Best Documentary

At just three years old, Rayan withdrew into silence, plagued by anxiety and emotional breakdowns. His mother's discovery—that excessive screen time was at the heart of his struggles—became a wake-up call. After removing nursery rhymes and videos from his daily life, Rayan slowly returned to being a joyful, communicative child. This eye-opening documentary investigates the alarming effects of screens on children's brains and development. Doctors in France raise urgent warnings, while whistleblowers in the U.S. expose tech companies' strategies to hook young users. Are screens silently reshaping an entire generation? A powerful investigation into the hidden dangers of digital addiction. Director: Adele Flaux, Paul Moreira

Ethiopia’s rapid transformation and its promise as Africa’s new land of opportunity are at the heart of this compelling documentary. Once known primarily for its struggles, Ethiopia is now attracting investors, entrepreneurs, and dreamers from around the globe. Through powerful testimonies and breathtaking visuals, the film uncovers the hopes and challenges faced by those who believe in Ethiopia’s potential to become the continent’s economic powerhouse. But behind the promises of prosperity lie questions about sustainability, social impact, and who really benefits from this new gold rush. Directors: Michaëlle Gagnet, Julien Boluen

absurd

Northern Iraq’s first lingerie store is more than just a place to buy bras—it has become a rare sanctuary where women gather to share their personal stories. In this intimate documentary by director Jacqueline van Vugt, ordinary Kurdish women open up about love, sex, shame, and the shadow of war. Filmed inside the groundbreaking boutique of Dutch-Kurdish entrepreneur Shapol Majid in Suleimaniyah, the store offers more than lingerie. For women who have been disconnected from their bodies by conflict, trauma, and strict moral codes, it’s a place to rediscover sensuality and connection within the privacy of the fitting rooms. Despite the region’s deeply rooted conservatism—where even a lingerie advertisement is forbidden—the women speak candidly and courageously. They find comfort in one another, away from the expectations of family and society. Rozhan reveals her fears surrounding her virginity, Shiaw recounts her forced marriage, and Tara bravely shares her experience of circumcision. War and repression are never far away, even within the walls of this shop. These women bear emotional scars, yet they also show remarkable resilience. Alongside the boutique, Shapol Majid runs a sewing workshop where Nasrine and Medina, both Yezidi refugees, sew garments while carrying the weight of their own tragic histories. They tell of surviving ISIS attacks, with loved ones still missing. Through their stories, we meet women who have endured war, lost family, and suffered under patriarchal control—from men and even their own mothers. And yet, inside the walls of this unlikely shop, where even showing a bare leg is taboo, these women laugh, connect, and reclaim pieces of themselves. Original Title : Up to G-Cup - Inside the First Lingerie Shop in Iraqui Kurdistan Director : Jacqueline van Vugt Production : Revolver Amsterdam Production - Germen Boelens, Joachim Van Trommel, Raymond Van Der Kaaij

Over the years, women have remained a minority in Israel’s Parliament, the Knesset. Their right to vote and be elected was never guaranteed, and the fight for equal representation continues today. Through in-depth interviews with Members of Parliament, experts, and journalists—alongside rare archival footage—this series chronicles the ongoing battle of women for a voice in politics. It explores their struggle for fair representation at the decision-making table, the fight for women’s rights legislation, the harassment they face, persistent gender inequality, and the question of whether a woman can one day lead a major party—or even become Prime Minister. With rare candor, past and current female MPs from various political parties share their journey to the Knesset. 00:00:00 - Episode 1 00:52:44 - Episode 2 01:41:01 - Episode 3 Original Title : The Elected Director : Efrat Shalom Danon Production : Trabelsi Productions - Osnat Trabelsi

Herpetologist and photographer Nathaniel Maury embarks on a solo expedition through Sri Lanka’s last wild spaces. Armed with only 15 kilos of gear and his camera, he tracks deadly Russell’s vipers, elusive pythons, and the mythical spectacled cobra. As he ventures deep into rainforests, plateaus, and caves, Maury documents rare reptiles and amphibians, racing against time before they disappear forever. With breathtaking encounters and dangerous confrontations, his quest to build an encyclopedia of the planet’s most mysterious species reveals a fragile world teetering on the brink of extinction. Director : Nathanaël Maury

Was Christopher Columbus born in Genoa, Italy? Most definitely not, say an unlikely collection of experts from European royalty, DNA science, university scholars, even Columbus's own living family. This ground breaking documentary follows a trail of proof to show he might have been much more than we know. Directors: Paul Perry, Reed Perry Writers: Carlos Evaristo, Paul Perry Stars: Carlos Evaristo, Dave Horner, Paul Perry

Aliens Are Among Us: UFO Visitations, Covert Cover Ups, Supernatural Beings and Terrifying Abductions is a gripping documentary that explores the growing evidence of extraterrestrial presence on Earth. Featuring exclusive eyewitness accounts, declassified military footage, and expert analysis, the film investigates some of the most compelling UFO sightings and alien encounters of our time. From remote rural incidents to high-level government cover-ups, this documentary uncovers the truth that has been hidden for decades. Are we truly alone? Or have we been visited all along? The answers may change everything we think we know about our place in the universe. Director : Alexander Weiss Writer : O.H. Krill Cast : John Givens, Jason Miller

