RT Documentary

Amid the chaos in the burning town of Sudzha, Ivan Kovalyov managed to evacuate his mother in an armored truck. Miraculously, he escaped the town himself, trekking 15 kilometers through fields on foot, hiding from drones. He documented the entire journey on his mobile phone, capturing the full-scale incursion of Russia’s Kursk region by Ukrainian forces. The invasion began at dawn on August 6, 2024, as nationalist battalions and foreign mercenaries crossed the border. In the towns they entered, they looted, set homes on fire, and shot at civilian vehicles. Hundreds of thousands of people were forced to flee their homes, but not everyone made it out of Sudzha — more than two thousand were taken captive. In response, Russian forces launched a counter-offensive. Recruitment centers saw a surge of volunteers, and even veterans wounded in previous conflicts joined self-defense and volunteer units. “This is our home. We have nowhere else to retreat,” they say.

‘We will Survive’ is a sequel of ‘I Want Peace and Quiet’ documentary, delving into the challenges of post-traumatic stress and the enduring impact of war. The film presents three compelling and inspiring stories: a militia fighter, a mobilised soldier, and a civilian. All of them faced severe injuries and amputations but managed to survive and now rebuild their lives. Through their experiences, the documentary showcases the remarkable strength, courage, and determination of those who confront and overcome the harsh realities of conflict.

Ukrainian intelligence services are recruiting children and teenagers for sabotage missions, using increasingly brutal and sophisticated methods. A young girl named Lisa received videos of her father being tortured and threats from his captors. They said they would kill him if she didn’t reveal the locations of her volunteer friends. How did she respond? This decision became the hardest she has ever had to make.

On September 1, 2004, this mother sent 8-year-old Zalina and 10-year-old Fatima to school alone while she stayed home with little Georgy, who was teething. Zalina never returned. Fatima suffered severe head injuries and was barely saved. History teacher Nadezhda Guriyeva, another subject of the film, was at the school that day. After the first explosion in the gym, she found her 8-year-old daughter alive, her 14-year-old son barely breathing, and her 11-year-old daughter dead. Galina Babenkova discovered her grandson’s burned backpack among the ruins and refused to leave, searching for Timur, but he was never found. Twenty years after the attack, Margarita Simonyan returns to the school where she reported live under fire. She returns to Beslan, where there is a «City of Angels»—the cemetery for the victims. To the city where everyone knows each other’s pain and where nothing is forgotten.

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Locals call this place ‘Last Free Place in America,’ it’s also known as Slab City. It spreads over a large area of the Sonoran Desert in California, on the east side of the Salton Sea. During the 1940s, this was an active Marine base. At the end of World War II, the Marines pulled out, taking everything with them except for the concrete slabs. Over the years, this area has become a haven for squatters, drug addicts, the homeless, and outcasts. This isolated desert community also attracted transient, freedom-seeking people, all living off the grid in trailers, tents, lean-tos, and broken-down school buses. They create art from piles of junk and attract tourists from different countries. There is no water, sewage system, or electricity in Slab City, and the police rarely visit. However, the residents cherish this place and their freedom to live as they choose.

Egor Shmakov has spent nearly 15 years in a wheelchair, diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Egor always dreamed of following in the footsteps of his late father, who served in the Airborne Forces. When the Special Military Operation (SMO) began, 16-year-old Egor joined a volunteer group to support the soldiers on the frontlines, where he connected with paratroopers from the Altai region. Even from the battlefield, the fighters found time to encourage him. Egor was so inspired by the support of the Airborne Troopers that he decided to exercise, despite the pain. Now the fighters celebrate every one of his achievements—Egor is doing well in school, plays sled hockey, and believes that one day, he’ll stand alongside the soldiers. While Egor finds strength in the paratroopers’ support, Roman Zubarev, a former paratrooper himself, uses his own experiences to inspire and help others. Roman sustained serious shrapnel injuries while shielding a friend with his body. Now, he helps other veterans find new purpose in life.

Orthodox priests travel thousands of kilometres from various regions of Russia to the front lines. They bring humanitarian aid to the people of Donbass, offer confessions, and do their best to support the soldiers. Despite being prime targets for the Ukrainian army, they visit the most dangerous spots without fear for their own lives. Father Pyotr arrived in Donbass in 2014 when Ukrainian forces began targeting Orthodox churches and monasteries. Despite the destruction, including the devastation of the century-old St. Nicholas Church in Popasnaya, he continues to hold services and provides people with solace. Watch the documentary to find out what gives these brave “warriors of the spirit” strength to continue their mission during the most challenging times.

