A journey along the road of happiness
The province of Ha Giang is a mountainous region in Vietnam that is still largely unknown and less developed for tourism. Its remote areas are connected by a 400-kilometer mountain road called the Ha Giang Loop, also known as the Happiness Road.
Ha Giang is home to a large number of ethnic minorities who have preserved their traditional culture and way of life, maintaining their centuries-old customs and traditions. Anyone traveling here will discover fascinating, untouched nature full of beauty and will encounter pure and authentic cultural diversity that is not found anywhere else.
The children of Mr. Be
A young teacher leaves his family to teach ethnic minority children in the remote, magical mountains of northern Vietnam, where they live traditionally and often in poverty. He is faced with the task of convincing the children and their parents of the benefits of going to school and combining the modern world of knowledge with the rich ethnic culture.
About 10 years ago, the Vietnamese government launched a volunteer program to allow children in remote mountainous areas to attend school.
Europe's Water Worlds
2nd season
From lakes and springs to rivers and oceans, water has created many natural environments where human life has flourished. In Europe, there are landscapes of overwhelming beauty and spectacular areas shaped by water for millennia that many people are unaware of. At the same time, in Central Europe, where water is readily available, the power and significance of this element have long been underestimated. This aspect is the focus of the second season of the series “Water Paradises in Europe”. Through its power, water has produced incomparable landscapes and created diverse habitats with great biodiversity. Five of these will be presented in the series. They range from Europe’s deepest lake to remote, uninhabited islands, fascinating water caves, and a unique water management system. Despite their differences, these natural paradises share the protection status granted by UNESCO.
The Medici Family,
Power and Art
The cultural legacy of the Medici family is immense. As patrons of art and culture, they attracted the greatest thinkers and artists in Florence, who in turn, increased the fame of the influential family. The Medici, a clan of ruthless bankers and politicians, used their power to create beauty that still moves us today.
The film tells the story of the intertwining of art, politics, and economic power. These themes are reflected in the places the Medici deliberately chose to reinforce their status. They did this for a variety of reasons: to win the favor of the Church, to impress the people, and to outdo their political rivals. Through selected examples of architecture, art, and landscape design, the film explores how the powerful family managed to shape their city and rural dominions for over 300 years, right up to the present day.
The Siddi
India's black runners
Akshay and Kevin are Siddi and have a big dream. They want to become sprinters. That would be their chance to finally make it in Indian society.
The 50,000 descendants of African slaves have lived in poverty as a marginalized minority for 500 years. But scouts have discovered their talent for sprinting. Will the cousins succeed in sprinting from obscurity into the national spotlight?
In light of the global success of black sprinters, BRIDGES OF SPORTS scouts are specifically looking for young talent among the Siddi, an Indian minority group descended from African slaves. The Siddi are expected to win medals for India in athletics’ premier discipline.
Stolen fame - Women in the shadow of success
A documentary series
The series tells the stories of women who were deprived of their historical recognition, honors, fame, and sometimes even a significant amount of money. Their achievements remained in the shadows, while the credit for their inventions became associated with men’s names.
In the 1950s, it was the biochemist Rosalind Franklin whose research was instrumental in decoding DNA. However, only her male colleagues were awarded the Nobel Prize for this groundbreaking scientific discovery. Similarly, Elizabeth Magie Phillips, who invented the original Monopoly game “The Landlord’s Game” around 1902, also remained unmentioned. The success was attributed to a man, Charles Darrow, who made millions from the game. It wasn’t until the 1970s that the truth about the real inventor was accidentally revealed. There are many other examples showing how achievements in science, culture, and society have been distorted and truths obscured.
Dress Wars
The unmistakable looks of Marilyn Monroe, Nick Cave, Florence Griffith Joyner, Steve Jobs, Ines de la Fressange and Mother Teresa all share one astonishing characteristic: uniforms. But they are about much more than fashion. They are political, emotional or social statements, connecting us and giving us a sense of belonging. The history and significance of uniforms takes us from theaters of war and training grounds to stages and catwalks permeating every social class; right into the heart of today’s modern dress wars.
This two-parter explores the fascinating evolution of uniforms illustrating their capacity to symbolize both hate and love. The focus is on its triumphant comeback in the here and now.
Following in the footsteps of Siberia’s explorers
The Great Northern Expedition
Almost 300 years ago, at the beginning of the 18th century, European scientists, commissioned by the newly founded Petersburg Academy of Sciences, started on a long and adventurous journey into the Russian Far East – Siberia, a large, unknown, cold land full of secrets. The results of this Great Northern Expedition continue to be of great importance today. The result will be a two part documentary series.
DUNKING GIRLS
A documentary series
A documentary series about young female basketball players, their love for the sport, their team and the challenges of coming of age
Children and teenagers involved in team sports learn about team spirit early on – something that stays with them their entire lives. Club sports and competitive sports leave a lasting mark on the young players. The documentary series accompanies young female basketball players from Berlin for one season. What does the sport mean to them? And how do they deal with success and failure? The young athletes have their own dreams, worries and day to day challenges. Are they talented enough to play in a competitive team? Does the sport help them discover their own personality and develop their self-confidence? Or will basketball simply remain a nice hobby? The coaches, with their great and often voluntary commitment, their competence and their passion for basketball, are important companions, alongside the players’ parents, during this exciting phase of life between childhood and adulthood. We dive into the fascinating world of these young female athletes, experience their will to perform, friendships, emotions, doubts, success and a sport that requires not only speed, technique and endurance, but also intelligence and team spirit. Not every dream comes true, but the thrill of belonging to a team, giving it your all and sharing victory and defeat with teammates, makes for great experiences and interesting stories.
Désirée Nosbusch
I am right in the middle of it
She is a strong woman – She works as TV presenter, producer and director in Luxemburg, France, the USA and Germany. Désirée Nosbusch is known all over Europe for her versatile exceptional talent. Her career began at Radio Luxemburg. When she was only 12 years old, she was a teen star in Bravo magazine and conducted legendary interviews with international film stars like Pierre Brice, Klaus Kinski and Curd Jürgens. Since the age of 16 she has starred in numerous films and was a celebrity guest on major TV shows. The ARTE series “Bad Banks” was Désirée Nosbusch’s big comeback and it is HER starting signal for many new projects as an actor and director – projects and roles she is now in a position to freely choose.
Blue - The queen of colors
A cultural history
Color is the soul of painting and the color blue is considered “The Queen” of all colors. Throughout history, artists have been captivated by its magic. Blue symbolizes poetry and romance, yet, the emotions it elicits have continuously evolved. This film delves into the depths of blue, celebrating the “queen of colors” by exploring important works of art.
The Young American
Nude figures
History and stories of nude sculptures
Nudity and sculptures are inseparable. But time and again there have been religious and political taboos, bans and attacks on famous sculptures. Starting from the present context, the film looks back at the history of “nude figures”. How political is a nude sculpture allowed to be? The exploration offers new insights and views on a universal topic.