Legends of Flight takes you on a breathtaking journey into the evolution of modern aviation. Experience the revolutionary design and engineering behind the next generation of aircraft, including the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the Airbus A380. With stunning aerial cinematography and cutting-edge CGI, this documentary explores how nature’s most efficient flyers—birds—have inspired aerospace innovation. Follow veteran test pilots as they push these technological marvels to the limits, and discover the bold vision shaping the future of air travel. From the past to the future, Legends of Flight captures the spirit of human ingenuity and the dream of flight. Written and Directed by Stephen Low

Die kleine Baleareninsel Ibiza zieht jeden Sommer fast drei Millionen Touristen an. Mit ihrem legendären Nachtleben und weltberühmten DJs gilt sie als eine Art Disneyland für Erwachsene. Videolänge:

With more than 2,000 deaths on the roads in 2021, Poland is one of the worst performers in the European Union when it comes to road safety. The cause: an explosive cocktail of excessive speed, irresponsible behaviour and drink-driving. And yet the country’s road safety legislation is among the strictest in Europe when it comes to blood alcohol levels. And with good reason: the country is one of the European countries where more litres of alcoholic beverages are consumed per capita. Another special feature of our European neighbours is that they have tolls without barriers. In Poland, drivers have not had to stop at certain toll plazas since December 2021, and payment is made directly via surveillance cameras. The problem is that this “free flow” system, which was introduced to improve traffic flow, is now the source of a large number of accidents, many of them spectacular. This is a danger for the millions of vehicles that travel on these roads every day, such as the A4 motorway, which is almost 700 km long and links the country from east to west. This route is the most dangerous of all. It accounts for almost half of all fatal accidents in the country every year. Another scourge is excessive speed, sometimes the cause of human tragedy, as in October 2019 when a father was hit by a car travelling at more than 120 km in the middle of Warsaw. This type of behaviour is on the increase, particularly among “drifters”, sports car enthusiasts who challenge each other in speed races. To curb this phenomenon, the Polish police have super-powered cars at their disposal. These are the “speed” brigades, equipped with big German engines. Like mobile radars, these racing cars are able to keep up with the most irresponsible drivers. And although Poles have a 24-point driving licence, twice the number in France, it is very easy to lose it. Over there, the police leave no stone unturned, and the slightest breach of the highway code can be very costly! Since 2022, fines have reached record levels: up to €1,000 in certain cases, such as repeat speeding offences. Director : Martin Fossati

Grozny, July 2009. The body of Natalia Estemirova—journalist, human rights defender, and relentless critic of the Chechen regime—is found dumped by the side of a remote road. Like her friend Anna Politkovskaya, Estemirova exposed war crimes, abductions, and state violence in Chechnya. Like Politkovskaya, she had received repeated threats from Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov. This documentary investigates her murder and the systematic silencing of dissenting voices in Chechnya and Russia. It is a journey into a region where truth-tellers are marked for death and impunity reigns. Who killed Natacha? And who allowed it to happen? Director: Mylene Sauloy

In this three-part documentary we hear from contemporary witnesses whose childhood could not have been more different. Whereas Günter, who despite his communist upbringing had been seduced by Nazi propaganda, was fighting for his life as a child soldier on the front, little Monika was fearful for her missing father and later secretly wished the war had taken him. Then there was Ruth, a Jewish girl, who together with her mother and her little sister hid from Hitler’s henchmen in a summer house. Three children of the war with one thing in common: the trauma of the Third Reich. The Second World War came to an end seventy years ago, but the scars remain. What did the smallest of the small have to suffer in this clash of the Titans? How can a child’s soul cope with so much pain? Author Hilke Lorenz and paediatric psychologist Dr. Andreas Krüger address such questions. 0:00 ep1 49:50 ep2 1:39:05 ep3

Deep in the mines of Jharkhand, India, men, women, and children risk their lives digging for mica—an essential mineral hidden in everyday products, from makeup to electronics. Despite official bans, illegal mining thrives, exploiting entire communities trapped by poverty and desperation. Behind the shimmering glow of cosmetics lies a dark truth: child labor, deadly working conditions, and devastating health consequences. As global corporations claim ethical sourcing, an underground economy profits from suffering. This gripping investigation exposes the human cost of the world’s obsession with beauty and profit, raising urgent questions about exploitation, responsibility, and the true price of luxury. Production: CAT & Cie Director: Brando Baranzelli

Come and discover the hidden world of tax havens, where multinational giants and powerful elites manipulate global finance to avoid billions in taxes. Through an unprecedented investigation, uncover 47,000 confidential documents exposing legal loopholes, shadowy deals, and offshore schemes that drain public resources and deepen inequality. From Luxembourg to Panama, corporations exploit secretive networks with the complicity of authorities, undermining democracy and fiscal justice. As austerity grips nations, the wealthy stash fortunes out of reach. This eye-opening documentary reveals how legal tax avoidance quietly fuels global injustice—and questions how long we can allow it to continue. Presented by Elise Lucet