Our new documentary is about poets who offer an impartial portrayal of the deep sorrow felt by the people of Donbass and their lives since 2014. Their poems are dedicated to the heroic deeds on the frontlines and daily hardships faced by the soldiers. War correspondent poets Semyon Pegov, Maria Vatutina, Dmitry Moldavsky, and others describe the heavy price these people have paid over the past decade to protect their families and the residents of Donbass. Journalist and publicist Vadim Avva, together with the Moscow Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Anton Semke, created a program they performed in hospitals, on the front lines, and at an orphanage in Lugansk. Their goal is to help people escape the harsh realities of the frontlines and allow people to experience simple joys, even if just for a moment. Witness firsthand the profound impact of their performances.

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Algeria is a country rich in cultural heritage and historical significance. The film crew spent three weeks exploring its most exciting sites and capturing its unique traditions. They travelled from the golden sands of the Sahara Desert to the picturesque shores of the Mediterranean Sea. The film gives examples of the indigenous musical styles and traditional clothing and dance. It also highlights ancient cities that have been centres of civilization for thousands of years. What sets modern Algerian culture apart, and how is it connected to Russia? Discover the answers in the second episode of our new documentary series.

As global power dynamics shift, our new documentary series explores a pivotal centre of influence: the Arab world and its deep connections with Russia. Journalist and orientalist Anna Knishenko begins this journey with a visit to Algeria. The longstanding cooperation between these countries dates back to the 19th century, when Russia supported Algeria in its fight for independence from French colonial rule. Today, Algeria and Russia continue to collaborate in the military industry, energy sector, and food security. Discover more about Algeria’s role on the global stage and its vital partnerships in the first episode of our new documentary series.

Anna Chapman’s latest investigation delves into the contentious exclusion of Russian athletes from international competitions. The glory of the 2014 Sochi Olympics was soon tainted by doping scandals and medal revocations, resulting in Russia being stripped of 46 Olympic medals. In 2022, the International Olympic Committee called for a ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes from all competitions. Despite the principle of keeping sports separate from politics, these exclusions appear to be part of a broader strategy to undermine strong competitors by any means necessary. How did international sports become so entangled with politics? Can Russia challenge the system and defend its athletes’ rights? Join the country’s top athletes as they reveal the controversial reality of international sports.

In 2014, “Banda Bassotti,” a renowned Italian punk rock band, started the “Anti-Fascist Caravan.” Over the past decade, they have been fighting to end the genocide in Donbass. People from many EU countries and South America have joined their cause. Every year, this international group travels to the liberated territories with humanitarian aid. The Caravan aims to show people that thousands, even millions, of foreigners around the world support them. They not only help civilians but also share the real story of what is happening in Donbass. For them, the caravan is also a way to break through the Western media blockade. “We are here to tell people about what is happening—to those who have hard time accessing certain news,” says one of the activists. Watch our new documentary to see how this project has transformed the lives of both its participants and those they have assisted over the past ten years.

Amid the ongoing Donbass conflict, rock musicians have chosen to support their homeland by using their music as a form of resistance. Despite the constant threat, they continue to perform, bringing hope and unity in the face of Ukrainian shelling. Stas Bogorad, leader of the ‘Meantraitors’, performs in Lugansk, Donetsk, and Crimea. Vadim Stepantsov of ‘Bakhyt-Kompot’ has been performing for Donbass defenders since 2015. Oleg Berezin of ‘Alligators’ spends his free time 3D printing parts for munitions dropped by drones. Konstantin Panayotov of ‘PANBROTHERS’ has long believed that his hometown Krasnodon would one day be part of Russia again. Currently, his band is based in the Krasnodon Palace of Culture. These musicians stand for their country. They perform and write their songs in English to shed light on the truth behind the events, which are silenced by the Western media.

Avdeevka, a northern suburb of Donetsk, for ten years has been used by Ukrainian forces as a base to shell the peaceful neighbourhoods of the city. Most residents fled, with many forcibly taken away by Ukrainian troops. Yet, over a thousand people refused to leave their homes. Our film showcases exclusive footage and stories from liberated Avdeevka. Among these stories is that of Aleksey, the caretaker of the St. Mary Magdalene Church, who bravely looked after the church despite constant shelling and life-threatening conditions. Like many residents, he lived in the church basement without electricity, water, or heating.

After an explosion rocked the Crimean Bridge, Ilya Kazakov, a Crimean native, joined the Special Military Operation to defend his homeland from Ukrainian nationalists. After spending two months on the frontlines, he stepped on a mine and lost both legs. The explosion also claimed the lives of two of his friends. Ilya’s injuries were severe but he miraculously survived and didn’t lose his optimism and love of life. Now, he has even more plans than he did a year ago. He wants to show people that life doesn’t stop after such challenges, but instead becomes more interesting and vibrant. Ilya started a blog and is writing a book. How does one maintain faith in oneself after trauma, and what helps them find happiness again? Through his own example, Ilya aims to demonstrate that life can still be rich and meaningful despite facing such trials.

