Today, almost in real time, victims of war and crimes use mobiles to film and photograph their experiences. International investigators collect this evidence for criminal prosecution. We document their research into the war in Ukraine, the destruction of Mali’s cultural heritage, the search for mass graves in Colombia and the “Black Friday” bomb attacks in Gaza.
When, almost 10 years ago, a kohl-eyed androgynous kid from East Germany and his teenage band TOKIO HOTEL cast a spell on German adolescents, no-one ever imagined this would be the start of a unique world career. A close-up portrait of a band that has grown up and follows its own, highly individual path.
So far, no one has been brought to justice for the atrocities committed during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) or Franco’s dictatorship (1939-1975). In 2013, an Argentinean initiative launched a new attempt to prosecute Franco officials. Will the so-called Argentinean trials become the Spanish Nuremberg?
In Germany, staff of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees decides on asylum applications. Applicants and case officers meet on only one occasion – at the personal interview when a decision is made about who can stay and who has to leave. An exclusive look behind the doors of an authority that decides on individual destinies.
When the 60-year-old father of the film director regularly flies to Thailand to enjoy the company of women her own age, she is understandably embarrassed. But things are starting to get serious: The wedding is looming. Is this love, asks his daughter, or more of a “business”? A light-hearted and personal film.
What happens when dreams grow up? A music drama about a group of youths from the north German provinces who make it to LA with their garage band – but fail disastrously. They grow up, finally overcome their personal demons and make music again. And they stay friends.
Fourteen countries, 16 children, five continents, one voice. All 16 children share with us their thoughts, desires, fears and hopes. Inquisitive and hungry for education, they want to change the world. A film about the future of the planet, a future these children will one day help to shape. And an appeal to us all: NOT WITHOUT US!
A song contest behind bars. Drug dealers, thieves and murderers jailed in Russia’s many prisons sing about homesickness, love, war and forgiveness. They all dream of taking part in the traditional Kalina Krasnaya contest. A film about the harsh reality of life behind bars but also the unique power music.
Asia, Africa, Europe – in Benin, Bangladesh, the DR Congo but also in the heart of Germany: violence against women is ever present. We delve into the lives of women who have been subjected to horrific violence, yet managed to fight their way free. They talk about their hopes, fears and their attempts to build a new life without violence.
Petersburg, 1917 – the year of two revolutions. What happened between the tsar’s abdication in February and the Bolshevists’ seizure of power in October? How did the people experience this turbulent time? From the perspective of artists such as Maxim Gorky and Kazimir Malevich, we recount the events of this period of turmoil.
Neurologist Frank Schauder has struggled with recurring depression for years. The search for the causes of his illness leads him into the realm of his own genes and casts light on the fundamental changes modern society faces as a result of the progress being made in the field of genetic sequencing.
A film about the unimaginable violence against women in the the DR Congo and a political and social system that turns a blind eye to these atrocities. Women are systematically exposed to the practice of rape as a weapon of war. Director Claudia Schmid gives women a voice and reveals the structures underlying the violence.
