Best Documentary

Thirty years after the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, millions of children still labor under harsh conditions worldwide. From Istanbul’s leather workshops to Florida’s orange groves and Mexico’s maquilas, the stories of Mehmet, Ali, Bayram, and Blanca reveal the enduring exploitation of child workers. Despite international conventions and laws, systemic poverty and tradition perpetuate child labor, robbing children of their education and childhood. As globalization fuels demand for cheap labor, many children work long hours for meager pay, while their futures hang in the balance. This documentary questions whether real change is possible—or if we are complicit. Director : Elizabeth Drevillon

In a world where press freedom is often taken for granted, one journalist sets out to uncover the truth in the most dangerous territories for reporters. From the once-vibrant streets of Hong Kong now shadowed by authoritarian rule, to the silent fear spreading through media rooms, this is a gripping exploration of courage and resistance. As democracy fades and censorship tightens its grip, brave journalists risk everything—career, freedom, and life—to expose corruption and fight for independence. This powerful documentary reveals the harsh reality of silenced voices and the escalating battle between truth and oppression in modern-day Hong Kong. 2016 Original Title : Reporters Against Power - Episode 6 : Hong Kong Director : Kees Schaap Production : Anja van Oostrom, Joanne Becker

Jill Curtis, wife of Hollywood legend Tony Curtis, shares her incredible journey from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood to her true passion—rescuing horses. Feeling unfulfilled in the celebrity lifestyle, Jill founded Shiloh Horse Rescue, a sanctuary saving slaughter-bound horses. Together with her mother and Tony, she fought for equine rights, turning heartbreak into action. This is a story of love, sacrifice, and purpose, proving that even in the most unexpected places, true fulfillment can be found. Witness Jill’s transformation from a "Hollywood wife" to a fierce advocate for horses in need. Director : Ian Ayres

Never-before-seen footage from German newsreels during World War II reveals a chilling, firsthand perspective of Nazi propaganda and wartime operations. These rare images, captured by German filmmakers, showcase the relentless military campaigns, life under occupation, and the carefully crafted illusions of the Third Reich. Unfiltered and haunting, this footage provides a stark reminder of history’s darkest chapter, offering a raw glimpse into the mechanisms of war and the power of visual manipulation.

​Here We Are Now is a poignant documentary by director Miriam Henri that follows the lives of three Ukrainian refugees who escaped the war in Mariupol, seeking safety in the UK, Brazil, and Germany. Through intimate interviews and personal narratives, the film delves into their harrowing experiences under Russian occupation and the challenges they face as they rebuild their lives in foreign lands. Highlighting themes of resilience, displacement, and cultural adaptation, this documentary sheds light on the universal struggles of refugees worldwide. Original Title : Here We Are Now Director : Miriam Henri

Drug prohibition has failed. Drug usage rates have not declined and illegal drugs are more available – and cheaper – than ever before. At the same time, the costs of the drug war are staggering. More than one trillion dollars have been spent. More than 50,000 SWAT raids occur each year. Hundreds of thousands of non-violent drug offenders are wasting their lives away in prison. And more than 60,000 people have been murdered in Mexico over the past six years. ‘America’s Longest War’ provides a brief history of drug prohibition, beginning with Nixon’s declaration of war in 1971 and ending with Obama’s broken promise to allow states to determine their own medical marijuana policies. It chronicles how, over the past 40 years, the drug war has escalated from a small domestic program, mostly focused on treatment, to the multi-billion dollar international war it is today. There are many victims of the drug war, and ’America’s Longest War’ tells some of their stories. Year: 2013 Director: Paul Feine Country of production: USA

The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) remains one of the most fortified and tense borders in the world, separating North and South Korea. This documentary explores the history of the Korean War, highlighting key battles, personal stories, and the lasting impact on the region. Through firsthand accounts and historical insights, discover the challenges faced by soldiers and civilians caught in the conflict. As the Korean Peninsula remains divided, we examine the ongoing efforts for peace and the lessons history has to offer. What will the future hold for this region, and can lasting stability ever be achieved? Full documentary 00:00:00 - Episode 1 00:46:15 - Episode 2 01:32:31 - Episode 3 Produced for : History Television Canada Presented by Norm Christie

