DW Documentary 2025 Documentaries: Episode Guide & Ratings

The intestine is a true marvel. This organ’s complex functions extend far beyond the mere processing of food. The intestine affects the immune system and also has a powerful effect on our emotional well-being.

For some women, getting pregnant is only possible through egg donation. It’s a pathway to parenthood with children who aren’t biologically their own. While egg donation is legal in many countries, it’s banned in places like Switzerland and Germany. This film takes a compassionate look at the impact of this medical dilemma and the laws that often make little sense to the people who are affected by them. Why is sperm donation allowed in so many places, but not egg donation? Why do donors in so many places have to remain anonymous, even though it could cause emotional problems for the children? The film also shows that with an empathetic approach, it’s possible to avoid trauma and help children and families navigate this complicated journey.

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. 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?

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. 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.

In the USA, abortion rights are tearing the nation apart. Abortions are banned in the state of Texas, but that's not enough for anti-abortion activists. They go even further -- and encounter resistance. The film follows one of America's leading abortion opponents, Mark Lee Dickson, in Texas. He wants to prevent women from traveling to another state for an abortion. Dickson and his followers believe that abortion is always murder. They do not even accept the birth control pill. They believe that life begins with the union of sperm and egg. As a result of Texas' strict abortion policy, clinics offering abortions have had to relocate to neighboring New Mexico. How do the bans affect women? And what is it like to work as a doctor who performs abortions? The film examines questions like these. But the film also shows that there is resistance to Dickson's campaigns, including a women's group that opposes the ultra-conservatives.

Canada's Great Bear Rainforest is a place where the rainforest and Pacific Ocean meet. This special forest is home to countless spruce and fir trees. One very special species towers above them all, giving many animals shelter: the giant arbor vitae, or ‘Tree of Life’. Forest and ocean live in symbiosis here. When heavy rainfall erodes the soil, nutrients are transported through the rivers to the sea, where they benefit the humpback whales. Nowadays, however, this complex ecosystem is threatened by massive logging. Here, too, humans are jeopardizing a balance that has existed for thousands of years.

Peatlands bind more carbon than forests. But in Germany, almost all the country’s natural peatlands have been drained. Now, they’re emitting greenhouse gases. People around the world are currently working to rewet the moors - while keeping them usable for agriculture.

Water is scarce, but global demand continues to rise. Humanity is facing serious disputes over our most important resource. What impact is our lifestyle having on our planet's water cycles? Along six rivers on four continents, the documentary explores the question of why this vital resource, water, is becoming increasingly scarce - and who’s responsible. 70 per cent of fresh water is used in agriculture. Around 20 per cent of global water pollution is caused by the textile industry. The film provides rare insights into Indian factories and life in the places where contaminants are discharged. But it’s not all bad news. In the film, we also meet people who’ve come up with solutions.

Some twenty years ago vultures were close to extinction in much of Europe. Since then, the birds have been successfully reintroduced in parts of Germany, Spain and France. They may be back, but vultures still face many dangers.

The film explores the work of one of Europe’s largest and most modern equine clinics, where the specialist vet meets clients with great expectations, and an even greater love for their horses.

Panama's famous canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. But, this important gateway for world trade is increasingly blocked. Cargo ships often have to wait weeks for passage, because water levels in the canal are too low. The cause? Drought.

In the USA, agriculture is dominated by two magic words: productivity and profitability. The two million farmers in the United States are impressive businessmen. But their agribusiness is causing great damage. Oversized farms, fattening facilities and pesticides: when it comes to producing more and more, almost anything goes. On cattle fattening farms in the Midwest, thousands of animals are crammed into stalls without a single blade of grass, fattened up and treated with growth hormones. Here, industrial methods are taken to the extreme. In California, carrots, artichokes and strawberries are grown on huge plantations. But this west coast grower’s paradise is struggling with extreme water shortages. Water is pumped from rivers, reservoirs and groundwater reserves at great expense. Faced with a desperate water shortage, farmers are working at breakneck speed -- even if it means that the region's inhabitants have no access to drinking water.

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.

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. 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.

In 2002, a law was passed in Germany to legalize sex work as a service. The change in the law presupposes that people offer sexual services voluntarily and that they are of legal age. However, the reality is often different. Also, there have been fewer investigations into human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation. But many women are afraid to testify, says Helmut Sporer, a former senior criminal investigator in the field of sex work and human trafficking.

On the internet, the offer looks very serious: a start to a new life without dialysis, with a new kidney in just a few weeks. A glimmer of hope for seriously ill people who have been waiting for years for a donor organ. Behind it all is a notorious network of international organ traffickers. We have been following the trail for months. At the center is a transplant clinic in Eldoret, Kenya, where patients from Germany and Israel in particular meet donors from countries in the Caucasus such as Azerbaijan. There are also young Kenyans who are persuaded that they are getting a good deal at 4,000 euros for a kidney. Recipients pay up to €200,000 ($222,000 USD) to organ traffickers. There are many indications that local authorities are looking the other way and that politicians are covering up the trade.

