The Dissident

MBS, the Arabia of the future(fr)

For almost a decade, Mohammed bin Salman, known as MBS, the crown prince and de facto leader of Saudi Arabia, has been shaking up all the pillars of this extraordinary kingdom. The cradle of Islam and the world's leading exporter of crude oil, this Gulf giant has embarked on an unprecedented transformation to meet the existential challenge of the post-oil era. Dreaming of becoming the leader of a stable and prosperous Arab world, MBS is undertaking to transform the austere and rigorous Saudi Arabia into a futuristic utopia. But the rise of tourism, entertainment and the excesses of construction sites are still struggling to make us forget authoritarianism and the repression of opponents. As for the silencing of the religious police, it has not put an end to the oppression of women.

The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia(en)

One year after the murder of columnist Jamal Khashoggi, a two-hour FRONTLINE documentary investigates the rise and rule of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia (MBS). Correspondent Martin Smith, who has covered the Middle East for FRONTLINE for 20 years, examines the crown prince’s vision for the future, his handling of dissent, his relationship with the United States — and his ties to Khashoggi’s killing. This Episode can be watched Online at (last Update 18th Oct 24): https://www.pbs.org/video/crown-prince-saudi-arabia-1jt2ey

Kingdom of Silence(en)

A political thriller examining the complex relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia, and how the murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi amplified entanglements between the two countries.

The Reddiest 2006(ar)

In light of the rise and inflation of the Saudi stock market in 2006, the painful crash that caused the loss of one trillion riyals in a short period of time, with the loss of money begins the misfortunes of families among themselves and the issues of money are innumerable. Abdulrahman and his wife Samar, a small family lost in the midst of these misfortunes, a husband who wants wealth and stability but himself is greedy, falling into the same hole again and again, and a good wife trying to hold on to this relationship no matter what. How would you behave in this case?

Microcosmos(fr)

A documentary of insect life in meadows and ponds, using incredible close-ups, slow motion, and time-lapse photography. It includes bees collecting nectar, ladybugs eating mites, snails mating, spiders wrapping their catch, a scarab beetle relentlessly pushing its ball of dung uphill, endless lines of caterpillars, an underwater spider creating an air bubble to live in, and a mosquito hatching.

Super Size Me(en)

Morgan Spurlock subjects himself to a diet based only on McDonald's fast food three times a day for thirty days without exercising to try to prove why so many Americans are fat or obese. He submits himself to a complete check-up by three doctors, comparing his weight along the way, resulting in a scary conclusion.

Alien Deception: The Biggest Lie in History(en)

For decades, world governments have lied to the people about the alien presence on Earth. Project Blue Book was reportedly closed down in 1969, but the discovery of the AATP program dispels any notion that the military and ruling powers of the US and other nations aren't interested in UFOs. Now with verified video of UFOs from military sources, it's time to explore the truth and why the ruling factions have been deceiving us since the early 40's, even before Roswell.

The Dalai Lama's Gift(en)

In 1981, a Buddhist monk teaching at the University of Madison, Wisconsin, made the bold request of the Dalai Lama to come and perform a rare ritual, never before done outside of India or Tibet: the Kalachakra, among the highest of the Buddhist tantric teachings. In just a few months, with a team of dedicated students, and cameras rolling, they constructed a temple and organized an event for over a thousand spiritual seekers, in a cornfield outside Madison. The incredible footage was tucked away in the Smithsonian vaults, until now. What unfolds is the story of a powerful ritual, its impact on the people that made it happen, and the meaning behind this ancient initiation.

A Road of Prayer(en)

A Road of Prayer (2014–2016) is a 98-minute documentary that chronicles the filmmaker Tenzin Sedon’s return to her hometown of Lhasa, Tibet, after a long absence. Through her camera, she sought to connect with her homeland and the people—both familiar and unfamiliar—to her. In the film, three narratives intertwine through place, time, and urban change. By capturing the lives of ordinary people on the prayer road (Kora), she embarked on a journey to reconnect with her hometown.