By 2050, 30% of Bangladesh will be under water. One in three inhabitants, some 60 million people, are threatened by marine flooding. No other country in the world is so at risk from rising waters. The main culprit: global warming. In Bangladesh, a country at the frontline of climate change, rising sea levels threaten to submerge entire regions such as the Sundarbans. This documentary investigates the devastating consequences of natural disasters, displacement, and economic hardship on a population struggling to survive. It explores how climate change exacerbates social issues like the rise in child marriages, as families face the increasing cost of education and diminishing incomes. The dangers posed by floods and rising waters have made swimming lessons a necessity for children. The film also examines the environmental impact of Bangladesh’s booming fashion and leather industries. Polluted rivers and toxic waste from tanneries endanger both the environment and public health, while workers suffer from unsafe conditions. The tragic collapse of the Rana Plaza building, which killed 1,135 garment workers, remains a stark reminder of the urgent need for reform. However, there are emerging efforts to improve factory safety and sustainability. Finally, the documentary looks at the rise of Bangladesh’s middle class and the new challenges it faces in a country shaped by both rapid development and deep-seated inequalities. Director: Vincent Prado & Alice Guilhamon

The United States Marine Corps is renowned for its discipline, resilience, and elite training program. From the grueling first day at boot camp to the final moments before earning the title of Marine, recruits are pushed to their physical and mental limits. Under the relentless supervision of drill instructors, they endure intense physical conditioning, weapons training, and psychological tests designed to forge them into warriors. Some will succeed, others will fail, but only the toughest will emerge as true Marines. This is the ultimate transformation—where boys become men and men become legends. Welcome to the making of America's finest. Narrated by Jack Webb Series : The Vietnam War Part 1 Episode 11

Explore the powerful, secret underworld of a shocking coalition of the human elite and advanced beings not of this world dating back hundred of years. Conspiracy Chronicles: Dark Underworld by Alexander Weiss takes readers deep into a hidden world where powerful elites, secret societies, and shadowy networks manipulate global events from behind the scenes. This gripping documentary uncovers the dark underbelly of politics, finance, and organized crime, revealing how corruption, deception, and power struggles shape the fate of nations. Through meticulous research and shocking revelations, Weiss exposes the intricate web of conspiracies that connect governments, corporations, and clandestine organizations. As the lines between truth and deception blur, Dark Underworld challenges readers to question everything they thought they knew about the world. Director : Alexander Weiss Writer : O H Krill

In 2021, Bigfoot researchers Matthew Heines and renowned Russian hominologist Igor Burtsev embarked on an expedition to the remote Cascade Mountains of Washington State in search of the legendary Cryptid. After two days of Bigfoot calls on Mystery Lake and an encounter with Little John of the Bigfoot Forest, their journey took a shocking and unexpected turn. Returning to their campsite, they discovered an unexplained blood stain inside their tent—an eerie calling card from someone, or something, watching them. This supernatural Cryptid documentary follows their investigation as they uncover mysterious evidence, explore paranormal theories, and question whether Bigfoot's origins may lie beyond our world. Director : Matthew D. Heines

In March 2019, Amos Dov Silver was arrested in a Kiev hotel during a global sting operation. As the mastermind behind ‘Telegrass,’ a mobile app for drug transactions, Silver became a controversial figure. The Israeli government labels him a criminal kingpin, while his supporters see him as a rebellious folk hero challenging a corrupt system. Featuring exclusive interviews, secret footage from a Ukrainian prison, and deep investigations, this documentary unravels the mystery behind Silver’s rise and fall. Was he a fearless activist fighting for justice or a power-hungry outlaw? The truth lies somewhere in the shadows. Director : Dan Shadur

