The Real Fauda

Can a TV drama bring life-long enemies together?

Set in the cloak-and-dagger world of the IDF’s undercover special forces - the Mista'arvim - Fauda is an Israeli-produced TV drama which has garnered praise for its realistic depiction of military tactics alongside its empathetic portrayal of Palestinians, militant or otherwise. BBC Arabic joins the production of the hotly anticipated second season, and tries to understand how it might one day pave the way for a dialogue between the two sides built on mutual understanding and compassion.

Death And The Judge

An Iranian judge balances the scales of justice

Iran's most famed and feared judge has sentenced around 4,000 people to death, more than any other judge in the country’s history. This powerful documentary offers unique access into the professional and private lives of Iran's most feared legal official. It constructs an intimate yet chilling portrait of a man who spends his days confronting decisions about life and death, both in the court room and in the course of his own life.

Unbounded

Unaided and inexperienced, a crew of four venture through the most rural and inaccessible natural areas of Chile.

For four months, a team of travellers in their early twenties set out to hike along the unrelenting Greater Patagonian Trail. Engaging with locals along the way, the volunteers are reminded of the stark discrepancy between their ways of life, and are made aware of the looming developmental projects that threaten the previously untouched and untainted areas across Patagonia. In a moving display of companionship, ‘Unbounded’ illustrates that the future of the country rests on the preservation and protection of its breath-taking natural spaces.

A Sniper's War

The story of a sniper fighting on the side of the pro-Russian rebels in Ukraine

Described as a "stealth invasion" of Ukraine, the proxy-war being waged in Donbass is a contentious conflict between pro-Russian separatists and the West. In the midst of swirling propaganda and controversy this brave doc follows Deki, a pro-Russian sniper tasked with defending his separatist comrades on the frontline of the conflict. In the midst of escalating international tensions, the film exposes an unseen side to this secretive war.

Tanzania Transit

The disparate lives of three passengers aboard a cross country train

On board a sleeper train crossing Tanzania, the stories of three passengers unfold. Rukia is an entrepreneurial woman, on her way to begin a new life. Isaya is an old Masai man heading back to the bush with his grandson. Peter, a powerful preacher, makes money by letting his followers pay for his services. This microcosm offers a glimpse into their lives as each character moves towards an uncertain future in this precarious society.

Vamizi: Cradle of Coral

A team of scientists race to save an underwater paradise

In the shimmering waters of the Indian Ocean lies the island of Vamizi, home to one of the world's oldest, most pristine coral reefs. Natural reserves of oil and gas have been discovered below this wonderland of marine biodiversity, and now this vibrant, flourishing reef is a target for energy companies. With one-third of the world's coral reefs dying, this urgent doc follows a team of conservationists in a race against time to save Vamizi.

Trust WHO

A damning investigation into the World Health Organisation's hidden practices

The World Health Organization (WHO) was founded with the aim of building a healthier future for people all over the world. Whether it’s the effects of smoking, the Swine flu pandemic or a nuclear disaster, the WHO is the body we rely on to advise on and resolve a public health crisis. But can it be trusted? TrustWho documents filmmaker Lilian Franck’s quest to discover what lies behind the altruistic façade of the world’s largest public health body. What she uncovers is an alarming picture of corruption and opacity. This powerful investigative doc shines a light on how industry lobbies have infiltrated the WHO and asks whether the organisation can be trusted to keep the public healthy.

A River Below

Truth and ethics become a tangled mess in this gripping exposé of eco-activism in the age of alternative facts

Deep in the Amazon, the near-mythical pink river dolphin is being hunted to extinction. Two activists, a marine biologist and a TV star, are working tirelessly to protect the species. Yet as their efforts to raise public awareness become increasingly complex, a scandal erupts and serious ethical questions are raised. This surprising roller-coaster of a doc digs into the complexities of the modern media and the moral dangers of using the ends to justify the means.

Stealing Rodin

Master thief, or visionary artist?

When a celebrated sculpture briefly went missing from a Rodin exhibition in Santiago, the “theft” turned out to be a provocative statement, masterminded by a precocious art student. His actions sparked a public outcry and a furious debate on the nature of art itself. This lively and perceptive documentary revisits the scene of an extraordinary incident that captured the world's attention and challenged the global art community.