New Programs
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.
THE CLAN OF THE BABY BABOON [52’]
The young and the restless
This film tells the daily life of a baby baboon and its clan.
There are the boisterous teenagers, other moms with their babies and, most impressive of all, the Leader. And then they are those who covet its place accounting for why young males are constantly fighting to train.
Interactions within the clan are rich and incredibly complex. But, above all, the group is highly organized and united to address the challenges of everyday life: guarding against the leopards, finding food...
THE IMMORTALS [52’]
Living beings with superpowers
Living beings have a very variable lifespan; it can be centuries, years or just a few days but all eventually face extinction. Yet there are animals that defy both death and time. They are called tardigrade, lobster, naked rat-taupe and possess real superpowers that enable them to fight disease and aging.
In trying to unravel their mystery a question arises: do they have the secret of eternal life?
THE LUCKY ZEBRA [52’]
Some fare better than others
In nature, there are the herbivores to whom nothing smiles right away (barely born already eaten) and others who fare better like THE LUCKY ZEBRA. How else to call this little male born in the dry season who, throughout his life, will enjoy a lucky star.
Confronted with drought, predators, competing males, he always manages to get by. Over the years, he has led without fail and damage the small harem he has patiently built.
But in the end, is it just luck or is this zebra just more cautious, skillful and smart than the others?
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.
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.
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?
BRIDGES OF PARIS (THE) [52’]
Pushing back the limits
The bridges of Paris follow one another along the Seine river, all different since they were built over centuries and reflect the most advanced techniques of each era. First in wood, then in stone, metal and today in high-performance alloys, they have each time pushed back the limits of know-how.
How have these superstructures withstood the test of time? What challenges were met to gain in lightness and sturdiness, to improve span and strength?
Thanks to 3D images and the participation of the best experts, this film takes us back in time to discover the incredible story of the bridges of Paris.
Also available as a 70'
LEGENDS OF EUROPE [12x52’]
Mystical and fantasy tales
This series take a new, almost magical, look at European heritage driven by a newfound interest for the fantastic dimension of its age-old legends. Whether frightening or surprising, these stories, inspired by natural splendours, are, at once, mystical and obscure enigmas to decipher.
Pirates, satanic beasts, enchanted forests, petrified shepherds, bewitched lakes, amphibian monsters or captive princesses are the heroes of this saga which, from North to South and from East to West, takes a new look at Europe.
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.
KAZCAR, NATURAL TURKEY [52’]
The white and green country
Northeastern Anatolia and the Kaçkar mountains are probably Turkey's best-kept secret.
Few visitors venture into this magnificent region close to Georgia where dizzying gorges, endless steppes, imposing mountains and highland pastures make up incredible landscapes.
In this film, we discover villages buried under the snow in winter and lush forests in summer.
LA LA LA, A STORY OF MUSICALS [52’]
A playful panorama of an enchanting genre
More than a simple cinematographic genre, the musical is a state of mind, a kind of magic which can touch many things, our memories, of course, but also unexpected realms.
This film offers a playful panorama of an enchanting genre.