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.
To deal with their experiences during the Gaza war, a group of young people have written a play “The Gaza-Monologues”, which has been presented in over 40 countries. But with travel in and out of Gaza closely monitored, the play is usually performed by an ensemble from Ramallah. A film about living under occupation and the power of theatre and art.
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.
Passionate fashion designer Mc Bright Kavari modernises the traditional costumes of Herero women in Namibia. He wants his dresses to keep alive memories of Namibia’s painful colonial past and the genocide that was committed against the Herero people.
We travel to southern Kyrgyzstan and accompany Muhta Akar during the annual walnut harvest. The Fergana mountains are home to the world’s largest walnut forest. An extraordinary story about an ordinary-looking nut in a fascinating foreign culture, which is struggling to survive.
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.
Today, modern wingsuits make it possible for man to come closer to fulfilling his age-old dream of flying. This high-risk sport is both controversial and fascinating. We look at the desire to fly from a historical perspective and show flight pictures that have never before been seen in this way, including the world’s longest ever wingsuit jump.
29-year-old Mahmud used to be a rebel who fought against president Assad’s regime but also the terrorists of the Islamic State. We follow him from the trenches near Azaz to the treacherous boat journey from the Turkish coast to the Greek island of Samos. From there, the family travels through the Balkans and Austria to a refugee centre in Switzerland.
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.
Two Iranians set off on a unique journey to their home country. The two women from Berlin and Paris spend five weeks travelling across the Islamic republic, with its magnificent palaces, mosques and parks. They offer us a unique and personal view of the country, avoiding the usual clichés and prejudices.