Los Angeles is often referred to as America’s homeless capital. More than 80,000 people lack stable housing, with some enduring life on the streets while others transiently move between temporary accommodations or even live out of their vehicles. Corporate landlords drive up rental prices, affecting both tenants and smaller landlords unable to match these rates. Consequently, there’s widespread suffering compounded by California’s ongoing struggle to regulate housing costs. Homelessness affects people from diverse backgrounds, whether it is inherited poverty or individuals who were once wealthy. Humanitarian organisations work hard to assist people with accommodation, yet their efforts fall short amidst the overwhelming need. Is there a solution to this crisis?

For nine years, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have fortified the Avdeevka сoke plant into a stronghold. This became the primary site of the enemy in the Avdeevka sector, from which they have been shelling Donetsk civilians since 2014. Documentary filmmaker Klim Poplavsky offers a rare, real-time glimpse into the takeover of these strategic fortifications. Experience the mission through the eyes of the commander, who, acting as a scout, engineer, and drone operator, successfully led his team. This documentary describes the challenges and split-second decisions that the battalion commander faced, providing a riveting look at the real battlefield.

Members of the 114th Brigade of the Russian Armed Forces compare their commander, known as ‘White’, to an orchestra conductor. Minute by minute, callsign ‘White’ orchestrates and synchronises the efforts of reconnaissance teams, artillery units, drone operators, and shock troops. How did they prepare for one of the most pivotal stages in liberating Avdeevka? What challenges do the brigade’s fighters face in their daily tasks? To uncover these insights, military documentary filmmaker Klim Poplavsky ventured to the frontlines. He captured the intricate planning of the operation to secure the approaches to the stronghold from which the Ukrainian Armed Forces have been indiscriminately shelling Donetsk since 2014. What happens in the critical hours and minutes before the onset of this high-risk mission?

Why do Americans choose to move to Russia? To find the answer, independent journalist Tofurious Maximus Crane meets with three emigrant families to get a glimpse into their new lives. Jay Close was born in New York, grew up in California, and has lived in France, Australia, and even Papua New Guinea. He worked as a chef for the Rolling Stones and later managed several restaurants in Moscow. Now, Jay raises goats and makes cheese in the countryside near Moscow, where he has built his home for over 30 years. Another emigrant is Chad Hower, who was granted political asylum in Russia after being persecuted by the CIA in his home country. Finally, Tofurious meets Jozef and Ann, who recently moved to Russia with their six children. Tune in to our premiere to discover the various reasons why some Americans seek a new beginning in Russia. Have these families found a sense of home far from their native land?

How did television begin? From an early age, Vladimir Zworykin was captivated by electrical devices, and as a student, he pioneered an early version of television. Following the communist revolution in Russia, Zworykin was compelled to leave his homeland, yet he persisted with his research. He became renowned as a leading American inventor and the father of television. Likewise, Vladimir Yourkevitch, another pioneering engineer, faced a similar fate. His innovative approach transformed the design of transatlantic liners. Vladimir was responsible for the launch of the Normandie—the largest liner of its time. Beyond inventors, exceptional artists who reshaped the global film industry also began their careers in the Russian Empire. It’s a little-known fact that Hollywood may never have existed if two boys from the provincial Russian town of Rybinsk hadn’t ventured to New York in 1893. The documentary sheds light on the stories of these trailblazers and their profound impact on a global scale. Watch the new documentary to discover the journeys of these remarkable emigrants who truly found their calling.

In the village of Pridorozhnoe, located 20 kilometers from Donetsk, there is a private zoo. For the past 10 years, its founder, Gennady Kryazhev, has been rescuing wounded animals from all corners of the Donbass region. There are hundreds of animals and birds living here, including bears, tigers, and lions. They require special care after surviving shelling and bombings. Every weekend, Donbass schoolchildren come to Pridorozhnoe. It's currently the only place in the region where kids can see rare animals and briefly escape the realities of war. In addition to the zoo itself, Gennady has constructed an amusement park for children. A trip to the zoo is their only chance to experience simple childhood joys away from the shelling.

On October 18, 2023, the Avdeevka slag heap, a strategically important height near the coke plant, was captured. The site was taken by the ‘Storm’ battalion of the 114th Brigade of the Russian Armed Forces. Despite the enemy's position being more advantageous, Russian forces achieved the operation without any losses. The documentary offers insights into the tactics employed. In an interview with the filmmaker Klim Poplavsky, the battalion commander, callsign 'White' and special correspondent Andrey Filatov describe the events leading up to the capture of the slag heap. Andrey shares exclusive footage directly from the battlefield. The commander, 'White', explains step by step how the task was accomplished and provides a tactical breakdown of the capture of the Avdeevka slag heap. Tune in to find out what, besides tactical skills and incredible resilience, helped the soldiers seize this strategically important objective.