mountains, where there has been less fighting. For decades, those living in the Nuba Mountains in southern Sudan were oppressed…
From DW Documentary. On June 23, 2016, the United Kingdom voted in a referendum to leave the EU. In 2020, the exit took place. Years later, none of the Brexit promises have been kept. In the face of a deep economic and social crisis, many Britons now believe that leaving the European Union was a…
From DW Documentary. Tens of thousands of children are believed to work in illegal cobalt mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Cobalt is a key resource for the production of green tech, and most of it is produced in the DRC. Local agencies are working together with international manufacturers to support the children and…
From DW Documentary. The group calling itself Islamic State has killed, enslaved or displaced thousands of Yazidis in northern Iraq. Four siblings who survived this genocide tell of violence and captivity, but also of courage and new beginnings. August 2024 marked the tenth anniversary of the IS genocide against the Yazidis. The terrorist militia tried…
From DW Documentary. The taiga is the largest contiguous vegetation zone in the world. The birch plays a special role in this boreal coniferous forest. Its light-colored bark forms a perfect insulating layer. Symbiotic fungi protect its roots from attackers. In the boreal coniferous forest, where light and darkness, warmth and cold follow each other…
From DW Documentary. Natural disasters and wars, each seemingly more devastating than the last. Are we becoming desensitized to this constant stream of bad news? And could that actually be necessary to help us stay functional amid global conflict and the climate crisis? Are we growing emotionally numb to relentless negative headlines? Or is this…
From DW Documentary. An unusual story about love and identity: Ten years ago, Jenni and Julia were a lesbian couple. Today, they’re husband and wife. Jenni and Julia were still in school when they fell in love in 2015. At first, they thought they were like any other gay couple. But Jenni felt increasingly uncomfortable…
From DW Documentary. Right-wing radicals are becoming increasingly vocal in Germany. But many people oppose them and are fighting to defend democracy. Where do they find the courage to stand up to this sometimes-violent milieu? Right-wing extremists are stronger than ever. In cities, the counter movement is strong and highly visible. But in more rural…
From DW Documentary. Are the German armed forces prepared for the challenges of the future? With the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022, German defense policy arrived at a so-called "turning point”. But can it succeed? The German army is facing enormous challenges: It has too few personnel, too little equipment,…
From DW Documentary. Did Homo sapiens and Neanderthals share the same habitat for a long period of time? Excavations by a French research team at the Mandrin Cave suggest as much. The researchers’ work has yielded even more astonishing findings. The extinction of the Neanderthals, the one species that dominated the Eurasian continent prior to…
From DW Documentary. Tigers in Lamborghinis, costumed dogs, and cheetahs on the sofa all get clicks on social media. The pet influencers, or "petfluencers", are doing well. But what price do the animals pay? Humaid Abdullah Albuqaish, who has more than seven million Instagram followers, lives in Sharjah, near Dubai. The millionaire has around 60…
From DW Documentary. Pakistan is stepping up its deportation of Afghan refugees. Three million face an uncertain future. The radical Islamic Taliban rule their homeland. They have fled the violence and terror of the Taliban: For decades, millions of Afghans have taken refuge from conflict and war in neighboring Pakistan. Many have raised families and…
From DW Documentary. One in four of Berlin’s children lives in poverty. The district of Marzahn-Hellersdorf is a particular hotbed of social disadvantage. People who grow up here have little-to-no chance of upward social mobility. But that doesn’t stop them from fighting for their rightful places in society. Pierre Hollberg has a budget of ten…
From DW Documentary. Since 2020, Madeira has been attracting freelancers from all over the world. They live and work on the island. But everyday life in this supposed paradise is also sometimes overshadowed by existential worries and loneliness. The Portuguese island of Madeira lies in the Atlantic Ocean. It is known as the island of…
From DW Documentary. The global race for the African continent‘s coveted raw materials is unscrupulous. The raw material interests of rich nations often trump the rights and needs of the local populations. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, people are being exploited in mines. Chinese traders are illegally buying cobalt, a material Europe needs for…
