DW Documentary

For decades, people have predicted the collapse of North Korea. Yet the Kim dynasty seems more entrenched than ever. Propaganda, military posturing and a nuclear program are shoring up Kim Jong Un's power, both domestically and internationally. This…

Donald Trump's immigration crackdown is facing resistance across the United States. And not just from migrants. Local residents are fighting back, determined to stop new ICE detention centers from being built in their own backyards. Rodney Taylor was…

But why are they called "Arabic numerals" in Europe when they originated in India? And how did zero, a symbol for nothing, become so important? Following the trail of "our" numbers takes us from India to Baghdad, where…

Greece has more than 200 inhabited islands, many of which lack medical facilities. Fortunately, there are doctors who travel to even the most remote Aegean islands, providing health care on a volunteer basis. This film follows a group…

Afghanistan possesses an invaluable wealth of mineral resources. Following the Taliban's takeover, Europe and the US are holding back on investment, while other countries are already jostling for access. China, Russia, Turkey, Qatar, Pakistan and India see opportunities…

The Russian Civil War was one of the 20th century's bloodiest chapters. The fight for Russia between Lenin's Red Army and the White Army was ruthless. Its legacy can be felt in Europe to this day. Nestled in…

Can beauty be bought? We pull back the curtain on the high-priced world of exclusive beauty services — including celebrity hairstylist Hatice Nizam and cosmetic surgeon Tamarica Fischer-Nagel. The film follows two successful women entrepreneurs working in Germany's…

The Los Angeles housing crisis remains a major challenge, with an estimated 73,040 people experiencing homelessness across Los Angeles County. Curtice James knows that struggle firsthand. After experiencing homelessness himself and battling addiction, he now dedicates his time…

Our modern lives are wired for productivity, speed and constant stimulation. Boredom? No time! Yet boredom can fire up our creativity and help teach us to manage our emotions. In a world built for productivity, speed and nonstop…

The small Serbian town of Bor lives from copper mining. Many residents say that high levels of pollution from the mine, which has been majority-owned by a Chinese corporation since 2018, are making them sick. Resistance is growing…

Knee pain, osteoarthritis, and joint wear affect millions of people worldwide. In Germany alone, more than 170,000 knee replacement surgeries are performed each year. From natural therapies to cutting-edge medical innovations, experts are exploring new ways to relieve…

Trucker Tobias Wagner's mission: to get from Germany's East Frisia to Norway in an electric truck. A navigation buoy from the Juister Riff in the North Sea went missing and has turned up in Scandinavia. Now, it's Wagner's…

From peasants' son to revolutionary leader — Mao Zedong laid the foundation for modern China. This three-part documentary offers an in-depth look at one of the most influential figures of the 20th century. The legacy of the "founding…

In 2019, a group of 27 law students from the Pacific Islands launched a campaign to bring climate justice to the world's highest court, calling on wealthy countries to take greater responsibility for climate change. Normally, only states…

Los Angeles' housing crisis is escalating dramatically. Those who can't find a place to live have to get creative — otherwise, survival becomes a daily struggle. Even before the devastating fires of January 2025, affordable housing was in…

Why do data brokers have your location data? And what do they use it for? One big reason is advertising. Data brokers collect location data from people around the world and sell it to advertising companies who use…

From their lecture halls to the International Court of Justice. Law students from the South Pacific have joined island nations to demand greater climate accountability from industrialized countries. The case before the world's highest court was initiated by…

The Palestine Comedy Club uses laughter as everyday resilience. Collecting stories, they perform their show on tour in the Palestinian territories and in Israel. From cramped basements to the Freedom Theatre and on to London, the stand-up comedy…

How do you make a soldier shoot at unarmed protestors? Iran's regime has spent 40 years perfecting the answer. In this DW investigation, two high-ranking defectors expose the brutal system of repression. "No one says: shoot. The order…

From rugged peaks to gentle valleys, Italy's Dolomites are idyllic. In this film, nature lovers show us their mountain world and share fascinating stories about life between tradition and modernity. In the Dolomites, Italy's "dolce vita" culture meets…

From peasants' son to revolutionary leader — Mao Zedong laid the foundation for modern China. This three-part documentary offers an in-depth look at one of the most influential figures of the 20th century. *Part 3 coming soon!* Part…

When Dan Brown published "The Da Vinci Code" in 2003, it became a global phenomenon, selling around 80 million copies. The film adaptation starring Tom Hanks was another worldwide success, turning its blend of art, religion, mystery and…

Our skin connects us to the world while also providing us with a boundary and a layer of protection. It's a biotope, an object of desire, and it allows us to smell the way we do. How can…

Each year, a train carrying doctors and medical gear travels through remote areas of Kazakhstan. The project is called Salamatty Kazakhstan, or "Healthy Kazakhstan." The train is underway for eight months and the clinic operates daily. Salamatty Kazakhstan…

Startups are emerging as one source of innovation for the German economy. As climate change puts pressure on cocoa harvests, some experts warn that global cocoa supplies could decline significantly in the coming years. Siblings Sara and Maximilian…

Why do people in Europe refer to them as "Arabic numerals" when they were invented in India? How could ten tiny symbols conquer the world? And how did zero change the course of history? The Western world calls…

Russia needs more soldiers. At least 250,000 have already died in the Ukraine war. Moscow is also seeking new recruits abroad - sometimes using questionable methods. A group of Indian nationals traveled to Russia for a vacation. They…

Neele Buchholz has spent years dancing, acting, and building a career on her own terms. As an actress and dancer with Down syndrome, she continues to face barriers in an industry that often moves quickly and offers too…

Could Germany become a hotspot for the global markets of the future? Young startup founders are using cutting-edge innovations to tackle tomorrow's biggest challenges. They're not just dreaming about the future — they're building it. With humanoid robots,…

From peasants' son to revolutionary leader — Mao Zedong laid the foundation for modern China. This three-part documentary offers an in-depth look at one of the most influential figures of the 20th century. *Part 2 & 3 coming…

A cinematic journey through the first year of Donald Trump's second term as president. Fear, hope, protest, loyalty and disappointment all shape this portrait of the US as a nation in turmoil. Washington, D.C., and Piedmont, West Virginia.…

For young people joining far-right extremist groups, their reasons aren’t always related to the group’s ideology. Many, like Lauren, are lost and lonely teenagers, looking for a place to belong. These groups can exploit their vulnerability and make…

Rudolf Steiner is synonymous with Waldorf education - and its controversial teachings. This documentary explores the impact his ideas have had, and why they continue to draw both supporters and critics, to this day. The name Rudolf Steiner…