Watch documentaries of all time

Hitler’s Reich – Diaries of Nazi supporters, opponents and victims (2/4) | DW Documentary

Albert — Thu, 15 May 2025 15:01:13 +0000

On 8 May 2025, the world marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The Allied victory brought an end to Adolf Hitler’s 12-year rule. Journal entries from Hitler’s supporters and opponents offer insight into life in Nazi Germany.

This four-part documentary series centers on eight individuals and their families. Each kept a diary recording their daily lives, experiences, thoughts, and feelings. Illustrations accompany the entries to bring them to life, giving these sequences the look of a graphic novel.

The eight diarists lived scattered across Germany. They came from different socioeconomic backgrounds, religions, and political factions. Some become fervent supporters of the Nazi regime, others opposed it, and some were marginalized or persecuted. Several of the journal span the entire 12 years of Hitler’s rule. But some fall silent after a given time. “Hitler’s Reich – A German Journal” features no expert testimonies; instead, the diaries stand alone, as personal records of the time in which they were written.

In the entries, we find descriptions of moments of happiness, youth, dance lessons, longing and love; but also of the first – still hesitant – Nazi salute, Gestapo surveillance, “Aryan certificates,” hunger, and the threat of deportation. They capture a time when many looked the other way, remained silent, or became complicit. They speak of what it felt like when the war “came home,” the fear of nights spent in bunkers, and the hope of survival. The diarists wrote with the urgency of the present, not knowing what tomorrow would bring. Their stories reflect the rise, reign, and eventual downfall of the Nazi regime.

[Parts 1-4 will be published weekly. Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLovlAKbQVz6ALEUpkLQMB7KuU1qPPU9SI&si=P5harB3IfOs7TFzc ]

#documentary #dwdocumentary #dwdocs #germany #hitler
______

DW Documentary gives you knowledge beyond the headlines. Watch top documentaries from German broadcasters and international production companies. Meet intriguing people, travel to distant lands, get a look behind the complexities of daily life and build a deeper understanding of current affairs and global events. Subscribe and explore the world around you with DW Documentary.

Subscribe to: ‬
⮞ DW Documentary (English): https://www.youtube.com/dwdocumentary
⮞ DW Documental (Spanish): https://www.youtube.com/dwdocumental
⮞ DW Documentary وثائقية دي دبليو (Arabic): https://www.youtube.com/dwdocarabia
⮞ DW Documentary हिन्दी (Hindi): https://www.youtube.com/dwdochindi
⮞ DW Doku (German): https://www.youtube.com/dwdoku

For more visit: http://www.dw.com/en/tv/docfilm/s-3610
Follow DW Documentary on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwdocumentary/
Follow DW Documental on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dwdocumental

We kindly ask viewers to read and stick to the DW netiquette policy on our channel: https://p.dw.com/p/MF1G

How One Company Secretly Poisoned The Planet

Albert — Wed, 14 May 2025 14:07:28 +0000

At its core, this documentary unravels the complex and alarming story of PFAS – per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances – a class of man-made chemicals that have become ubiquitous in our modern world. The film uses the accidental invention of Teflon by DuPont scientist Roy Plunkett as a starting point. Plunkett wasn’t trying to cure blindness, nor did he invent a non-stick pan initially. He was working on refrigerants when he stumbled upon a strangely slippery, inert powder – Polytetrafluoroethylene, or PTFE, later trademarked as Teflon.

The documentary then meticulously traces how this “miracle” substance, along with the chemicals used to manufacture it, specifically PFOA (also known as C8), proliferated. It explores its myriad applications, from non-stick cookware and waterproof clothing to firefighting foam and industrial uses. However, the central argument, and the “blindness” connection, isn’t literal. Instead, it refers to a kind of corporate blindness and societal ignorance regarding the potential long-term health and environmental impacts of these incredibly persistent “forever chemicals.” The film investigates how these substances entered our environment and our bodies, and the decades-long journey of uncovering their harmful effects, often in the face of corporate denial or downplaying of risks.

Veritasium’s signature style is on full display here, and it’s incredibly effective.