From DW Documentary. The repercussions of Canada’s colonial history are still playing out today. Experts tell us that part of colonization’s legacy was attacking queerness in Indigenous communities – forcing assimilation and imposing gender norms. But now, a generation of queer Indigenous people are fighting to preserve their culture and reclaim their identities. #documentary #dwdocumentary…
From DW Documentary. Fungi form a hidden network that runs through the Earth like a system of life-giving veins. Scientists are only just beginning to understand the vital role fungi plays, poised between the plant and animal worlds. It’s a mystery that is gradually being solved. Life on Earth wouldn’t be possible without fungi. Yet…
From DW Documentary. Rio de Janeiro: Sugar Loaf Mountain, the Christ the Redeemer statue, the Copacabana. When night falls, the most diverse worlds come together here. A journey through one of the most fascinating metropolises in the world — from sunset to sunrise. Shortly after sunset, work begins for the men and women who collect…
From DW Documentary. Since 2020, reports have increased of boats being rammed by orcas along the European Atlantic coast. The whales make a beeline for the hulls and rudders. Researchers are trying to find out why. It is curiosity? Competition for food? Or maybe they’re just playing? In the oceans of the world that are…
From DW Documentary. Real human remains — often from Africa, Asia, and the Pacific — are still legally bought and sold in parts of Europe, the United States, and beyond. Many were taken during colonial rule – looted from graves and shipped to Europe in the name of so-called “racial science.” While some ended up…
From DW Documentary. The Spanish island of Mallorca is a popular holiday destination. But short term rentals and rising property prices are forcing more and more locals out of their neighborhoods. Millions of tourists come to the island every year. But many Mallorcans can no longer afford the rents here. 60-year-old Begoña is a parking…
From DW Documentary. Whether single, looking for a partner or divorced – what happens when young Indonesians decide to look for love their way? In Indonesia, marriage is still the social norm. Those who don’t conform, stand out and must often field many uncomfortable questions. Treading the fine line between familial pressure, religious duty and…
From DW Documentary. A huge wooden gate, like that of a Shinto shrine, is the landmark of Kanazawa. The main railway station of the metropolis in western Japan is reminiscent of a religious site. The film shows viewers a metropolis where rail transport plays an important role: The new high-speed railway line runs through the…
From DW Documentary. "African human skull, early 20th century, 2,000 euros." Adverts like this can be seen on social media. The trade is legal in Germany, even when the skulls date from the German colonial era. This reportage reveals the questionable nature of this trade in skulls — especially when their origin becomes clear. Thousands…
From DW Documentary. Oyster farming in southwest France is a centuries-old tradition – but today, it’s a tough business. In Arcachon Bay, climate change, pollution, and rising tourism are putting oyster farmers under pressure. Profits are low, competition is fierce – and large-scale oyster theft is on the rise. For many, keeping this coastal heritage…
From DW Documentary. In late 1513, Michelangelo, Raphael and Leonardo da Vinci were all in Rome at the same time. Pope Julius II wanted to restore the Eternal City to its former splendor. What was the relationship between the three great painters? What rivalries existed between them? Pope Pius commissioned Michelangelo (1475-1564) to decorate the…
From DW Documentary. Vast areas of Australia are covered by forests of giant eucalyptus. According to the Aborigines, the ‘king’ eucalyptus, which can grow up to 100 meters high, has mythical power. This mythical power is said to originate from the so-called Dreamtime, the time before the creation of the world, in which only spiritual…
From DW Documentary. On 8 May 2025, the world marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The Allied victory brought an end to Adolf Hitler’s 12-year rule. Journal entries from Hitler’s supporters and opponents offer insight into life in Nazi Germany. This four-part documentary series centers on eight individuals and their…
From DW Documentary. Cobalt is a highly prized metal, especially for makers of smartphones and EVs. Almost 75% of global production comes from the Democratic Republic of Congo – where there are also children toiling away in the mines. Cobalt is a component in batteries for cell phones, EVs and e-bikes, but it’s also used…
