Team of sky adventurers

­The first air balloon with two passengers in its basket was launched from a Paris suburb on November 21, 1783. The first balloon launch in Russia came exactly 20 years after the French debut. In the mid-20th century ballooning was no longer popular in Russia — almost no military balloons had been in use after World War II. But today ballooning is a recreational activity for hundreds of...

Cowboys in Paradise

Masters at peddling the paradise-romance concoction, the Kuta Cowboys have made Bali the world's leading destination for female sex tourists. In this one-of-a-kind documentary we reveal the secrets of the trade. "If my son were to become a cowboy like my husband, I would be proud" , says Ne Neyong. Just a stone's throw from the straw hut where she raises her children, Bali's postcard-perfect...

Diplomacy of defence

­Long-running negotiations between Russia and USA about NATO’s European missile defence shield are currently deadlocked. Both countries want to protect their people by operating early warning radar stations, but have been unable to find a way to cooperate on the issue. NATO’s top brass decided to deploy a missile defence system aimed at protecting Europe, but their plan to place it in former...

Gun Fight

Gun Fight, by two-time Oscar-winner Barbara Kopple, takes a fresh look at the impact of guns in America, through vivid stories of people who have a personal stake in the issue. With an estimated 250 million privately-owned guns in America, about 30,000 people are killed by guns in the U.S. every year, and another 65,000 wounded. The debate about how to decrease gun violence has raged for years,...

Mysterious sands of Russia

­The village of Shoina is situated beyond the Arctic Circle, 1,400 kilometers north of Moscow. This tiny settlement is known for its sands, which appeared here over 50 years ago and have been waging a relentless offensive against humans ever since, depriving them of living space. How did they appear, and where else in Russia can you find unusual places like this? Solve the mystery, on RT.

David vs Monsanto

­Imagine that a storm blows across your garden and that now, genetically manipulated seeds are in your crops. A multi-national corporation pay you a visit, demand that you surrender your crops – and then sue you for $200 000 for the illegal use of patented, GM seeds. In this definitive David and Goliath battle, one farmer stands up against a massive multinational, and their right to claim...

The Caucasian nature reserve: filming the landscape

­This reserve is hidden away in the mountains and can only be reached by helicopter. UNESCO has declared some areas of the reserve a world heritage site. The Belaya River plays host to international rafting competitions each year. The route is very extreme. Find out more about the reserve’s beauty on RT!

Shamans of Siberia

­They can cure illnesses, play a horse's fiddle and control the weather. Some of them can travel over long distances and even levitate by hovering over the birch trees. They can communicate with good and bad spirits. Watch out if you have something to hide. Meet the shamans from Siberia.

Blood of Nigeria

­For 50 years Nigeria has been an El Dorado for oil companies from all over the world. An El Dorado and a hell. In this fourth-largest producer in OPEC, profits are colossal, but in the most extreme conditions of violence and injustice. Hostage-taking, corruption, attacks, massive pollution and destruction of the environment are the other face of this industry. Today, the Niger delta is one of...

Theater of politics

­Mikhail Saakashvili came to power in Georgia in 2004. Since then the policy of the state has been changed drastically. Unfortunately it has touched the Georgian art and cultural life as well. Practically the entire faculty of the Conservatoire and the Art Academy were replaced. Senior professors in almost all universities were forced to retire. The leaders of many state theaters were dismissed...