Inside Buffalo(en)

The story of the 92nd Buffalo Division, the exclusively African American segregated combat unit which fought against nazism with outstanding heroism in Italy during the Second World War.

Snaketown- Early Indian Farmers Conquer the Arizona Desert(en)

This film is a documentary on the archaeological excavation of the Snaketown Dig just out of Phoenix Arizona. Snaketown in Arizona is dated by some scholars to around 300 BCE., The site of Snaketown is positioned on the Gila River Basin near Phoenix AZ at the Gila River Indian Community. Both the Hohokam and the Ootam peoples have occupied the land and from what I gather there is some contention on who did what when. Isn't their always. This is a really great film on the excavation of Snaketown and is a valuable educational resource I am fortunate to have. The Pima Indian father of Ira Hayes makes an appearance.

Look at Life: Sea Riders(en)

A look at the world's toughest power-boat race, taking place off Britain's South Coast, from Cowes to Torquay.

More Than Love(ru)

Yelena Obraztsova is one of the brightest stars of international opera. She performed, and continues to perform on world stages in the star-studded shows of Herbert von Karajan and Franco Zeffirelli. In this film the great singer is captured during one of her rare visits to her apartment in Moscow along with her long-time accompanist, the piano virtuoso Vaja Chachawa.

Mikhail Ulyanov. A Chronicle of One Role(ru)

The film's plotline was the rehearsals of the play "Brest Peace" based on the play of the same name by M.Shatrov at the Yevg.Vakhtangov State Academic Theater, which made it possible to see M. Ulyanov at work on the role of V.I.Lenin, to trace the birth of the image, to see the manifestation of his character.

Tumbalalaika in America(ru)

A 1978 travelogue showing the performances of the Soviet Jewish Theater on tour throughout the United States. The actors sing and dance and recite Yiddish poetry to a most enthusiastic American public.

Isetenkheb's Egyptian Coffin(en)

Follow from the amazing restoration process of one of the most cherished and mysterious pieces of History: an Egyptian sarcophagus covered with hieroglyphics (painted wood). With exclusive interviews of experts, art curators and restorators, discover everything about the story of the Isetenkheb coffin of Ancient Egypt dated from around 664-500 BC !

Oleg Efremov. For The Theater To Be...(ru)

Oleg Yefremov was one of the most beloved actors and directors in Russia. He was the founder of the Sovremennik (Contemporary) Theatre and later became the artistic director of the Moscow Art Theatre. The film shows him in a moment of extreme dramatic tension: Yefremov has decided to split the repertory company into two. His aim is to re energize a stagnant group of actors and move them away from an artistic "dead end". The company, split into supporters and detractors discusses the situation on very heated terms. The situation mirrors the overall climate of a country and a society shaken by the changes brought about by perestroika.

The Arkhangelsk Peasant(ru)

Using the example of the family of Nikolai Stepanovich Sivkov, who lives on the Krasnaya Gorka farm in the Arkhangelsk region, the film tells about the difficult problems of implementing a family contract in rural areas. The film touches on the issues of rural labor organization, the place of commodity-money relations in the socialist economy, family work, the meaning, value and costs of self-employment in our society.

The CIA's War Against Cuba(es)

"The CIA's War Against Cuba" - a briefing of the past ten years of CIA activities in Cuba, and the agents and other staff involved by the Dirección General de Inteligencia (DGI). DGI executed a parade of CIA agents active in Cuba, technology used, arms caches, journalists and other correspondents involved in intelligence tasks. This action was taken by Fidel Castro when his top agent Florention Aspillaga defected to the US via their embassy in Vienna, which immediately was followed by more defections and disclosure of so-called double agents. "La guerra de la CIA contra Cuba" was being broadcasted in 11 episodes.

The Stealth(en)

Two young adults spend their night off in a drunken frenzy.

