Info et société | ARTE

Aktuelles und Gesellschaft | ARTE

Politics and society | ARTE

Política y sociedad | ARTE

Polityka i społeczeństwo | ARTE

Politica e società | ARTE

Investigative documentary series, geopolitical analysis, and international commentary

Politics and society

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Some Russians feel unfairly condemned by international sanctions and deplore their government. Others believe in Putin and in state television; and agree with the Russian Orthodox Church, which says the West is decadent. But despite all the propaganda, thanks to the Internet, Russians who want to know the truth can find the truth.

Russia: Journey to a Divided Country

Some Russians feel unfairly condemned by international sanctions and deplore their government

ARTE Reportage

Current Highlights

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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

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

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

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

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

Mapping the World Essentials - War in Ukraine

The Brazilian president is criticised for many policies: Gun control, Amazon deforestation, policies against minorities, as well as his handling of the coronavirus pandemic. A focus on Bolsonaro’s Brazil, a divided country.

A focus on Bolsonaro’s Brazil, a divided country.

Bolsonaro's Brazil

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Playlists

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A breakaway region of Moldova that is not recognised internationally, Transnistria is largely pro-Russian. The war in Ukraine has awakened fears that Russia will try to annex the region.

A breakaway region of Moldova that is not recognised internationally, Transnistria is largely pro-Russian. 

Moldova: Transnistria and Russia

In Rakovets, a village in western Ukraine, local people’s lives have been turned upside down since the war began. Myron Miroslavovitch's wife has left the village and his two sons are fighting at the front.

In Rakovets, a village in western Ukraine, local people’s lives have been turned upside down since the war began.

Ukraine: A Village in Wartime

On 13 March, the Yavoriv military base was hit by Russian missiles, killing 35 people and injuring 134. Although located in eastern Ukraine, not a NATO member, the base has been used for joint operations with the North Atlantic Alliance. Let’s take a moment to get an overview of NATO’s presence in eastern Europe.

A focus on the presence of the North Atlantic Alliance in eastern Europe.

Nato: What Presence in Eastern Europe?

Parallel to the very real war in Ukraine, an information war is raging. Some Ukrainian newspapers are translating their articles into Russian to combat what they see as Moscow’s distorted media picture of the conflict.  

Parallel to the very real war in Ukraine, an information war is raging. 

Ukraine: The Information War

Over a million people have fled Ukraine, hoping to find refuge in neighbouring countries; We report from the Polish border town of Przemyśl, where the town's railway station has been transformed into an official meeting point for refugees.

Over a million people have fled Ukraine, hoping to find refuge in neighbouring countries; We report from the Polish border town of Przemyśl, where the town's railway station is a meeting point for refugees.

Polish Border: Ukrainians Seek Refuge

American workers are asking for better conditions and higher wages. In Aspen, the famous ski resort and billionaire’s playground, the cost of living and inequality of earning is reaching crisis levels.

In Colorado the cost of living and inequality of earning is reaching crisis levels.

Colorado, USA: The Return of Class Struggle

On the Finnish border with Russia, the war in Ukraine brings back unpleasant memories of the Soviet invasion of their country during world war II.

War in Ukraine: Finnish Anxiety

Investigation and reports

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Zwar sind andere Instrumente weniger sperrig, unumgänglich ist das Klavier aber nicht nur aus Platzgründen: Der imposante Flügel erfüllt den Raum dank Saiten und Hämmern mit klassischem Charme. Ob allein oder in Begleitung eines Orchesters: Entdecken Sie große Klassiker genauso wie Stücke der Gegenwart am klangvollen Klavier – in unserer Piano-Playlist.

Stories from across the continent

Video reports from European broadcasters including Germany’s BR, Belgium’s RTBF, Ireland's RTÉ, Portugal’s RTP, Swissinfo and more.

A European Perspective

ERB Event Zone

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

For the last 50 years, German artist Christina Kubisch has been obsessed with the sounds of everyday life.

Christina Kubisch - Sound 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.

Europe of Artists

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

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

Through the eyes of artists

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"Our submarine cables may be the target of nations tempted to damage them," declared the Minister of the Armed Forces Florence Parly a few days before the outbreak of war in Ukraine. A Russian ship was even been spotted several times off Ireland. Does Russia have the means to deprive Westerners of the Internet?

Underwater Cables: A New Frontline?

Does Russia have the means to deprive Westerners of the Internet?