From DW Documentary. From synthetic fabrics to food packaging, our daily choices feed an invisible stream of plastic into our environment. But it’s no longer just about waste, it’s about what is making its way into our bodies. We unknowingly consume an estimated 70,000 to 120,000 microplastic particles every year. Our global consumption of plastic…
From DW Documentary. The 4B movement in South Korea represents one of the most radical rejections of patriarchy to date: no sex, no dating, no marriage, no children. For years, the image of young women in Seoul’s nightlife was characterized by mini-skirts, makeup, and a ‘cute’ demeanor. Now, more women are adopting short hair, baggy…
From DW Documentary. The same spectacle every summer: Hundreds of thousands of vehicles leaving Spain, headed for Morocco. In the summer of 2024, many of the travelers were migrants. Living in Europe, vacationing in their home country. But what does "home” really mean? The term "home” is becoming increasingly complicated. More and more people are…
From DW Documentary. Hyaluron has been used with increasing frequency, as social media normalizes lip injections. In Germany, this beauty industry procedure may only be carried out by doctors or alternative medicine practitioners – professionals who understand the risks. Beauty procedures are often advertised on social media with ‘before‘ and ‘after‘ pictures. Alessa Book from…
From DW Documentary. The sixth extinction of species is in full swing. In the race against time, researchers around the world are relying more and more on high-tech. This visually stunning documentary shows the race to build futuristic technologies to protect species. Scientists around the world are working to protect animals threatened with extinction. Because…
From DW Documentary. On 8 May 2025, the world marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The Allied victory brought an end to Adolf Hitler’s 12-year rule. Journal entries from Hitler’s supporters and opponents offer insight into life in Nazi Germany. This four-part documentary series centers on eight individuals and their…
From DW Documentary. Deportation is a politically charged issue in Germany—and one that often fails in practice. More than 200,000 people are legally required to leave the country, yet only a small fraction is deported. The reasons are complex and varied. Some individuals evade authorities, while others cannot be deported because their countries of origin…
From DW Documentary. Tigers in Lamborghinis, costumed dogs and cheetahs on the sofa generate clicks on social media. Good business for the "petfluencers”. But what price is paid by the animals? Humaid Abdullah Albuqaish, who has over seven million followers on Instagram, lives in Sharjah near Dubai. The millionaire keeps more than 60 tigers, lions,…
From DW Documentary. The Mennonites are members of the oldest Protestant free church. In Argentina, they lead a strict life outside the bounds of modern life. They’re fighting a battle against technology, which threatens the very foundations of their existence. Find out more in “Mennonites – A hidden world in Argentina”. Watch the full documentary…
From DW Documentary. A global longevity movement promises to decelerate the ageing process. Or even avoid it, altogether. But just how realistic are the claims of biohacking and self-optimization? And who can afford it anyway? YouTuber Anastasia wants to stay young forever, and a researcher in the USA promises that people can live up to…
From DW Documentary. Russia and the EU are on a confrontation course. The greatest tension so far has been caused by Russia’s war against Ukraine. The Kremlin’s response to EU sanctions is to try and stir up panic. In June 2024, Dmitry Medvedev announced on Telegram that Russia should turn the lives of westerners into…
From DW Documentary. Over a million tons of dumped munitions lie on the seabed – rusting, leaking toxic chemicals, and sometimes washing up on shore. What was once buried and forgotten is now an environmental threat hiding in plain sight. Find out more in “Danger from the North Sea – The search for explosive ordnance…
From DW Documentary. This film delves into the world of members of indigenous LGBTQIA+ communities in Canada. Activist and filmmaker Sarain Fox sheds light on their lives, while asking what the future holds. The answers come from a wide variety of perspectives. On her quest, Sarain accompanies a young family friend on a journey of…
