DocuPlanet

Europe’s super-trawlers have fished their own waters clean. Now, they have appeared off the coast of Africa. The government of Gabon has teamed up with a militant conservation group called Sea Shepherd, whose members are notorious for employing extreme tactics to thwart marine poaching. It is estimated that up to 26 million tonnes of fish, including tuna, mackerel, and herring, are caught illegally off West Africa annually. This costs the countries along the coast billions of dollars and hundreds of thousands of jobs. Moreover, every year, millions of tonnes of sharks, sea turtles, and unwanted fish are crushed to death in huge nets along with the target catch.

Started by Natalya Krapkina, a young Russian data analyst from St. Petersburg, the community of Aurora Hunters now counts over a thousand members. Tour agents, designers and shooting instructors by day, by night, these enthusiasts turn into fearless hunters, ready to drive and walk for miles laden with photo equipment to catch a glimpse of Aurora Borealis in the northern skies. The blanket of colourful, shimmering lights is one of the most beautiful natural phenomena in the world. And although St. Petersburg and the European part of Russia are pretty far from the Northern Light’s epicentre, Aurora Hunters rely on preparation and luck, reveling in each new sighting.

Local Red Cross workers in Liberia risk their lives daily to save others from the deadly Ebola disease. Specially-trained burial teams handle the deceased in a safe and dignified manner, preventing infections among relatives and neighbors. As communities grapple with the devastating impact, the success of these courageous frontline warriors remains uncertain. Their unwavering dedication and selflessness in the face of danger exemplify their role as true Ebola warriors.

Anastasia manages a sewing factory while her husband is deployed in the Special Military Operation zone. Now, her production line does not only stitch stretchers but camouflage nets also. Anna heads a PR agency and the «Good Deed» foundation, which supports the frontline and residents of Donbass. The foundation brings together the efforts of various entrepreneurs—some gather electric motorcycles, others humanitarian aid. Susanna oversees a network of medical centres, offering free treatment to soldiers and assisting their families. These women invest millions as well as products of their craft, and assist in packing and distributing aid to the frontlines. Discover more about these brave women on the International Women's Day.

Setting off from Phuket, Thailand, the crew of adventurers, backed by the Russian Geographical Society, circumnavigated the globe in an inflatable catamaran. They first crossed the Indian Ocean, around India to the UAE, and then headed for the Seychelles, via Mauritius. Continuing around the tip of Africa, then across the Atlantic Ocean to Brazil and finally across the Pacific, with the journey lasting over a year. What makes them risk their lives, in the face of adversity? Curiosity? The dream of witnessing things few others have seen?

Twenty years post the US invasion, Iraq grapples with the aftermath of failed democracy promises. Amidst poverty and instability, Ammar and Mukhalid witness the legacy of a war marred by false pretences, internal tensions, and the rise of ISIS. Listen to their narratives, in addition to expert insights revealing the stark reality behind a conflict that reshaped a nation’s destiny.

Explore the factors perpetuating the endless cycle of violence and roots of the Israel-Palestine conflict. On October 7, 2023, about 2,500 Hamas militants infiltrated Israeli territory, arguably one of the biggest security failure in the country’s history. What triggered the Hamas attack? How did they manage to reach the Gaza Strip despite a round-the-clock Israeli satellite watch? This documentary examines the complexities faced by both the Palestinians and Israelis, aiming to uncover the history behind the prolonged conflict and explore potential paths to reconciliation.

Dashi-Dorzho Itigilov is considered a miracle in the Buddhist region of Buryatia. By decision of the Buddhist traditional sangha of Russia, the precious body of Khambo lama Itigilov has been recognised as a Buddhist shrine in Russia. Dashi-Dorzho Itigilov studied Buddhism and Tibetan medicine, wrote dozens of books on Buddhism and created a guide of healing herbs. It is believed that Itigilov reached the state of nirvana. He was put in a cedar cube in the lotus pose as he wished. His body hasn’t been mummified but doesn’t decay. The crew explores the phenomenon of meditating Buddhist monks and incorruptible bodies.