In the villages on Sardinia's east coast, people live longer than almost anywhere else in the world. But why? Is it due to nutrition? The good weather? Or genetics? Scientists around the world are attempting to solve the mystery.

In March 2013, Jorge Mario Bergoglio from Argentina was elected 266th Pope, the first South American to become spiritual leader of the Catholic Church. He set out to reform the Vatican and the papal office, advocated climate protection and inter-religious dialogue.The name he chose toi be known by refers to St Francis of Assisi. Following "the little poor man’s” example, Bergoglio wanted a "poor church for the poor". In memory of Pope Francis, Deutsche Welle is rebroadcasting the feature "Pope Francis — A Shepherd in the Storm.” On the occasion of the Pope's 85th birthday in December 2021 our report was an opportunity to take stock of his pontificate. What was this Pope able to change and reform; where were his limits? How did he lead the Catholic faith community through a time marked by crises and scandals?

Sanduk Ruit has devoted his life to healing as many cataracts sufferers as possible. The Nepalese doctor, who himself comes from a modest background, wants to ensure high-quality surgery for patients living in grinding poverty - even where there is no hospital in the vicinity. The 70-year-old and his team have now treated well over 100,000 people with cataracts. This documentary accompanies Sanduk Ruit to an extremely remote region of the Himalayan Mountains, where every 12 years the Dolpo region of Nepal hosts the Shey Festival at an elevation of over 4,000 meters. It’s a centuries-old cultural event, which is rooted in Tibetan Buddhism and draws people from far and wide - and for the doctor, a perfect opportunity to treat a large number of patients in one location.

The papal appointment of Argentine national Jorge Mario Bergoglio wrote history. For the first time, a non-European and Jesuit had been made head of the Catholic Church. He was also the first Pope to take the name Francis. Francis of Assisi, founder of the Franciscan order, is venerated as patron saint of the poor. Pope Francis was drawn to his example and tried to emulate his qualities. The film, broadcast in March 2014 one year after Francis took office at the Vatican, compares the story of Francis of Assisi with the actions and deeds of the Pope. He was - just like his role model - a man of peace and dialog. He advocated for a merciful Church; even in pre-papal years as a priest in Argentina. The film shows that throughout his life, he never forgot the poor and the marginalized.

With dozens of theme parks, Orlando is seen as a paradise for fans of attractions and rollercoasters. But the shiny, fairytale world also has a lesser-known, darker side. Negligent safety measures have resulted in accidents, some of them fatal. In one accident in 2022, a teenager tragically died on the Free Fall ride. And for park employees, life in the Sunshine State of Florida is often far from rosy. Many struggle to survive on minimum wage, while others are homeless.

Using original and archive material, the film tells the story of the Vietnam War, beginning with the Indochina War and liberation from the colonial power France to the 1990s, when relations with the USA were finally normalized.

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.

The Niger Delta in Nigeria is one of the most polluted areas on earth - due to repeated oil spills. Environmentalists, scientists and lawyers are working together to restore the damage and seek justice for local residents.

Most of Germany’s rivers are in poor condition. Pollutants from industry and agriculture contaminate the water and lead to algal blooms and species die-offs. Environmental advocates and riverbank residents are fighting for more protection for waterways.

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?

The sixth extinction of species is in full swing. In the race against time, researchers around the world are relying more and more on high-tech. This visually stunning documentary shows the race to build futuristic technologies to protect species.

Hyaluron has been used with increasing frequency, as social media normalizes lip injections. In Germany, this beauty industry procedure may only be carried out by doctors or alternative medicine practitioners - professionals who understand the risks. The market for aesthetic surgery has grown rapidly. However, some offers are questionable -- and can have serious health consequences.

Cobalt is a highly prized metal, especially for makers of smartphones and EVs. Almost 75% of global production comes from the Democratic Republic of Congo - where there are also children toiling away in the mines. In protest, activists have repeatedly called for a boycott on cobalt from the DRC. To what extent is child labor a factor in cobalt production today, and what can consumers do to combat it? What about corporate responsibility? Are companies doing enough to ensure the cobalt they're using hasn't been mined by a child?

Vast areas of Australia are covered by forests of giant eucalyptus. According to the Aborigines, the ‘king’ eucalyptus, which can grow up to 100 meters high, has mythical power. However, humans are disturbing this natural balance. Global warming and humans‘ use of forests are increasingly leading to large fires. These destroy millions of hectares of forest -- and spare hardly any living creatures. A natural system that is thousands of years old is in danger.