Mapping the World

If there is one friend that Moscow can rely on its Bashar Hafez al-Assad’s Syria. It is thought that Syrian recruits are fighting in Ukraine in return for Putin coming to the Syrian regime’s aid back in 2015.

Mapping the World Essentials

Ukraine: Putin's Syrian Ally

An overview of women’s rights around the world from the right to vote, access to education and abortion rights.

A Women's World

The Alps have always been a formidable barrier but one which mankind has always crossed. Today eight states share the mountain range which has seen the birth of winter sports, been a crucible for environmental protection as well as the site of colossal engineering projects.

The Alps have always been a formidable barrier but one which mankind has always crossed.

The Alps: A European Story

From the North Sea to the Black Sea, the Rhine and the Danube form a link across Europe. Mapping the World navigates the history of the two longest rivers of the European Union.

Rhine and Danube: Two Rivers, Two Europes

Iraq in 2022: Will the emerging nation succeed in resisting foreign influence and from Iran in particular? What does the future hold for the Kurdish autonomous region? And will the USA ever really leave?

Iraq in 2022: Will the emerging nation succeed in resisting influence from foreign powers, and from Iran in particular? 

Iraq - A Sovereign Country?

Compared to neighboring Mali, Senegal appears to be quiet and stable. France, a former colonial power, maintains its place as its main partner, but others are now vying for a spot at the table: China, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Indonesia and the United States.

France, a former colonial power, is Senegal's main partner, but others are now vying for a spot at the table

Senegal and France: Allies?

Insights

Kids

When we think of sluggishness, we think of impotence, fatigue or laziness. We imagine teenagers sprawled in front of the television, or balls of runny mozzarella. But it is also the softness of a hot brioche, the comfort of a bed, the pleasure of relaxation.

Is Sluggishness Comforting?

Relaxation is both a blessing and a curse

Philosophy

Video games give us access to virtual worlds, where the constraints of reality and death are lifted. Today, Meta wants to democratise virtual reality, with the "metaverse". But are video games an escape from the world, or a different way to experience it? Do they augment reality, instead of impoverishing it?

Video Games: A Real Fake Experience?

Are video games an escape from the world, or a different way to experience it?

Brazilian filmmaker Marcelo Novais Teles tells his life story as an exile through the home movie intimacy of the Super 8 camera.  

By Marcelo Novais Tele

The Exiled

Ghofrane was a lifelong victim of racial discrimination. Now she's a political activist in Tunisia, determined to put an end to racism in her country. In 2019 she was a candidate for the Tahya Tounes party. The film accompanies her in her political endeavors, while also revealing the private and vulnerable side of the self-confident young woman.

Ghofrane was a lifelong victim of racism. Now she's a political activist in Tunisia, determined to stop it

She Had a Dream

Casey, the new flatmate, was everything Alessandro was not. He was energetic, adventurous and charismatic. Alessandro started to document this strange creature with his video camera, so different from himself. They were in their early twenties and living in Rome...every experience together felt new and exciting. But when Casey moved to the Middle East to work as a TV journalist, Alessandro's world was opened up even more.
Drawn from 15 years of footage, The Things We Keep is an intimate look at friendship, a celebration of people's common humanity and an invitation to break out of one’s comfort zone.

Drawn from 15 years of footage, The Things We Keep is an intimate look at friendship and an invitation to break out of one’s comfort zone.

The Things We Keep

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?

Streetphilosophy

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

Be Antifragile!

During Ramadan, Jasmine and her husband Said would always spend the evening breaking fast with their friends, family or wider community. But for the second year running, this most important period in the Muslim calendar is a subdued affair. In Turkey, imam Osman Gökrem continues to help the homeless despite the pandemic, and in Paris, student Yasmine sets up a pop-up store selling sweets. 

For the second year running, Ramadan - the most important period in the Muslim calendar - is a subdued affair

Ramadan in Europe

Switching viewpoints

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Ordinary Ukrainian citizens are preparing to resist the Russian invader by joining the army and helping the resistance in any way they can.

Ukraine: Resisting the Agressor

Three Japanese men have fallen under the charms of high school student Rinko, a character from the video game Love Plus. The game finally leads them to the seaside resort of Atami, where the virtual world and real life collides.

Three Japanese men have fallen under the charms of high school student Rinko, a character from the video game Love Plus

Petit ami parfait

Vladimir Putin's foreign policy, both opportunistic and unscrupulous, has put Russia back on the map as a world power to be reckoned with in recent years. This documentary uncovers what Putin wants for Russia on the world stage, and how he is achieving his geopolitical goals.

