Global Affairs Documentaries

Global affairs genre page header
BBC Select has a range of compelling documentaries focusing on the latest global issues and social issues that matter to us all. Stream shows from BBC News and leading documentary filmmakers and get the inside story on politics, influential world leaders, regional conflicts and more.

October 7th: One Year On

October 7th: One Year On

When Hamas attacked Israel on October 7th 2023, it led to a war now threatening to engulf the entire region. For the past year, BBC reporter Jane Corbin has followed four families, two in Israel and two in Gaza. Tens of thousands of Gazans are reported to have been killed. Many Israeli hostages have died in captivity; more are still being held by Hamas. A peace deal looks as far away as ever.

David Baddiel: Jews Don't Count

David Baddiel: Jews Don't Count

Is there a hierarchy of prejudice placing Jews firmly at the bottom? Comedian David Baddiel outlines why he feels anti-Jewish sentiment seems less concerning to those who oppose all other forms of discrimination. David Schwimmer, Sarah Silverman, Stephen Fry and Miriam Margolyes join David to explore why there appears to be silence from those who often shout loudest about bigotry.

The Thirties in Color

The Thirties in Color

The 1930s were a decade which erupted into color as photographic technology came of age and new, innovative processes brought color photography to the market. Rare, private, and commercial film and photographic archives give poignant and surprising insights into the era and reflects the culture, travel habits and spirit of adventure associated with this transformative time.

The Apartheid Killer

The Apartheid Killer

South Africa in the 1980s. A serial killer is on the loose, hunting his victims after dark. In three years, he kills at least 39 people. Every single victim is black. In a powerful new documentary, ‘The Apartheid Killer’ explores the legacy of these atrocities, giving voice to the relatives of victims and delving deep into the mind of the murderer, in search of his secrets.

The Missing Cryptoqueen

Ruja Ignatova is the flamboyant founder of fake cryptocurrency OneCoin. Dubbed the ‘Missing Cryptoqueen’, she’s on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list after defrauding investors of $4.5 billion and then vanishing. This true crime documentary investigates her close ties to a suspected Bulgarian organized crime boss and allegations that she was brutally murdered. But is there much more to the story?