For centuries, a shadowy secret society has controlled humanity from behind the scenes. Known as the Illuminati, they are not human—but ancient aliens, manipulating world events, governments, and financial systems for their own sinister purposes. From the French Revolution to the 9/11 attacks, their influence spans history. Hidden in plain sight, they use advanced technology, coded symbols, and mind control to dominate humanity. Are they the ancient Anunnaki? Are we their genetically engineered slaves? “Alien Illuminati: The Shadow Conspiracy” investigates this chilling theory and reveals the terrifying truth behind their plans for a New World Order—and humanity’s possible extinction. Director : Alexander Weiss Writer : O H Krill Cast : Samuel Burns, Paul Hughes, Razor Keeves 2023

More than a decade after Syria’s Arab Spring uprising turned into one of the bloodiest civil wars in modern history, justice for countless victims remains elusive. Bashar al-Assad’s regime has reclaimed much of the country, leaving behind a legacy of destroyed cities, mass torture, and tens of thousands of disappeared people. The Journalist and Her Jailers follows Luna Watfa, a Syrian journalist and survivor, who fled Assad’s prisons to start a new life in Germany. Now, she returns to confront her past as a key witness in a groundbreaking war crimes trial. The accused: Anwar Raslan and Eyad al-Gharib, two former Syrian intelligence officers charged with crimes against humanity, including torture, rape, and mass murder. This historic trial, held in a small German courtroom under the principle of universal jurisdiction, represents a rare chance at accountability when global powers and international courts have failed. As Luna grapples with painful memories, she searches for meaning in the pursuit of justice—not just for herself, but for tens of thousands of Syrian victims. Can this trial offer closure? Or even hope for a new kind of justice in a world where impunity often reigns? Director : Adithya Sambamurthy Production : Tondowski Films Production - Alex and Ira Tondowski

Chronicles of the Third Reich unveils the terrifying rise and catastrophic fall of Adolf Hitler’s regime. Through rarely seen archival footage and expert analysis, this gripping documentary reveals how the Nazi state seized total control, fueled by propaganda, fear, and a relentless pursuit of dominance. From Hitler's appointment as Chancellor to the outbreak of World War II, the series explores the mechanisms of manipulation, public compliance, and the chilling consequences of unchecked power. A stark reminder of how a society can spiral into darkness under a charismatic leader, this series echoes warnings that still resonate today. 00:00:00 - 1933-1935 00:49:44 - 1936-1938 01:40:44 - 1939-41 02:30:56 - 1942-45 Written and Directed by Michael Kloft 2010

Preventable medical errors are a major concern in the United States, ranking as the third leading cause of death. Every year, between 220,000 and 440,000 lives are impacted by misdiagnoses, complications, and hospital-acquired infections. Through real-life accounts, this documentary explores challenges within the healthcare system, highlighting the importance of transparency, patient safety, and accountability. Experts, whistleblowers, and those affected share their experiences, raising a crucial question: How can we improve healthcare and prevent these avoidable tragedies? Original Title : Never Events Director : Angela Asatrian

In Papua New Guinea, a powerful fight unfolds over Paga Hill. As developers and politicians push for a luxury project, entire communities are evicted and homes are demolished at gunpoint. Joe Moses and his fellow residents resist—armed only with legal appeals, public protests, and courage. Hunted by police and betrayed by leaders, they risk everything to protect their land, culture, and rights. Through courtroom battles, grassroots activism, and the strength of their community, they fight against corruption and injustice. This is a story of survival, resistance, and one man’s decision: stand and fight or be silenced forever. Original Title : The Opposition Director : Hollie Fifer

Every year, thousands of men walk out of prison and into a world they barely recognize. In Huntsville, Texas, this raw, unfiltered story captures their first moments of freedom—clutching red bags, wearing secondhand clothes, and facing a future filled with uncertainty. Some are met with family and hope, others with loneliness and fear. Torn between redemption and relapse, their choices begin the moment they leave the gate. This powerful documentary reveals the emotional struggles, broken systems, and impossible odds faced by ex-inmates trying to rebuild their lives. Freedom isn't the end of the sentence—it's just the beginning. Original Title : 12th Street: Life Beyond Bars Director : Matthijs Heesemans, Gregory W. Lovett

In 1965, U.S. Marines were deployed simultaneously in two hemispheres—Vietnam and the Dominican Republic—facing relentless warfare and political unrest. From intense firefights in the jungles of Southeast Asia to the violent streets of Santo Domingo, they fought not just for survival but for global influence in the Cold War. Amidst sniper fire, brutal conditions, and impossible terrain, these young soldiers showcased unparalleled bravery. Through devastating battles, daring rescues, and the relentless march of war, this is the untold story of a year that changed military history—a year of sacrifice, heroism, and the brutal cost of duty. Narrated by Jack Webb Series : The Vietnam War Part 1 Episode 10

A city where progressive ideas confront far-right values, visit a mecca of contradictions and its unique culture in the heart of the American South.