New Programs
An architectural wonder and a technical prowess
In the 17th century, Louis XIV financed the digging of a canal connecting the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, the second largest construction of his reign after the palace of Versailles.
Using the latest technology of its time, the beautifully conceived Canal du Midi is among the oldest functioning canal in Europe and listed as a Unesco World Heritage site.
NEW ZEALAND, THE NORTH ISLAND [52’]
An episode from the series
FLAVORS
The North Island of New Zealand is a mosaic of exceptional landscapes, dotted with geysers, steaming valleys and volcanic cones of almost perfect shape.
This endearing and original land never ceases to charm and surprise thanks to its wild nature, welcoming inhabitants and breathtaking sceneries.
CHAMPS-ELYSEES, THE AVENUE OF A THOUSAND SECRETS [7x52’]
Backstage and unknown places
You think you know everything about the Champs-Elysées, the ultimate symbol of Paris?
Think again. This series unveils the backstage and unknown places of the most famous avenue in the world, showing the Champs Elysées as never seen before.
COBRA GYPSIES [52’]
The Roma ancestors
COBRA GYPSIES offers a colorful window into the startling ancient culture of the nomadic Kalbeliya tribes living in rural Rajasthan, Northern India. A decade ago, their folk songs and dances were declared a part of the Intangible Heritage List by the Unesco.
This film explores their culture of eternal dance, syncopated music, snake charming, colorful fashion as well as their way of life.
These exotic looking castoffs are the ancestors to the Roma Gypsies living in Europe today.
BANGKOK, A FLOATING HERITAGE [52’]
Following the Chao Phraya
The Chao Phraya river has shaped the history, topography and mores of Bangkok. By following it, we discover the tale and soul of this city born from the waters.
This film tells the genesis and secrets of the Thai capital through the religious and civil monuments built on the banks; the Mont d'Or, which served as a mass grave during the great epidemics; or its districts such as Chinatown or Little India.
This is a journey, with unexpected twists, along a river meandering in the heart of one of the most fascinating cities in the world.
GERHARD SCHRODER, DRUM UP YOUR COURAGE [52’]
The man who revived Germany
This is the portrait of a man without whom Germany wouldn’t be what it is today.
When Gerhard Schröder came to power, his country was depicted as the "sickman of Europe". His actions -which often turned the back to his social-democrat roots- still explain today the division inside the society, the increasing divergence between east and west, rich and poor, politics and society. It cost him his reelection, a risk he was fully aware of taking. But the radical changes he imposed definitely helped Germany to regain its status and succesfully face the various crises of the subsequent years.
Through hard work and discipline, Gerhard Schröder worked his way up from a humble origin to one of the most powerful political positions in Germany. Today his political savvy and expertise are sought after in a world increasingly dominated by populist leaders and autocratic states.
FLAVORS [76x52’]
Sublime escapes
Discover the magic and beauty of some of the world's most enchanting destinations; their natural wonders, outstanding monuments, their crafts and breathtaking landscapes.
This series is an invitation to travel to the heart of the traditions and peculiarities of the world's most celebrated countries.
RACISM, THE DARK SIDE OF AUSTRALIA [52’]
The rise of the extreme right
In Christchurch, New Zealand, 50 Muslim victims were shot dead by a right-wing extremist in the middle of Friday prayers. The terrorist was a 28-year-old Australian. If such an event was unheard of in this region of the world, it is a symptom of a much broader problem.
In recent years, new xenophobic parties have emerged in Australia that openly display their hatred of immigrants. Whether they have been there for several generations or newcomers, many communities are the target of discrimination.
But racism does not only affect foreigners. Aborigines are the first victims: exclusion, poverty, school failure, unemployment. How can the rise of the extreme right be explained? Why is the situation of aborigines worsening?
BECOMING CHANEL [52’]
The story of a myth
Chanel's first outlet, established in 1910, was a hat shop. Indeed, Coco Chanel was forbidden to sell clothes there because a seamstress had her business at that same address.
Today, Chanel is one of the world's most famous luxury brands. Emblematic of high-end French fashion, its international appeal has not wavered for more than a century.
How did this woman, born at the end of the 19th century into a destitute family, become this mythical figure?
THE PRICE OF PROTEST [52’]
The Colin Kaepernick's story
Imagine two of the most emblematic American values colliding: freedom of speech and patriotism.
Football icon Colin Kaepernick epitomized that clash when, in 2016, a simple gesture turned him into the most polarizing athlete of our times. While the crowd was standing up for the national anthem at an NFL football game, he instead took a knee. It became the kickoff for a serious political crisis in the US and started a movement (#TakeAKnee) that made him world famous. To some, Colin is a hero, to others a traitor, but still many followed his lead by taking a knee or protesting in the streets.
Colin Kaepernick may have sacrificed his career but his standing against social injustice will go down in history.
BORNEO DEATH BLOW [52’]
A blowpipe-hunter tribe uncertain future
The Borneo island is home to the Penan, a blowpipe-hunter tribe. They use deadly poison darts to catch their preys and are experts at building rainproof shelters in under an hour.
Their survival skills, nomadic culture and traditional knowledge enable them to be the last tribe remaining in one of the oldest and most diverse rainforests on Earth.
However, with around 90% of the forest cut down, the Penan are facing a dire future.
ARKTIC, A 62 DAY SOLITARY JOURNEY [52’]
On and under the ice pack
In some parts of the world, climate change is more obvious than elsewhere.
French explorer Alban Michon, a specialist in ice diving, achieved a world first by crossing the Arctic "Northwest Passage" alone. Carrying over 180 kilos of equipment, Alban travelled nearly 500 kilometres, braving temperatures as low as -53°C.
This film is the story of this extraordinary adventure on and under the ice pack.