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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Vitali Klitschko, the current mayor of Kyiv, and his brother, Wladimir, both had exceptional careers as world heavyweight boxing champions. This feature-length documentary tells their story from humble beginnings in the Ukraine to their rise to stardom and domination of heavyweight prize fighting. Hugely popular in Germany, they also speak several languages and both hold PhD degrees.

Mayor of Kyiv Vitali Klitschko and his brother, Wladimir, were both heavyweight boxing champions. This is their story.

Klitschko Bros

Current Highlights

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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

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

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

Because their suffering deserves to be seen. Because their suffering deserves to be heard. Because their suffering deserves to be stopped. 

Whether in the workplace, the street, or at home, these survivors of sexual violence tell us their stories

The Pandemic of Sexual Violence

Ten years ago, the popular uprisings in the Arab world were a source of hope for freedom and change, but overall these hopes were dashed. A special collection that will help you understand the last tumultuous decade in the Arab states.

Ten years ago, the popular uprisings in the Arab world were a source of hope for freedom and change, but overall these hopes were dashed.

10 Years of the Arab Spring

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

Collections

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Playlists

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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

Ludovic-Mohamed Zahed is an exception in the Muslim world: The French-Algerian imam is openly gay. For the past ten year he has led a progressive and inclusive movement promoting an Islam that respects the LGBT+ community, women’s right, and interfaith dialogue.

Ludovic-Mohamed Zahed is an exception in the Muslim world: The French-Algerian imam is openly gay.

Queering Religion

Théo Curin is a French Paralympic swimmer. In November 2021, he made a daring attempt, together with two able-bodied swimmers, to swim across the highest lake in the world, Lake Titicaca, between Peru and Bolivia.

Théo Curin is a Paralympic swimmer. In November 2021, the Frenchman made a daring attempt to swim across the highest lake in the world, Lake Titicaca, between Peru and Bolivia.

Swimming through Adversity

A third of Europeans live in economic insecurity: Zero hours contracts, the fear of redundancy and stagnating wages have brought more and more people into poverty and precariousness and provided fertile conditions for the political extremes. With contributions from geographer Christophe Guilluy, economist Guy Standing, and from people struggling to make ends meet across Europe, this documentary focuses on the new working poor, the precariat.

When Work Doesn’t Pay

A third of Europeans live in economic insecurity: Zero hours contracts and stagnating wages have brought more and more people into poverty; A focus on the new working poor: The precariat.

The Precariat Society

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

Mapping the World

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?

How we represent our world in maps depends on our perspective. For many centuries Europeans have put their continent in the centre and on top of their maps, the Chinese likewise placed the Middle Kingdom in the centre of things. What do our maps tell us about our worldview?

What do our maps tell us about our worldview?

Cartography: How We Represent the World

Amongst the millions of species of insect on the planet, the bee plays a crucial role in human civilisation. A focus on how bees have spread around the world with globalisation and how they are now critically endangered.

 A focus on how bees have spread around the world with globalisation and how they are now critically endangered.

Bees and Agriculture

Insights

Kids

At a time when love invades digital spaces, two millennials filmed the evolution of their relationship for a year. The result is an intimate and raw portrait, reflecting the aspirations of a generation.

Love in the Modern World

At a time when love invades digital spaces, two millennials filmed the evolution of their relationship for a year

Mating

Gabon: 2016. As the presidential campaign is in full swing in Libreville, a young boxer tries to make his way in the world. A subtle film showing the tensions in Gabonese society through the life-experience of an ordinary man.

Gabon: 2016. As the presidential campaign is in full swing in Libreville, a young boxer tries to make his way in the world. 

Boxing Libreville

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. 

ARTE Reportage

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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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

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

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

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

Russia's invasion of Ukraine looks set to be the largest military deployment in Europe since the Cold War. The West and US president Joe Biden strongly condemn the Russian military intervention. Who benefits from the conflict and who could it harm? Two political scientists provide answers.

Who benefits from the conflict and who could it harm?

US v Russia: Who Benefits from the Ukraine Conflict?

China-Russia is the alliance that frightens the West: on the one hand, the most populous country in the world; on the other, the world’s largest. China has refused to condemn the invasion of Ukraine and Foreign Minister Wang Yi has declared the friendship between the two states as 'rock solid'.

Ukraine: Chinese-Russian Relations

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 Berlin, Max, a young performer, wants to escape the tracking of Big Tech by convincing artists and clubs to use an alternative platform to Facebook. In Hong Kong, a researcher targeted by the CCP tries to disappear online. Finally, investigative journalists do their best to protect their sources, rattled by Julian Assange's extradition trial to the United States.

Cover Your Online Tracks

Most of us leave deeply personal information out there for all to see - and we have no idea we've even doing it.

Disappear

What do Russians think about the invasion of Ukraine? Independent media in Russia is criticising the Russian invasion of Ukraine and Russian people are protesting against their country’s actions.

Moscow: Russians Who Say No to War

Independent media in Russia is criticising the Russian invasion of Ukraine and Russian people are protesting against their country’s actions.

