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Investigative documentary series, geopolitical analysis, and international commentary

Politics and society

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Forty years ago, in June 1982, Israel invaded southern Lebanon, dubbed Operation Peace for Galilee by the Israelis. A small guerrilla group came together in secret to resist this offensive. Formed and supported by the Islamic Republic of Iran, it officially declared itself in 1985 as Hezbollah: The Party of God.
Four decades later, this small group has grown to become one of the most important military and political forces in the Middle East. A party of resistance for some, a terrorist group for others, Hezbollah is admired as much as it is feared. But the organisation, practically a state within a state, is living through turbulent times as Lebanon is experiencing a major political and economic crisis.

As Lebanon experiences an existential crisis, a focus on the history of militant group Hezbollah, a controversial organisation supported by Iran.

Lebanon: Inside Hezbollah

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On 24 February, Russian armed forces invaded Ukraine. We follow the war day by day and provide background information with special insights, reports and documentaries.

War in Ukraine

How do our neighbours in Europe see the pressing social issues of our time? Which of today's problems and challenges concern them the most, and how do they deal with them? Five partners, five languages and one joint project: The European Collection. ARTE joins forces with Germany's ARD and ZDF, France Télévisions and Switzerland's SRG SSR to offer a selection of documentaries and reports on European current affairs and the issues driving our politics and society.

The view of our European neighbours on current political and social issues in Europe.

The European Collection

Many of these journalists didn't expect to become war reporters. But then their homeland became a conflict zone. As armies picked up guns, they picked up their cameras.

A look at daily life in Ukraine, as filmed by Ukrainian journalists

Dispatches From Ukraine: Local Journalists Report

Chinese people make do without Google, Facebook, Youtube, Twitter. Instead, the regime has built its own online offer. How is this Chinese internet structured and what does it mean for democracy and debate?

How is this Chinese internet structured and what does it mean for democracy and debate? 

Internet Made in China

Regular bite-sized shorts focusing on different aspects of the war in Ukraine from a geopolitical perspective.

Mapping the World Essentials - War in Ukraine

Our web-series explores the lives of women in Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Lebanon, Syria and the United Arab Emirates. We ask how the Arab Spring changed their societies and their roles.

Ten years on from the Arab Spring, Arab women reflect on how their lives have changed

Women of the Arab Spring

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Since the Taliban retook Kabul in August 2021, the humanitarian situation has deteriorated considerably. Afghanistan remains the world's largest producer of opium and the country also has high rates of addiction. The Taliban is trying to rid the country of heroin addicts, with particularly brutal methods.

ARTE Reportage

The Taliban is trying to rid Afghanistan of heroin addicts, with particularly brutal methods.

Kabul: Rehab Hell

As wildfires in California become more widespread and fierce every year, the state fire department is adapting its strategy: deliberately setting fire to sections of bush as they fight fire with fire.

As wildfires in California become more widespread and fierce, the state fire department is adapting its strategy: deliberately setting fire to land.

California: Fighting Fire with Fire

Since the economic problems of the 2000s, well-organised gangs, or kalunas, have terrorised citizens of the Congolese capital with their illegal and highly violent activities. Drugs, muggings, assault and brutal attacks on rival gangs with machetes.

DRC: Gangs of Kinshasa

Machete-wielding gangs are terrorising the citizens of the Congolese capital.

A year and a half ago, a soldier filmed a civilian massacre perpetrated by the Ethiopian army in the rebel region of Tigray. Now captured by Tigrayan forces, along with many Ethiopian soldiers, the region is trying to bring those responsible to justice.

A year and a half ago, a soldier filmed a civilian massacre perpetrated by the Ethiopian army in the rebel region of Tigray.

Ethiopia: Chronicle of a Massacre

Access to the Vistula Bay by ship without having to pass through Russian territorial waters is now possible with the completion of the Vistula spit canal, a flagship project of the Polish government. Many poles are proud of the feat of engineering while others are concerned about the environmental consequences.

Access to the Vistula Bay by ship without having to pass through Russian territorial waters is now possible with the completion of the Vistula spit canal, a flagship project of the Polish government. 

Poland: The Vistula Spit Canal

At the age of 12, Enrique Pérez Guerra was sexually abused by a priest. Paralysed by shame, he thought of committing suicide. Today he is one of only a few victims in Spain who are willing to speak out about their abuse as the Catholic church in Spain still refuses to fully cooperate with investigations.

At the age of 12, Enrique Pérez Guerra was sexually abused by a priest. Paralysed by shame, he thought of committing suicide. 

Sexual Abuse in the Church

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Investigation and reports

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ERB Event Zone

Europe as a source of inspiration: Meeting artists from across the continent whose works spring from Europe’s cultural diversity.