:The documentary masterfully blends archival footage – vintage advertisements for Teflon, old industrial films from DuPont and 3M, news clips – with crisp, modern-day interviews and compelling animations. The archival footage is particularly powerful, showcasing the initial enthusiasm for these chemicals without any understanding of their downsides. The animations are a standout, making complex chemical processes (like polymerization, covalent bonds, and the behavior of surfactants) remarkably clear and accessible to a lay audience. Scenes like the animated depiction of Roy Plunkett’s accidental discovery or the explanation of how C8 acts as a surfactant are both informative and visually engaging.
The editing is sharp and keeps the narrative moving at a brisk but digestible pace. The film expertly weaves together historical timelines, scientific explanations, and personal stories (like that of farmer Earl Tennant and lawyer Robert Bilott). The pacing builds suspense as the story of PFAS contamination unfolds, mirroring the slow dawning of awareness about the problem.
Derek Muller’s narration is, as always, excellent. He’s a clear, authoritative, and engaging guide through complex scientific and historical terrain. The interviews are crucial and well-chosen. Robert Bilott, the environmental lawyer who spent decades fighting DuPont, provides a powerful and credible firsthand account. The inclusion of experts like Andrew Patterson and the CEO of Puraffinity (Henrik Hagemann) adds scientific depth and a forward-looking perspective on potential solutions.
The music is generally subtle but effective, often creating a sense of underlying unease or highlighting moments of revelation. It never overwhelms the information being presented.

The documentary excels in presenting a wealth of information with clarity and credibility.

The scientific explanations are broken down into understandable components. Concepts like the strength of the carbon-fluorine bond (making these chemicals “forever chemicals”) and the mechanism of bioaccumulation are well-explained. The historical timeline of DuPont’s and 3M’s internal knowledge versus public statements is laid out with supporting documentation.
The use of internal company documents, highlighted and annotated on screen, is a powerful tool for building credibility. These aren’t just assertions; they are backed by evidence. The interviews with key figures like Bilott, who directly accessed these documents, lend immense weight to the claims. The film also references peer-reviewed studies and reports from bodies like the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
The central argument – that these widely used chemicals pose significant health and environmental risks that were known or suspected by manufacturers long before public awareness – is highly persuasive. The evidence presented, particularly the internal memos and animal studies showing adverse effects, is compelling. The film builds a strong case for corporate negligence and a failure of regulatory oversight.
Multiple Perspectives/Counterarguments: While the film clearly takes a critical stance on the actions of companies like DuPont and 3M, it does briefly acknowledge the utility and initial “miracle” status of these chemicals. It also includes the perspective of companies like Chemours (a spin-off from DuPont) which are now developing alternative, supposedly safer chemicals (like GenX), though the film also raises questions about the safety of these new alternatives. The film doesn’t shy away from the complexities, such as the fact that PFOA itself is no longer used in Teflon production by major manufacturers, but the problem of existing contamination and the broader class of PFAS remains.

This documentary is both thought-provoking and deeply unsettling.

The story of Earl Tennant, the farmer whose cattle were dying from contaminated water, is heartbreaking and serves as a powerful human anchor to the larger scientific and legal narrative. Learning about the sheer ubiquity of these chemicals in everyday products and, consequently, in our own bodies, is alarming. It challenges viewers to reconsider the products they use and the trust they place in corporations and regulatory bodies.
Attention-Holding: Yes, absolutely. The combination of historical intrigue, scientific explanation, personal stories, and the unfolding legal battle keeps you hooked. Derek Muller’s engaging presentation style and the well-paced editing ensure there are no dull moments. The demonstration of taking his and Gregor’s blood samples and the subsequent results showing their PFAS levels make the issue very personal and relatable.

I liked :

- Exceptional Clarity: Complex science is made accessible.
- Strong Evidentiary Basis: Use of internal documents and expert interviews is highly effective.
- Compelling Narrative: The historical and legal battles are as engaging as the science.
- Visual Storytelling: The animations and archival footage are top-notch.
- Relevance: Highlights an ongoing and widespread environmental and health concern.
- Call to Awareness (if not direct action): It definitely makes you think about what’s in your water and products.
Bear in mind:
- Potential Overwhelm: The sheer number of PFAS chemicals and the scale of the problem could feel daunting, perhaps leaving some viewers feeling a bit helpless, though the film does touch on emerging solutions.
- Limited Focus on Solutions (initially): While it introduces Puraffinity’s work towards the end, the bulk of the film focuses on the problem. Some viewers might crave more depth on remediation or regulatory solutions earlier on.
- Company Rebuttals (Implicit): While internal documents are shown, a more direct, recent statement or interview from the companies involved (even if predictable) might have added another layer, though it’s understandable why that might be difficult to obtain or might derail the film’s focus.