As Russian troops wage a fierce battle against the Ukrainian army, and as the West imposes tough sanctions against Russia, the question remains: what else can stop Putin? Two experts on Russia provide some answers.

As the West imposes tough sanctions against Russia, the question remains: what else can stop Putin invading Ukraine? Two experts on Russia provide some answers.

Ukraine: What Would Stop Putin?

Russia almost lost its geopolitical importance after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Nowadays, state-controlled media cultivate the image of a president who helps shape the world order. But do ordinary Russians share that opinion? In the run up to Ukraine's invasion, we asked ordinary people what they thought of the threat of war.

In the run up to Ukraine's invasion, we asked ordinary people what they thought of the threat of war

What Do Russians Think of Ukraine's Invasion?

For days now Ukrainian refugees have been crossing the border into Moldova. The former Soviet republic fears they will be next to be on the receiving end of Russian aggression.

Moldova: Ukrainians Seek Refuge

A focus on the world’s largest country by landmass. Russia is a major world power that excels in certain spheres but glaring inequality, major structural problems and Western sanctions mean it may struggle to keep up with other world powers.

Russia: Land of Contrasts

Is a new cold war really happening online? From the first attacks by Chinese hackers on US websites in the 2000s to the recent theft of European diplomatic documents and the 5G rollout by Chinese tech giant Huawei, an in-depth investigation into China's increasing tech might and aggressive cyberwarfare.

Is a new cold war really happening online? An in-depth investigation into China's increasingly aggressive cyberwarfare.

Chinese Cyberwarfare

Every year Russia celebrates Victory day on 9 May to mark the end of the Second World War with great pomp and ceremony. The story of a steadfast Soviet Union defeating the forces of fascism looms large in the Russian imagination, a story that Vladimir Putin uses to his own ends.

 The story of a steadfast Soviet Union defeating the forces of fascism looms large in the Russian imagination, a story that Vladimir Putin uses to his own ends.

Russia: Putin's World View

We look at Argentina to understand why this country with multiple resources did not live up to its promise. The missed opportunities are numerous: over-investment in agriculture, a singular political model, inequality, and corruption.

Argentina: Country of Missed Opportunities

We look at Argentina to understand why this country with multiple resources did not live up to its promise

Suppression of political opponents in Russia is intensifying with high-profile Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny still in prison. This documentary meets Russians who dare to defy Vladimir Putin which often means putting their careers and even their lives at risk.

This documentary meets Russians who dare to defy Vladimir Putin which often means putting their careers and even their lives at risk.

Russia: Liberty in Peril

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Vladimir Putin's war of aggression is forcing hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian civilians to flee to neighbouring countries. But many Ukrainians do not want to flee the bombardment. They have chosen to stay and defend their country.

Many Ukrainians do not want to flee the Russian invasion. They have chosen to stay and defend their country.

Re: War in Ukraine: Fight or Flight?

Europe is welcoming refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine, much more easily than Syrian refugees. Is this caused by the chaos of war or does racism play a part?

Welcome to Poland?

Understanding geopolitics has never been more urgent. Mapping the World analyses Putin's unprecedented attack on Ukraine with a short history of relations between Russia and Ukraine. Political scientist Anna Colin Lebedev and the head of the French Institute for International Relations (IFRI), Thomas Gomart provide context.

Putin and Ukraine: What Next?

We put Putin's attack on Ukraine in context with a short history of relations between Russia and Ukraine

In Aspen, the famous ski resort and billionaire’s playground, the cost of living and inequality of earning is reaching crisis levels.

Ukraine has a breakaway separatist region in the Donbass, but it's not the only country to struggle with Russian-speaking regions. Moldova and Georgia also have pro-Russia regions: Transnistria in the Republic of Moldova and Abkhazia and South Ossetia in Georgia. Would it be an excuse for President Putin to attack them next?

Pro-Russia Transnistria in Moldova and Abkhazia and South Ossetia in Georgia could be new flashpoints in the war

After Ukraine, is Georgia and Moldova Next?

The 5G revolution will truly bring the internet of things within everyone’s reach and make smart cities a global reality. But with this major technological advance led by Chinese company Huawei, it is leading to renewed tensions between the USA and China.

5G: The New Cold War?

Originating from Ethiopia in the 700s, coffee has spread across the globe with a clear division between where coffee is produced and where it is consumed.

Coffee: A Global Beverage

Germany in the 21st century is unthinkable without Angela Merkel, leading the country for the last 16 years. Ms Merkel grew up in the GDR before beginning her political career in the united Germany. A look at the Germany she leads as she approaches the end of her political career.

A look at the Germany of Angela Merket as she approaches the end of her political career after 16 years as chancellor.

Germany: Angela Merkeland?

The war in Ukraine has caused Germany to rethink its energy dependency on Russia. Not only is the EU’s biggest economy changing its energy strategy but it is also increasing military spending.

Ukraine: Change of course in Germany

Will a European army become a reality one day? The debate on the  European Union’s military capability has been going on since its founding. But with the Trump administration pulling back from NATO and the world order looking increasingly volatile, will this finally push Europe to take charge of its own defence?

With the world order looking increasingly volatile, will Europe finally take charge of its own defence?