Europe of Artists

Saype is a graffiti artist with a difference. He doesn't spray his works on walls but in fields and on grass, using his own biodegradable paint. His huge works of art are best appreciated by drone, where the true scale is revealed. 

Gymnastics

Saype, Green-Fingered Graffitti Artist

The American director Peter Sellars was invited to the Salzburg Festival. For the 2017 edition he staged The Clemency of Titus by Mozart.

Carte Blanche to Peter Sellars

Square Artiste: Peter Sellars

Mariusz would never have become the artist he is now if Poland had not joined the European Union. He now creates striking murals in cities all over the world.

Mariusz Waras, Street Artist

French writer Emmanuel Ruben is a bicycle enthusiast. Writing about his cycle from west to east following Europe’s longest river, the Danube, Ruben reflects on Europe and migration.

Rewriting Europe Along the Danube

Through the eyes of artists

Across Europe far-right parties are making significant gains at elections. A focus on Sweden, Italy, Germany and France and the strategies of the far-right parties to present themselves as ‘normal’.

The Normalisation of the Far Right

Climate change, the Covid pandemic and war brings into sharp focus the precariousness of the global food system. The war in Ukraine threatens the food security of many countries that rely on Kyiv as their main source of wheat.

Climate change, the Covid pandemic and war in Ukraine brings into sharp focus how important food supplies are.

The Power of Grain

Liz Truss becomes prime minister at a difficult time for the United Kingdom: The aftermath of the pandemic, Brexit problems, the war in Ukraine and the energy crisis. Where will she lead Britain?

New British PM: Liz Truss

Mapping the World Essentials

80% of Sri Lanka doesn't have enough to eat due to severe shortages. The country is collapsing under the weight of a huge amount of debt it owes to China and India. In power for nearly 20 years, the Rajapaksa clan fled, threatened by its people. The political dynasty had long ignored the warnings of economists, refused IMF aid, and implemented surprising measures that have contributed to emptying state coffers and impoverished farmers. Deprived of tourism for 3 years due to the Covid pandemic, Sri Lanka is struggling to recover. We take stock with Bhavani Fonseka, Sri Lankan human rights lawyer.

Sri Lanka's state coffers are empty and many people go hungry.

Sri Lanka in Crisis

The British government is pursuing a controversial migration policy of sending foreign nationals that have illegally crossed the channel to Rwanda. What awaits them in a country 6,000 kilometres from London?

London - Kigali: Migrant Scandal

The British government is pursuing a controversial migration policy of sending foreign nationals that have illegally crossed the channel to Rwanda. 

Ten years after Gaddafi's fall, what state is Libya in? There's the official government based in Tripoli that is recognised by the international community, and rival forces controlled by General Khalifa Haftar.

Libya: A Global Power Struggle

Ten years after Gaddafi's fall, what state is Libya in?

Mapping the World

In Latin America, 12 countries are currently governed by left-wing parties, while only 7 are governed by right-wing parties. In 2022, three presidential elections are expected on the continent: in Costa Rica, Colombia and Brazil. Elections that could change the face of the continent.

In Latin America, 12 countries are currently governed by left-wing parties, while only 7 are governed by right-wing parties.

The Left in Latin America

Insights

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Нападение России на Украину повергло Европу в шок и пролило свет на хрупкое положение независимых СМИ в России. Кроме видеоконтента на украинском, ARTE предлагает подборку материалов на русском языке, освещающих ужасные события в Украине, а также культурные программы и концерты солидарности с Украиной со всего мира. (ARTE is offering content in Russian).

ARTE in Russian

Помимо видеоконтента на украинском, ARTE предлагает подборку материалов на русском языке, освящающих ужасные событиям в Украине, а также культурные программы и концерты солидарности с Украиной со всего мира.

ARTE на русском 

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Kids

19-year old Hala left her family to escape a forced marriage and has thrown herself into the fight against both ISIS and the patriarchal system in Syria. A portrait of a committed and fervent fighter.

19-year old Hala has thrown herself into the fight against ISIS and the patriarchal system in Syria. A portrait of a committed and fervent fighter.

The Other Side of the River

In this episode, Ronja explores what can give us hope for the future even when things seem bleak. At Leopoldplatz, she meets one of the most hopeful people in Berlin: DJ Bombay sells curries from his food truck and is always in a good mood. "I've been through so many crises in my life that nothing can knock me out," he says. Then there's  boxer Mazen, who loses every fight and still goes on. Nun Sister Mechthildis meanwhile is full of hope and happiness, living away from the hustle and bustle of life in her convent.

Don't Lose Hope!

In this episode, Ronja explores what can give us hope for the future even when things seem bleak.

Streetphilosophy

Jan explores all the different ways of being alone. He searches for gold in a field with Wolfgang Herkt and his metal detector. After long hours of solo searching, Wolfgang says: "Being alone helps with difficult decisions because there are no distractions." The author Kathrin Weßling is the opposite: she communicates 24/7, writes books and constantly posts to social media. But loneliness lingers... not least of all for refugees. Evgeniy Zamyatin, who works as a lawyer for Alexei Navalny's anti-corruption foundation, fled to Berlin, far from friends and family.