From DW Documentary. On 8 May 2025, the world marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The Allied victory brought an end to Adolf Hitler’s 12-year rule. Journal entries from Hitler’s supporters and opponents offer insight into life in Nazi Germany. This four-part documentary series centers on eight individuals and their…
From DW Documentary. Uruguay’s former president José Alberto "Pepe" Mujica Cordano was an icon of the left. In this film, his advocacy for a fairer world is interwoven with the globalized stories of African migrants, Spanish and Japanese workers. The documentary blends stories of people on three continents: African migrants who want to flee to…
From DW Documentary. Oysters have been farmed in the southwest of France for over a century. But the business is becoming increasingly difficult. Climate change and growing tourism are taking a toll on water quality, which puts great economic strain on the growers. Frédéric and Luca Simon have taken over a traditional oyster-farming business. They…
From DW Documentary. Every year, people vanish without a trace in Mexico. Among them is 22-year-old Perla Yajaira. Her parents are searching desperately. It’s been a year since Perla Yajaira disappeared. Her family found her handbag at a terrifying place: a ranch believed to have been a secret recruitment center for organized crime—a site where…
From DW Documentary. The "Central de Abasto" in Mexico City is one of the largest markets in the world. A place where trade and criminality merge, on a site covering 327 hectares. The market attracts around 500,000 visitors a day. They come to buy a whole range of everyday items, in addition to fruits and…
From DW Documentary. The Mennonites are members of the oldest Protestant free church. In Argentina, their followers lead an exceptionally strict and unworldly life. They’re fighting a battle against modernity, which threatens the very foundations of their existence. The community started with a handful of individuals in a German village in the early 16th century.…
From DW Documentary. Bioplastics are made from materials that come from natural or renewable sources. Under the right conditions, certain bioplastics can decompose or even be composted, reducing the use of fossil fuels and protecting the environment. They have become essential in many industrial uses, including composting bags, food packaging, agriculture, and hygiene. One of…
From DW Documentary. Vladimir Putin wants to extend Moscow’s influence within Europe. His strategy: getting influential personalities on his side and infiltrating political institutions. Is he succeeding? To illustrate the extent of Moscow’s influence, the investigative documentary sheds light on key events of the last decade. Investigators suspect that many sabotage actions in Europe, some…
From DW Documentary. The year 1945 left its mark on the 20th century. The liberation of the Nazi concentration camps, the Pacific War, the atomic bombs dropped on Japan: these 12 months changed the world forever. After six years and countless deaths, World War Two came to an end in 1945 – to scenes of…
From DW Documentary. On 8 May 2025, the world marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The Allied victory brought an end to Adolf Hitler’s 12-year rule. Journal entries from Hitler’s supporters and opponents offer insight into life in Nazi Germany. This four-part documentary series centers on eight individuals and their…
From DW Documentary. The war in Gaza continues. Israeli-German writer and educator Meron Mendel travels across a deeply divided Israel and the occupied West Bank. Is there hope for peace? In Israel, Gaza and the occupied West Bank, many are wondering if there will ever be peaceful coexistence in the region and if Israelis and…
From DW Documentary. A 17-year-old Polish forced laborer was executed by the Nazis in 1942. It was Stefan Weger’s great-grandmother who testified against him. After many decades, German photographer Stefan Weger began to question his family’s long silence. His photo project “Luise” grapples with guilt, denial, and responsibility. Daniel Sieczkowski from Poland meanwhile, is also…
From DW Documentary. The bottom of the North Sea is still littered with munitions from the Second World War. To ensure that the beaches on the East Frisian island of Wangerooge remain free of munitions, a meticulous search is necessary. André, Marcel and Patrick Warfsmann are ammunition searchers. Using sensitive technology, they comb the fine…
From DW Documentary. For a long time, soil was all but ignored. But with climate change bringing longer droughts, sudden downpours, and increasing stress on the land, that’s starting to change. Now, some farmers are rethinking how we treat the ground beneath our feet because without healthy, living soil, there’s no future harvest. #documentary #dwdocs…