AI and the Future of Health with Joelle Barral

Albert — Thu, 08 May 2025 15:37:52 +0000

In this episode, Professor Hannah Fry interviews Joelle Barral, Senior Director of Research at Google DeepMind, about AI in healthcare. They discuss existing AI applications including image analysis for diabetic retinopathy and the expansion of diagnostic tools as a result of multi-modal models. The conversation highlights AI’s potential to improve healthcare delivery, personalize treatment, expand access worldwide, and ultimately, bring back the joy of practicing medicine.

Hitler’s Reich – Diaries of Nazi supporters, opponents and victims (1/4) |

Albert — Wed, 07 May 2025 16:01:06 +0000

[Parts 1-4 will be published weekly. Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLovlAKbQVz6ALEUpkLQMB7KuU1qPPU9SI&si=P5harB3IfOs7TFzc ]

#documentary #dwdocumentary #dwdocs #germany #hitler
______

We kindly ask viewers to read and stick to the DW netiquette policy on our channel: https://p.dw.com/p/MF1G

How our relationship to work is changing |

Albert — Thu, 01 May 2025 16:01:23 +0000

Many jobs will disappear in the coming decades as a result of AI and automation. This could require a fundamental change in the human relationship to work.

In South Korea, many people work fourteen hours or more a day. The immense pressure to perform has an impact on family life and mental health. The country has the highest suicide rate in the world and stress-related cancers are common.

While government measures are intended to encourage South Koreans to reduce their working hours, many inhabitants of Kuwait must get through working day with the help of movies and books. The wealthy oil nation guarantees its inhabitants the right to a job – but there’s nowhere near enough work for everyone.

According to estimates, Artificial Intelligence and automation will replace a large proportion of the global workforce in the coming decades. So, it’s time to look for concepts for a post-work era. Based on interviews with people in Kuwait, Italy, the USA and South Korea, the film examines the human relationship to work and explores the question: What will we do, when we no longer have to work?

#documentary #dwdocumentary #dwdocs #ai #artificialintelligence #work
______

We kindly ask viewers to read and stick to the DW netiquette policy on our channel: https://p.dw.com/p/MF1G

Bioplastics and other innovations against climate change |

Albert — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 16:00:10 +0000

Flooding caused by heavy rainfall is a regular occurrence — and a consequence of climate change. Weather extremes are no longer limited to certain parts of the world: they’re now part of everyday life in Germany too.

Researchers from various disciplines are determined to fight climate change. At Kassel University in the German state of Hesse, for example, research is being carried out on a new method of producing concrete that is low in CO2 emissions.

In the neighboring city of Giessen, two researchers invented bioplastic – by chance. What began with a forgotten petri dish is now set to revolutionize the region’s packaging industry.

All these examples show how science is working hard to protect the climate. The film takes viewers into the laboratory — and explains the relevance of today’s research for how we’ll be living our lives tomorrow.

#documentary #dwdocumentary #dwdocs #climatechange #bioplastics

We kindly ask viewers to read and stick to the DW netiquette policy on our channel: https://p.dw.com/p/MF1G

Hackers, malware and the darknet – The fatal consequences of cyberattacks |

Albert — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 16:01:16 +0000

Cyberspace is less secure than ever before. Hackers exploit human error or technical loopholes to steal data — or publish it on the darknet, if the ransom demanded is not paid. It’s a practice wiith catastrophic consequences.

It can happen to anyone: Private individuals, companies, administrations, schools and even hospitals are falling victim to attacks by hackers. The media has been reporting on cybercrime for years and the trend is rising. Hackers are more powerful than ever – and always ready to exploit human error or technical vulnerabilities to penetrate the IT systems of companies, administrations or private individuals. Their tools include ransomware, i.e. malware that installs itself on a computer to lock it or encrypt data on it. Once this has been done, the criminals can steal the data. They then threaten to publish it on the darknet if the ransom demanded – in cryptocurrency, of course – is not paid. In the USA alone, the damage caused by cyberattacks in 2023 amounted to 12.5 billion dollars. An amount that, within two years, had more than doubled.

A report published by the European Union for Network and Information Security in late 2022 highlights the particular risks faced by the healthcare sector. In fact, thousands of hospitals worldwide have already been virtually attacked. One hospital in Israel, for example, made a virtue of necessity, filming and publishing its handling of the attack to prevent other hospitals from falling into the same trap.

In the film, victims and their relatives talk about how their lives have been impacted by cyberattacks. Company bankruptcies, loss of pension insurance, even suicide – the consequences can be fatal. In the film, viewers also hear from a hacker, who explains how straightforward it is to deprive people of their data.