It was one of the most massive construction projects ever attempted by humankind. Late in World War II, the Nazis launched a bold plan to shelter armaments factories from the constant hail of allied bombs. All important manufacturing facilities would be re-located in underground labyrinths of protective caves. Today, many of the half-built facilities have been long-forgotten. A small fortune was spent to seal them up, making them inaccessible to trespassers and intruders. With previously unreleased film material and exclusive interviews, the fascinating and dramatic story of the Underground Reich is reconstructed when the Nazis leaders still hoped that the miracle weapons they produced would bring Germany final victory. After securing special permission, a team of highly qualified experts explore the sprawling tunnel systems, finding their way into manmade caverns unseen for decades. The film also documents the horrors faced by forced laborers, compelled to construct the tunnel system under the most inhuman conditions. Ten’s of thousands gave their lives to realize the Nazi’s crazed project. Sixty years later, the two-part series provides a fascinating glimpse into awesome worlds beneath the earth that still exist in Germany, France, Poland and Norway. Author: Michael Kloft ep1 00:00 ep2 52:01

In a world obsessed with perfection, fame, and self-image, the line between truth and illusion is blurring. As society drowns in deception, individuals grapple with their own identities, hiding behind masks of confidence while battling deep insecurities. Are we losing our sense of reality, or have we always been living a carefully constructed lie? Through thought-provoking insights and unsettling truths, this exploration dives into the human need for validation, the fear of failure, and the dangers of a society disconnected from itself. What happens when the illusion collapses? Are we ready to face the truth about ourselves? Why we can’t stop lying ? original title: The Fear Engine Director : Andy Ross

The global water crisis is deepening, exposing communities to contamination, corporate greed, and government negligence. From uranium poisoning on Navajo land to the Flint, Michigan lead crisis, marginalized populations suffer in silence. Investigative journalists uncover decades of toxic cover-ups, tracing the deadly legacy of industrial pollution and state corruption. As activists rise to fight for clean water, their struggle connects with indigenous resistance against oil pipelines and climate destruction. With public health at stake, the film reveals a terrifying truth: water is being poisoned for profit, and no one is safe. The fight for water is the fight for life itself. Original Title : Thirst for Justice Director : Leana Hosea

A compelling five episode series examining the mysteries and evidence which helps to explain the origin of mankind as well as helping to place us in the context of a universe full of life.

In this acclaimed series, we journey on some of the world’s most dangerous routes and explore the lengths people go to in order to change their destinies. From the peaks of the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean, the Brahmaputra river flows for 2,900km through China, India and Bangladesh. One hundred million people live along its banks and depend directly upon it for their survival. In the mountains of North-East India, its rapids make it impractical for navigation and tracks are the only means of supplying the villages on its banks. And so, drivers undertake a most dangerous journey on board ancient trucks, brushing precipices and crossing suspension bridges whose planks threaten to break at any moment. In Bangladesh, thousands of cows are transported along the river in simple wooden boats, while crowded ferries play bumper-boats as they try to plough a path to the docks. Boats in Bangladesh are mostly constructed from materials retrieved in gigantic shipyards where men work in wretched conditions... Director: Frédéric Elhorga & Guillaume Lhotellie

Since the invasion of Ukraine and European sanctions, the Russian oligarchs have become pariahs. By attacking their assets in Europe and freezing their bank accounts, the EU convinced that this pressure on the oligarchs will, in turn, put pressure on Vladimir Putin to back down. But during the same period, about fifteen Oligarchs have died under strange circumstances. Do they really have the power to influence the Russian President? Or are they just pawns of his ambition? For several months we investigated these oligarchs close to the Kremlin. To date, more than 1,200 people have been placed under EU sanctions and assets amounting to 17 billion euros frozen. But getting hold of what they really own is often complicated. Most of their assets are hidden in a mirage of shell companies. On the French Riviera, Russian oligarchs have long reigned. Eric’s company used to provide security for many of the villas. His contracts ended with the invasion with the oligarchs claiming they could no longer pay him but he regularly sees other companies gurading the villas. He suspects they are being paid through obscure channels that circumvent European sanctions. Many Oligarchs, like arms dealer Igor Kesaev, have already bought EU nationality giving them a range of rights. He was able to use his Cypriot nationality to buy a strategic island in Finland which threatens the security of the country. But since the beginning of the Ukrainian crisis, a wave of strange ‘suicides’ among oligarchs is provoking many questions. Sergey Protosenya. Found hanging from a rope in his villa in Spain while his wife and daughter were stabbed. Alexander Subbotin. Poisoned by toad venom. Alexander Tyulyakov. Found hanged. Ravil Maganov, pushed through a window while in hospital. All in all, some fifteen oligarchs have died in a suspicious manner. We speak to the widow of one who recounts why she believes he was murdered. Director :  Vincent Prado