"African human skull, early 20th century, 2,000 euros." Adverts like this can be seen on social media. The trade is legal in Germany, even when the skulls date from the German colonial era. Customs expert Daniel Bein says the trade in human skulls is not prohibited per se. But politicians are now evaluating the issue, and plan to introduce legislation that will ban private trade in human skulls and bones. The filmmakers conduct research at home and abroad, visit an international market for human skulls, meet one of the largest dealers in London and speak to buyers in Germany. They also accompany people who are themselves searching for the skulls of their ancestors, to bring them back to their homeland.

Since 2020, reports have increased of boats being rammed by orcas along the European Atlantic coast. The whales make a beeline for the hulls and rudders. Researchers are trying to find out why. Researchers largely agree that the Gibraltar killer whales are under severe stress. There’s heavy marine traffic in the strait and along the entire Iberian coast. Humans and animals compete for tuna, and noise pollution is high. The documentary hears from researchers, scientists and the boat crews themselves, about the unusual behavior of these animals.

Life on Earth wouldn’t be possible without fungi. Yet they largely elude our view, as they form a finely tuned network that runs through the soil of the forests. Everywhere on Earth. Whether in the centuries-old rainforests of Tasmania or in China's Yunnan Province - researchers are trying to understand exactly how fungi maintain the balance of ecosystems. So much more than mushrooms, fungi shape weather and support life on land. They’re also at the cutting edge of medical research, and even have the power to break down plastic waste. Whether under the microscope or in the woods, the dazzling images in this documentary immerse you in the mysterious world of mushrooms.

The global race for the African continent‘s coveted raw materials is unscrupulous. The raw material interests of rich nations often trump the rights and needs of the local populations.

The extinction of the Neanderthals, the one species that dominated the Eurasian continent prior to the arrival of Homo sapiens, is one of the most puzzling topics in archeology. How were these two hominids connected? Was Homo sapiens partially responsible for the eradication of the Neandertals from planet Earth? Or did the two potentially coexist over several millennia? A team of researchers led by archaeologist Ludovic Slimak are working in the Mandrin Cave to answer these very questions. Their findings are being examined by scientists from the French research organization CNRS, using state-of-the-art archaeological methods.

Natural disasters and wars, each seemingly more devastating than the last. Are we becoming desensitized to this constant stream of bad news? And could that actually be necessary to help us stay functional amid global conflict and the climate crisis?

The taiga is the largest contiguous vegetation zone in the world. The birch plays a special role in this boreal coniferous forest. Its light-colored bark forms a perfect insulating layer. Symbiotic fungi protect its roots from attackers. But increasingly extreme summer heatwaves are threatening the fragile ecosystem of the boreal coniferous forest. Animal and plant species must adapt - or migrate further north to escape extinction.

The way we feed ourselves is changing. Agriculture will also be impacted by Artificial Intelligence. Could AI present an opportunity for increased food security in the future? Ethical issues are a major hurdle when using AI. Ameca, the world's most advanced humanoid robot, guides us through the film with his assessments: What are the potentials and limits of AI?

In a remote village in Senegal, a woman is using solar energy to bring progress. Against her husband's wishes, she trains to become a solar technician. Four months later, the women return to the village, bringing with them much-desired know-how. They explain how the houses can be supplied with solar energy. Little by little, solar power is finding its way into people's everyday lives. Through their actions and their training, the women subtly raise questions about the meaning of modernity -- and the position of women in society.

Is the internet making us emotionally numb? Online trolls and influencers expertly manipulate people's feelings, leading many to disconnect from their emotions. Scientists explain how the internet influences what we feel- and whether we feel at all.

Endless beaches, majestic mountains and villages with multi-colored houses: Cape Verde has become one of the hottest new destinations for social media influencers. Here, tourists can enjoy a week at an all-inclusive resort for as little as €700, including travel. But virtually none of this benefits the island. Indeed, a lack of opportunities, coupled with a severe drought, mean that some women have to resort to stealing sand from the sea floor in order to survive. The islands are on the frontline of global warming. It has hardly rained in the past seven years. While tourists enjoy numerous huge swimming pools and are unaware of the crisis, families in Cape Verde are restricted to a few 25-liter containers of water per day. All food and supplies for the hotels are imported from wherever they can be sourced cheapest, providing no benefit to the local economy.

Four of the seven largest gold refineries in the world are located in Switzerland. However, the legal regulations are weak. What is the industry doing to ensure that no "dirty gold” ends up in Switzerland? In 2023, the United Nations sent a letter to the Swiss government. The accusation: Their laws were too lax. As a result, Switzerland was becoming a gateway for gold sullied by human rights violations, child labor, mercury poisoning, environmental destruction or involved in the financing of illegal groups. Industry representatives and the Swiss government claim that great efforts are being made to make supply chains transparent. The film examines how successful these efforts are. Can supply chains be fully traced and monitored? A trip to the largest gold producers in Africa shows the chasm between Switzerland’s claims and the reality on the ground.