#documentary #dwdocumentary #dwdocs #hacker #cybersecurity
______

We kindly ask viewers to read and stick to the DW netiquette policy on our channel: https://p.dw.com/p/MF1G

Tracking pandemics: Detecting new diseases early |

Albert — Sun, 06 Apr 2025 16:00:22 +0000

Corona, AIDS and the Spanish flu have claimed many millions of lives. Now, researchers around the world are trying to better predict and prevent pandemics like these in the future.

A vet visits Klaus Hoffmann’s chicken coop with an assistant and a portable laboratory. The goal of the project is to detect ‘zoonoses’, infections that pass from animals to humans, at an early stage. These 40 chickens are Hoffmann’s great hobby. Today, they are being thoroughly checked for age, size, weight and viral load. The results of the chicken examination are later compared with health data from Hoffmann himself — and compared to data from Hoffmann’s dog, as well. The aim is to detect viruses, bacteria or parasites that could migrate from animal to human.

The coronavirus pandemic is highly likely to have been caused by such a zoonosis. Fabian Leendertz is researching this theory at the University of Greifswald. He specializes in a new field of research called “One Health”. This research field looks at how humans, animals and the environment interact in the spread of new viruses. Leendertz, who has worked on behalf of the World Health Organization (WHO) to trace the origin of the coronavirus, wants to stay two steps ahead of the next wave of infection. That means identifying viruses before they can become dangerous for us.

#documentary #dwdocumentary #dwdocs
______

We kindly ask viewers to read and stick to the DW netiquette policy on our channel: https://p.dw.com/p/MF1G

Africa‘s tech pioneers – Innovative solutions for a sustainable future |

Albert — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 17:00:10 +0000

Ten of the world’s fastest growing economies are located on the African continent. Companies in the field of science and innovation are being promoted. Climate-friendly ideas for the future are already being realized in African countries.

Africa has the youngest, fastest-growing population of any continent. This is reflected in the innovative strength emanating from many African nations: young scientists in particular are being supported and are developing creative, climate-friendly strategies that have the potential to solve global problems.

At the same time, many African countries face immense challenges: political crises, wars, population growth and climate change. Solutions are being developed on a local level. In Kenya, for example, a team of young scientists has succeeded in using new technologies to reduce the price of animal feed production. Mobile communication solutions from Nairobi deliver knowledge and education in indigenous languages to the remotest regions of East Africa. Kenya and Uganda are already supplied with more than 90 per cent renewable energy. A young Afro-German entrepreneur in Kampala is taking advantage of this – he wants to expand e-mobility in private transport. The municipal healthcare system in Accra, Ghana, is already working with artificial intelligence developed in Africa.

However, climate change caused by industrialized nations in the northern hemisphere poses a particular threat to Africa. Of the almost 1.5 billion Africans from 54 countries, as many as 117 million people could be at risk from rising sea levels in 2030.

By 2100, Africa’s total population could be around 3.8 billion. One solution under consideration is to build a floating city in Lagos, Nigeria, that can adapt to the consequences of climate change.

#documentary #dwdocumentary #dwdocs #africa #innovation #technology
______

We kindly ask viewers to read and stick to the DW netiquette policy on our channel: https://p.dw.com/p/MF1G

Should we bring extinct species back to life? |

Albert — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 17:00:27 +0000

All around the world, scientists are working to recreate lost animal species such as the mammoth. Using modern genetic techniques, they’re extracting ancient genetic material from museum exhibits. Do their efforts represent hope for the future of the natural world? Or is science playing God?

Findings in the thawed permafrost of Siberia have made it possible to reconstruct the DNA of mammoths. Researchers are now experimenting with inserting genes related to the ability to resist cold temperatures into the Asian elephant, which is related to the mammoth. The animals thus created could survive in the steppes of Siberia and Alaska.

In Australia, scientists have managed to extract the genetic material of marsupial wolves from preserved embryos in museums. The predator’s genes are replicated in the lab and implanted into the related marsupial mouse – in a bid to bring the extinct creature back to life.

And biotechnology could also help white rhinos in Africa: Researchers in Berlin are fertilizing eggs from the last two living females with sperm from deceased males frozen and preserved for decades.

However, these practices are also attracting criticism. Biology researchers question the usefulness of revived species for natural habitats. They fear that the excitement surrounding the idea of bringing back extinct species could distract people from the many problems that cause animals to disappear, in the first place. Are some scientists playing God – with unforeseeable consequences for the environment?

#documentary #dwdocumentary #dwdocs #mammoth
______

We kindly ask viewers to read and stick to the DW netiquette policy on our channel: https://p.dw.com/p/MF1G