In 1983, amid the brutal Iran-Iraq War, the conflict escalates, threatening global energy supplies and regional stability. As oil tankers face constant attacks in the Persian Gulf, the United States launches a high-stakes military operation to secure vital shipping lanes and protect international interests. Elite Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, and Marines are deployed on covert missions, navigating hostile territory and complex alliances. Supported by advanced airpower and precision coordination, they confront relentless threats in one of the world’s most volatile regions. Operation Gulf Shield highlights courage, strategy, and resilience during a pivotal moment in Middle Eastern and modern military history.

In the heart of West Africa, the Ebola outbreak of 2014 devastated entire communities, claiming thousands of lives and exposing the fragility of local health systems. Amid the chaos, courageous healthcare workers, ambulance drivers, and ordinary citizens risked everything to fight the virus. From the desperation of overwhelmed hospitals to the resilience of survivors, this gripping documentary captures the harrowing reality of a nation on the brink. Through faith, sacrifice, and unwavering determination, these heroes battled an invisible enemy, proving that hope and humanity can persevere even in the darkest times. This is their untold story. Original Title : Survivors Director : Arthur Pratt, Anna Fitch, Banker White, Barmmy Boy Production : WeOwnTV Producers : Sara Dosa, Samantha Grant, Justine Nagan, Chris White

Amid a growing ideological struggle, a new generation of American Jews begins questioning the unwavering support for Israel ingrained in their upbringing. Through first-hand accounts, former soldiers, activists, and scholars expose the deep ties between Zionist advocacy, military indoctrination, and U.S. political influence. As voices of dissent rise, young Jews confront the uncomfortable truths of apartheid, occupation, and propaganda. Facing backlash from their own community, they risk alienation to stand for Palestinian rights. This powerful documentary reveals the mechanisms shaping public opinion and how the fight for justice is challenging decades of unquestioned loyalty. Directed by Erin Axelman and Sam Eilertsen

Adolf Hitler's rise from an unknown vagabond in Vienna to the architect of the most devastating war in history is a chilling transformation. This documentary traces his journey, uncovering lost details and debunking persistent myths. From failed artist to military dictator, from prison writer to orchestrator of genocide, every step is meticulously examined. Using newly discovered archives and expert analysis, the film reveals how Hitler manipulated public sentiment, dismantled democracy, and set the world ablaze. With gripping visuals and firsthand accounts, this is the definitive investigation into the mind and methods of history’s most infamous tyrant. Written and Directed by Magali Mignot

The Ultimate Strongman Team World Championships 2014 brings together the world’s most powerful athletes in an electrifying showdown of raw strength and teamwork. Teams from across the globe battle through jaw-dropping events, pushing their limits in brutal challenges like truck pulls, atlas stones, and deadlifts. Witness the ultimate test of power, endurance, and strategy as these titans compete for the prestigious world title. With adrenaline-fueled action and unforgettable feats of strength, this is the event that defines the strongest team on the planet. Who will conquer, and who will break under the pressure? Ultimate Strongman Team World Championships 2014 edition 00:00:00 - Episode 1 00:44:18 - Episode 2 01:28:30 - Episode 3 02:10:37 - Episode 4 02:55:03 - Episode 5 Presented by Dan Lobb

In Paraguay, vast green fields of soybeans stretch endlessly, but beneath their beauty lies a toxic truth. Industrial agriculture, fueled by multinational corporations, is poisoning the land and its people. Pesticide-laden air suffocates villages, children suffer genetic damage, and families fight for survival. A team of investigative journalists embarks on a dangerous mission to expose the hidden horrors of this industry, gathering scientific proof of contamination. Facing threats from powerful interests, they uncover a disturbing reality: the soy that feeds European livestock is soaked in chemicals. Will their revelations spark change, or will profits continue to outweigh human lives? Director : Martin Boudot