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Biographical documentaries

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From world leaders including Volodymyr Zelensky to icons of pop culture like Elizabeth Taylor or billionaires such as Elon Musk, BBC Select brings you the life stories of the influential people that shaped the past and present. Stream a range of compelling biographical documentaries from the BBC and beyond with BBC Select.

Surviving the Holocaust

In a disarmingly frank interview, Holocaust survivor Freddie Knoller (now in his 90s) tells his personal story of being a young Jewish man during World War II.

Speaking directly to camera and accompanied by extensive archive footage, he relives his past and draws on intense memories to navigate the extraordinary adventure of his early life which resulted in imprisonment in Auschwitz.

Rembrandt

He was the most successful artist working in the richest city on Earth – glittering 17th-century Amsterdam. Like a modern-day rock star, he loved to live extravagantly. But money woes, tragedy and rumor soon left Rembrandt’s reputation in tatters. But these controversies spurred the artist on to create some of his most celebrated works.

Simon Schama delves into Rembrandt’s final, scandal-strewn years in this art history documentary.

Elizabeth I and II: The Golden Queens

Watch Elizabeth I & II: Golden Queens on BBC Select

This fascinating royal history documentary explores the parallels between Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Elizabeth II. Both became monarch at 25 but what unites and what divides them? Historians analyse the moments that define their reigns. Despite the centuries between them, could they share any surprising characteristics?

The Queen Mother

Watch The Queen Mother on BBC Select

Wife, monarch and much-loved public figure: Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, was one of the most respected members of the British Royal family. But did her friendly image disguise something darker?

This moving royal family documentary reveals the dramatic inside story of her life. The moments of pain and upheaval that defined her legacy.

How did this woman, who didn’t aspire to be Queen, fulfill her destiny?

Zelensky: The Making of a President

Watch Zelensky: The Making of a President on BBC Select

In just over three years, Volodymyr Zelensky has  gone from Ukraine’s best-known comedian to one of the world’s most recognizable leaders. He’s rallied his country in its fight for survival against Russia and has gained global respect and admiration.

This in-depth documentary tells the fascinating story of the Ukrainian president’s transformation. The BBC’s former Ukraine correspondent Jonah Fisher who followed Zelensky closely during his rise to power, explores one of the world’s most incredible political journeys.