QT8: The First Eight(en)

A detailed account of the life and artistic career of legendary filmmaker Quentin Tarantino, from his early days as a video club manager to the scandalous fall in disgrace of producer Harvey Weinstein. A story about how to shoot eight great movies and become an icon of modern pop culture.

The Green Prince(en)

This real-life thriller tells the story of one of Israel’s prized intelligence sources, recruited to spy on his own people for more than a decade. Focusing on the complex relationship with his handler, The Green Prince is a gripping account of terror, betrayal, and unthinkable choices, along with a friendship that defies all boundaries.

Nico, 1988(it)

Approaching age 50, singer/songwriter Nico leads a solitary existence, far from her days as a Warhol superstar and celebrated vocalist for the Velvet Underground in the 1960s. Her life and career on the fringes, Nico's new manager convinces her to hit the road again and tour in Europe to promote her latest album. She longs to rebuild a relationship with her son, whose custody she lost long ago.

Breaking Boundaries: The Science of Our Planet(en)

David Attenborough and scientist Johan Rockström examine Earth's biodiversity collapse and how this crisis can still be averted.

The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia(en)

One year after the murder of columnist Jamal Khashoggi, a two-hour FRONTLINE documentary investigates the rise and rule of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia (MBS). Correspondent Martin Smith, who has covered the Middle East for FRONTLINE for 20 years, examines the crown prince’s vision for the future, his handling of dissent, his relationship with the United States — and his ties to Khashoggi’s killing. This Episode can be watched Online at (last Update 18th Oct 24): https://www.pbs.org/video/crown-prince-saudi-arabia-1jt2ey

Mijn Turkse stem(nl)

Navalny(en)

Follows the man who survived an assassination attempt by poisoning with a lethal nerve agent in August 2020. During his months-long recovery, he makes shocking discoveries about the attempt on his life and decides to return home.

PG: Psycho Goreman(en)

Siblings Mimi and Luke unwittingly resurrect an ancient alien overlord. Using a magical amulet, they force the monster to obey their childish whims, and accidentally attract a rogues’ gallery of intergalactic assassins to small-town suburbia.

Searching for Sugar Man(en)

Two South Africans set out to discover what happened to their unlikely musical hero, the mysterious 1970s rock 'n' roller, Rodriguez.

Thesis(es)

While doing a thesis about violence, Ángela finds a snuff video where a girl is tortured to death. Soon she discovers that the girl was a former student at her college...

The White Tiger(en)

An ambitious Indian driver uses his wit and cunning to escape from poverty and rise to the top. An epic journey based on the New York Times bestseller.

Harriet(en)

The extraordinary tale of Harriet Tubman's escape from slavery and transformation into one of America's greatest heroes. Her courage, ingenuity and tenacity freed hundreds of slaves and changed the course of history.

My Octopus Teacher(en)

After years of swimming every day in the freezing ocean at the tip of Africa, Craig Foster meets an unlikely teacher: a young octopus who displays remarkable curiosity. Visiting her den and tracking her movements for months on end he eventually wins the animal’s trust and they develop a never-before-seen bond between human and wild animal.

Synchronic(en)

Two New Orleans paramedics' lives are ripped apart after encountering a series of horrific deaths linked to a designer drug with bizarre, otherworldly effects.

The Courier(en)

Cold War spy Greville Wynne and his Russian source try to put an end to the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Miss Sloane(en)

An ambitious lobbyist faces off against the powerful gun lobby in an attempt to pass gun control legislation.

The Social Dilemma(en)

This documentary-drama hybrid explores the dangerous human impact of social networking, with tech experts sounding the alarm on their own creations.

Four Brothers(en)

Four adopted brothers return to their Detroit hometown when their mother is murdered and vow to exact revenge on the killers.

Emma.(en)

In 1800s England, a well-meaning but selfish young woman meddles in the love lives of her friends.

Nomadland(en)

A woman in her sixties embarks on a journey through the western United States after losing everything in the Great Recession, living as a van-dwelling modern-day nomad.