Vladimir Putin's agressive foreign policy has put Russia back on the map as a world power to be reckoned with.

Putin: Return of the Russian Bear

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has brought the people of Kyiv together like nothing else. Calling on the spirit of the Maidan Revolution of 2014, they are ready to resist.

Ukraine: Maïdan Spirit

Church and sexual abuse of minors has long been an issue. But in addition to the paedophilia scandals, other revelations are shaking the Catholic Church: allegations from across the world of nuns being sexually abused by priests. In February 2019, Pope Francis acknowledged the abuse for the first time. This documentary gives an insight into an issue in the Catholic Church that has remained largely unreported.

All over the world priests are said to have sexually abused nuns. An investigation.

Sex Slaves Of The Catholic Church

In Mariupol, the Chechen battalions are known for their bloody methods. But other Chechens are also fighting alongside the Ukrainians.

Mariupol, the Chechens and Putin

Their days and nights are filled by the sound of bombardment. They would have liked to flee, but they are too old, too sick or destitute to leave their homes. But some brave volunteers are helping them escape the danger.

Ukraine: The Ones Who Stayed

Their days and nights are filled by the sound of bombardment. They would have liked to flee, but they are too old, too sick or too poor to leave their homes. 

On the border between Belarus and Ukraine is the abandoned detritus of war. Military equipment left by the side of the road. Hats. Even meals. Ukrainian civilians and soldiers pick up what the Russians leave behind.

Russian Tanks: Ukrainian Trophies

Ukrainian civilians and soldiers pick up what the Russians leave behind

Three decades after the collapse of the USSR, its legacy can be seen everywhere in the new nations that gained independence in 1991. From the Baltic states to the republics of central Asia, which states have succeeded in breaking free in the post-soviet era? And which remain tethered to Moscow?

30 Years after the Collapse of the USSR

Three decades after the collapse of the USSR, its legacy can be seen everywhere in the new nations that gained independence in 1991.

Legacy of a Superpower

In recent years, the number of sex reassignment operations has increased in many European countries, especially amongst the under 30s. What are the consequences of gender transitioning? While many feel relieved, others regret it afterwards.

Help for Young Trans People

In recent years, the number of sex reassignment operations has increased in many European countries, especially amongst the under 30s.

Re: Stranger in my own Body

In the Idlib region, the last enclave still held by the opposition to Bashar Al Assad, many Syrians are following the situation in Ukraine with concern: they know that the future of their country also depends on the outcome of this war in Europe. After 11 years of war in Syria, which has cost the lives of at least 500,000 people, they still dream of freedom and democracy.

Syria and Ukraine: The Same Fight?

After 11 years of war, the people of Idlib still dream of freedom and democracy

A century ago the Treaty of Trianon formally ended World War I between the Kingdom of Hungary and the allied powers. Hungary lost two-thirds of its territory at Trianon which is still a contentious subject in Hungarian politics and society.

Hungary's Trauma

Since the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, some families find themselves with members on both sides of the border are now torn apart. How can Ukrainians continue speaking with family members that are high-ranking officials in the Russian army, and that did nothing to protect them? The sense of betrayal is acute. A report by our Ukrainian colleagues from TSN 1+1 Valerii Kouznietsov and Mykola Nazarenko.

The Families of Russian Soldiers

Some Ukrainians have family members in the Russian army, who did nothing to protect them from the invasion

While Poland is pulling out all the stops to help its Ukrainian neighbours, Hungary has taken a different tack. Viktor Orban has made it clear that there is no question of giving up Russian gas and sending military aid to the Ukrainians. Faced with the war, Poland and Hungary have diverging viewpoints, when not so long ago, they stood united.

Poland and Hungary, Next Door to War

While Poland is pulling out all the stops to help its Ukrainian neighbours, Hungary has taken a different tack

On March 18, Joe Biden and Xi Jinping had a long-awaited talk about Ukraine. On the one hand, Beijing said it was "opposed to the war", calling for "dialogue with Russia"; on the other, Washington tried to dissuade China from helping Russia circumvent its economic isolation. In short, a diplomatic standoff, with the issue of Taiwan looming large in the background.

Showdown Between Washington and Beijing

The US wants to make sure that Beijing doesn't help the Kremlin to circumvent painful economic sanctions

Vox was the big surprise of the Andalusian local elections winning 12 seats, making them the first far-right party in Spanish politics since the Franco dictatorship.