Face Loneliness!

Jan explores all the different ways of being alone.

The pandemic, the climate emergency ... Everything seems extremely fragile at the moment. But is it possible to grow with crises? If so, what is the key? How can adaptability and courage make you more resilient?

The solution to having your plans upset? Don't make plans

Be Antifragile!

Austrian author, songwriter and artistic director puts a spotlight on Rigoberta Menchú, Guatemalan human rights activist and Nobel peace prize winner.

Square Artist

André Heller Interviews Rigoberta Menchú

Director, screenwriter and comedian, Marilyne Canto wanted show how peace between Israelis and Palestinians is possible, despite the pessimism that rules global news headlines. More than 20 years after the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin (1995), she chose to film Ofer Bronchtein, one of his former colleagues.

Carte Blanche to Maryline Canto

Switching viewpoints

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As  Lebanon experiences an existential crisis, a focus on the history of militant group Hezbollah, a controversial organisation supported by Iran.

The Russian enclave of Kaliningrad sits between Lithuania and Poland. Once German East Prussia, it is now home to 1 million Russian citizens. What is life like in this small territory now practically cut off from its EU neighbours since the war in Ukraine began?

Kaliningrad: Putin's Enclave

The Russian enclave of Kaliningrad sits between Lithuania and Poland and is now practically cut off from its EU neighbours since the war in Ukraine began.

As Lithuania stops Russia from transporting goods by train through its territory to Kaliningrad, a focus on the history of this singular Russian territory.

The Kaliningrad Affair

A year and a half ago, a soldier filmed a civilian massacre perpetrated by the Ethiopian army in the rebel region of Tigray. Now captured by Tigrayan forces, along with many Ethiopian soldiers, the region is trying to bring those responsible to justic

Behind his polite exterior lies a formidable leader with a ruthless character, ready to do anything to make China the world's leading power by the People’s Republic’s centenary in 2049. This well-documented portrait of the Chinese president gives an unprecedented insight into his politics and shows how Xi Jinping's personal journey has shaped his choices as he steers China towards world domination.

A portrait of the Chinese president giving an unprecedented insight into his politics and showing how Xi Jinping's personal journey has shaped his choices as he steers China towards world domination.

The New World of Xi Jinping

At the end of the 20th century, the Danish island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea faced many challenges: a population exodus, rising unemployment and a lack of prospects for islanders. But everything changed in 2007 as Bornholm worked to become a model green island.

A Danish Island Goes Green

Re: Bornholm: Eco Paradise

Asbestos has been banned for decades in Europe but its effects are still with us. Cleaning up the carcinogenic fibre from our ageing buildings is a colossal task and it is still being produced and sold in many countries worldwide. Unscrupulous companies turn a profit whilst people die from exposure to the harmful substance. Will we ever be rid of asbestos?

Asbestos has been banned for decades in Europe but its effects are still with us. Will we ever be rid of the carcinogenic fibre?

Asbestos – The Never-Ending Story

In 10 years, Jean-Patrice Keka and his team have succeeded in getting five rockets off the ground with varying degrees of success. This 'Made in Africa' space programme is one-of-a-kind and proof of what can be achieved by one engineer with a bold dream: to become the first African in space.

DR Congo's Space Man

DR Congo's 'Made in Africa' space programme is proof of what can be achieved by one engineer with a bold dream

As Brazil has presidential elections this October, Mapping the World focuses on the world’s fourth largest democracy.

What Next for Brazil?

Ukraine recaptured significant stretches of territory from Russian occupation in September. Around the town of Izyum, they have discovered evidence of massacres.

Ukraine: Massacre in Izyum

Europe is energy dependent on Russia, paying 750 million euros every day for Russian oil and gas which indirectly finances the war in Ukraine. A spotlight on two alternative producer countries: Algeria and Venezuela.

Alternatives to Russian Oil and Gas

In a predominantly bilingual country, the choice of using the Russian or Ukrainian languages has become highly charged. As the war continues, the derussification of Ukraine is gathering pace.

As the war continues, the cultural and linguistic derussification of Ukraine gathers pace.

Ukraine: Language Wars

The Samaritans are an ethno-religious group settled on the slopes of Mount Gerizim, near Nablus in the West Bank. In constant danger of disappearing, today they number less than 1,000 souls. ARTE meets Abdallah Cohen who is getting married, an important step for himself and for his community.

Palestine: The Samaritans' Struggle

ARTE meets samaritan Abdallah Cohen who is getting married, an important step for himself and for his community.

Sakura dreams of fighting sumo professionally. But for her, that's off the table: female sumo wrestlers don't exist. There are no adult women's clubs and once she's left school, that will be it for the sport that has given her purpose and joy. But that might be about to change; for sumo to be an Olympic sport, it can't discriminate against women.

Japan: Women in Sumo

Sakura dreams of fighting sumo professionally. But for her, that's off the table: female sumo wrestlers don't exist.

Europe ‘s eyes are on the Baltic after gas leaks that, in the context of the war in Ukraine, are unlikely to be an accident. A focus on Europe’s network of gas pipelines.

Gas Pipelines: Sabotage in the Baltic?

Is this a turning point in the war in Ukraine? In Russia, critics of Putin are raising their voices as the Russian military experiences setbacks and Putin meets Xi Jinping at the OCS summit.

OCS Summit: Putin and Xi Jinping

Far-right leader Giorgia Meloni will be Italy’s next leader in a coalition with other right-wing parties.

Italy: Far-Right Takes Power

Muslims that renounce their religion can be shunned by their family and receive death threats. Apostasy is condemned by the Koran and those who turn their back on Islam may be subject to divine punishment. ARTE Re: follows four Muslims who no longer believe in Allah.

When Muslims Stop Believing

ARTE Re: follows the journey of four Muslims who no longer believe in Allah.

Re: Losing my Religion

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The protest movement in Iran is entering its third week. A focus on the geographical situation of the revolt.

Iran: Protests Continue

In 2022, Algeria has celebrated 60 years of independence. In 1962, nearly a million Algerian-born French people known as the "pied-noir" were evacuated from the country. They had supported France in a brutal war that had killed and abused millions of Algerians, and they feared reprisals from the local community. Though French, some had lived in the former colony for generations and had never even been to France. They still feel the shock of that forced departure to this day.

Eternal Algerian Exiles

In 1962, nearly a million Algerian-born French people were evacuated, after supporting France in a brutal war

Re: Pieds Noirs

The pearl of the Black Sea has been seriously threatened by the Russian army, but its urban centre has been spared shelling. The conflict now seems to have shifted to the southeast and is centred on Kherson and the Donbas.

Odesa: Pearl of Ukraine

The pearl of the Black Sea has been seriously threatened by the Russian army, but its urban centre has been spared shelling. 

Pakistan is facing flooding on an unprecedented scale due to unusually heavy monsoon rains. More than 728 people have been killed in the past month, 31,000 homes have been destroyed and 500,000 livestock drowned, whilst 32 million people have been displaced.

Pakistan: Surviving the Deluge

32 million people are displaced in Pakistan in unprecedented flooding due to unusually heavy monsoon rains.

In Kenya, female circumcision has been banned since 2011. In spite of numerous NGOs campaigning against it, the brutal practice continues in rural areas.

Kenya: Stopping Female Circumcision

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Filip Zahariev is a top chef who headed up the Gruvelageret restaurant in Svalbard, Norway, the northernmost fine-dining restaurant in the world. Now he has returned to his native Bulgaria where he wants to open up his own restaurant.

Top chef Filip Zahariev returns to his native Bulgaria to open up a fine-dining restaurant in one of Europe’s poorest regions.

Re: Top Bulgarian Chef Returns Home

In the far North of Sweden is the town of Kiruna that owes its wealth to the largest iron ore mine in the world, working for more than a century. But Kiruna is becoming a victim of its own success as the mine threatens to engulf the whole town.

Sweden: The Town Swallowed by A Mine

Monica Garnica had children at a young age, but she was determined to work and study hard regardless. But that all came to an end when she was burned to death by her boyfriend. Her children are now being raised by Monica's heartbroken parents. There's one thing that could help them: getting justice for Monica.

Argentina: Women in Revolt

Monica's parents are fighting for justice for their daughter, who was burnt to death by her boyfriend

The International Butler Academy in the Netherlands trains individuals who want to enter a life of service for the super-rich. For billionaires the world over, having a butler in one’s service is a highly prized status symbol and the Dutch academy’s expensive and rigorous programme is the key for budding butlers.

Re: A Life in Service

Modern Butlers

More and more young men are convinced that their bodies should be a gym-sculpted marvel with six-pack and a V-shape back. But in this quest for bodily perfection what is the difference between healthy fitness and unhealthy obsession?

More and more young men are convinced that their bodies should be a gym-sculpted marvel with six-pack and a V-shape back.

Re: Men's Muscle Obsession

When he’s not working or at university, 21 year old Kamil campaigns for the conservative Law and Justice party.

Polish Elections

Kamil: Law and Justice Party Activist

What do young Polish women care about? Ewelina works as a journalist in Krakow for the notable Catholic newspaper Tygodnik Powszechny.

Ewelina: A Feminist Journalist

Julia is against the governing Law and Justice party. She is active in protest against anti-abortion laws and has joined the global climate protest movement.