Spain: The Rise of the Far Right

Mariupol, in Ukraine, wealthy from its steelwork and coal industries, got caught up in the conflict between separatists and the Ukrainian government. In spite of the threat, life continues, with all its joys, loves and sorrows. Filmed before the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Director Mantas Kvedaravicius has sadly died in the Russian siege of the city in April 2022.

A poetic portrait of the Ukrainian city of Mariupol, caught up in the conflict between separatists and the Ukrainian government. Filmed in 2016.

Mariupol

The Long Breakup is a feature length documentary about Ukraine’s struggle to escape Russia’s embrace, leave its Soviet past behind and become a truly independent nation. Ukrainian-American journalist Katya Soldak, of Forbes Magazine, now living in New York City, tells the story of her home country as it exits the USSR, works through two revolutions, and endures a war with Russia—all through the eyes of her family and friends in Kharkiv, Ukraine.

The Long Breakup takes viewers on an intimate journey that illustrates how big geopolitical changes affect people on a personal level, and explores what happens when democracy slips away and a nation must fight for the right to choose its future.

A Film by Katya Soldak

Ukraine’s struggle to escape Russia’s embrace, leave its Soviet past behind and become a truly independent nation. A feature-length documentary from 2020.

The Long Breakup

Seven years ago, gay Russian couple Artiom and Bulat wanted to enjoy Gay Pride in Berlin with sexy outfits. Shocked by how expensive fetish underwear was, Artiom sat down at his sewing machine at home in Novosibirsk and tried his luck. Marketing expert Bulat recognised the potential of the product. Today the two have a factory for sexy underwear - in the middle of homophobic Siberia...

Meet the gay Russian couple who make sexy men's underwear - in the middle of homophobic Siberia...

Re: Sexy Underwear for Men

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Як живеться мешканцям української столиці у воєнний час? Повідомляють наші українські колеги.

Мирні жителі в Києві

Російські війська по кілька разів на день намагаються прорвати українську лінію оборони. Одесити запасаються харчами і ліками. Водночас місто намагається функціонувати у звичному режимі. Репортаж наших українських колег.

Одеса перед лицем російських військ

Коли в Києві вмикаються сирени, Олена з дітьми не може спуститися у сховище: її донька Майя прикута до кисневого апарату й ліжка. Розетки у сховищі немає, а без апарату дівчинці не обійтися. У схожій ситуації перебувають в Україні сотні дітей. Репортаж наших українських колег.

Україна: хворі діти і війна

Від початку російського вторгнення в Україну українські пожежники живуть у казармах, щоб мати змогу якнайшвидше доїхати до постраждалих від війни точок. На жаль, часто їхня допомога полягає у витягненні з-під завалів мирних жителів. Їхня місія стає ще небезпечнішою через те, що вони самі нещодавно стали мішенню для атак російських диверсантів.

Київ: пожежники під обстрілами

Атаки російської армії на київські передмістя стають дедалі жорстокішими. В репортажі наших українських колег з ТСН «1+1» від 7 березня показано, в якій вкрай небезпечній ситуації опинилися мирні жителі, що спробували вибратися з Ірпеня. Загроза нависла також над місцевими журналістами. Обережно! В матеріалі містяться сцени насильства!

Ірпінь: мирні мешканці – жертви конфлікту

Наші українські колеги зблизька показують нам знамениті сцени – буксирування українськими тракторами російських танків. Таких трофеїв дедалі більшає

Російські танки проти українських тракторів

У цій київській лікарні рятують життя поранених цивільних і військових. Іноді тут одночасно проводиться 6 операцій. Швидка допомога постійно привозить нових пацієнтів, а лікарі і медперсонал працюють без перерв. Репортаж наших українських колег.

Київ: лікарня у стресових умовах

У той час, як на південному сході України вирує війна, Одесу, розташовану західніше, воєнні дії поки що оминають. Втім, це місто з понад мільйонним населенням, яке ще називають Чорноморською перлиною, теж виходить на барикади. У репортажі, знятому 10 – 11 березня 2022 р., наші українські колеги розповідають про день з життя волонтера, що забезпечує постачання на лінію фронту.

На лінії фронту: волонтери в Одесі

Ірпінь, Буча і Гостомель – ці містечка на північному заході Києва від початку вторгнення опинилися під прицілом російської армії. Мирним мешканцям не лишилося нічого іншого – тільки тікати. Багато з тих, хто був змушений покинути свої домівки, намагалися вибратися на дорогу через ліс у Пущі-Водиці. Матеріал знято 8 березня 2022 р. українськими журналістами.