Best of E.O.F.T. No. 2
Welcome to the largest human gathering ever in this one-hour special, World’s Biggest Festival: Kumbh Mela. Imagine a crowd so massive, it is visible from space. A crowd, likely 100 million strong, intent on just one thing: bathing in a sacred river to wash away sins and gain a chance at a new beginning. In the World’s Biggest Festival: Kumbh Mela, experience the dazzling spectacle of spiritual fervour and collective diversity as Hindus from across the globe converge on the Maha Kumbh Mela. Not only is it the world’s largest religious festival, but it is also believed to be the largest gathering of humans in one place, at one time on Earth.
February 2013, Allahabad, India. Over the next 55 days, nearly a hundred million people will come here, to the Great Kumbh Mela. This incredible and awe-inspiring celebration of the world's oldest religion happens every 12 years at the place where Hindus believe two sacred rivers meet. For many Hindus this is their most important pilgrimage, and it happens at one of the most holy sites in India. Hindus come to cleanse themselves in the sacred waters of the river Ganges, to pray and emerge purified and renewed. This follows British pilgrims as they embark on a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual journey. A journey that will take them into the heart of Hinduism - its philosophy, its beliefs and its traditions. A journey that will culminate in the largest ever gathering of humans in one place.
Hindu legend tells of white warrior monkeys fighting to rescue the god Hanuman from evil demons. Centuries later in Jodhpur, India, the Hanuman langurs are fighting still. Comprised of 20 or more females and their young, and governed by a ‘Warlord, ‘ 29 langur ‘gangs’ have carved up the city between them. Warlords reign for three or four years before they’re overthrown. When a new Warlord comes to power he will purge the gang of young males, creating a society of ‘Lost Boys’ whose only chance is to violently displace another Warlord. Natural selection is harsh indeed, but what better way to build a culture of warriors?
Sue Perkins immerses herself in the complex life of Kolkata and sees how it is reinventing itself as a megacity with a reputation for eccentricity, culture and tolerance.
60 years ago, almost nothing was known of elephants in the wild. But then one young Scottish biologist changed that forever. In 1965 Iain Douglas-Hamilton arrived in Tanzania to live alongside African elephants. Later joined by his wife Oria and daughters Saba and Dudu, elephants became central to their lives with matriarch Boadicea and gentle young mother Virgo cherished like human relatives. But this garden Eden was short-lived as an ivory poaching epidemic swept across Africa forcing Iain to switch from pioneering scientist to maverick conservationist. He became a lone crusader against the international Ivory trade which was finally banned in 1989. Now back in the field and revealing even more about the fascinating world of elephants, Iain’s work continues alongside a new generation of Kenyan conservationists. This inspiring documentary combines stunning wildlife imagery with the story of a remarkable life showing how sometimes you have to stand alone to protect what you love.
Indian freedom fighter Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on 30 January 1948. Why was he killed and what events occurred before and after his murder? This documentary shows how India was dogged by nationalism and religious conflict on its path to independence - and how these factors mark the country to this day.
As the months pass through her, Mai gives us a glimpse into old age that explores between being abandoned and being belonged, passing the time and living the time.
Today India and Pakistan are home to one fifth of the world's population. They are rising powers but hostile neighbours. Their enmity can be traced back to the week of their birth, 70 years ago. On 15 August 1947, Britain would give up the Indian Empire, partitioning it in into two independent countries, India and Pakistan. This film tells the story of the seven days that led up to their independence and the last days of the British Raj.
Documentary following the Queen and members of the British Royal Family.
Glow Worm in a Jungle is about Hema Sane, a retired botany professor, who has never used electricity in her life. Living surrounded by nature, amidst a concrete jungle, she shares her philosophy of life with doses of humor and wisdom.
Charting the rise of Prince Edward to become one of the most important members of the royal family. Explores key moments including his university days, stint in the marines, and ill-fated foray into TV production.
A portrait of the most unassuming of royal couples.
This documentary tells the story of the man who overcame his own failings for the sake of his nation. When his older brother, Edward VIII, abdicated the throne to marry Wallis Simpson, nervous-mannered successor George "Bertie" VI was plagued with shyness and a speech impediment when speaking to his subjects. An introvert as well as a humble man, events and circumstances resulted in him becoming an inspiration for the British nation during its war with Germany.
Jennifer, after claiming the position of the best journalist in india sat down for a interview. During this interview she is confronted with reasons to what she owes her success which lead to giving birth to such a powerful journalist.
A documentary story told through images, poetry and the Dhrupad, a vocal genre in Hindustani classical music, said to be the oldest still in use in that musical tradition.
A brief but colorful travelogue of India's biggest cities following the partition of the country in 1947 at the end of the British Raj.
As a mother, Diana's energies were devoted to her boys, the most important part of her life, and she laid the foundations for them to grow into strong, resilient and kind young princes, instilling into them qualities that would help to shape a truly modern monarchy. In her actions, and in her words, Diana changed the workings of the British monarchy forever. Join us as we look back at her lasting legacy and her impact on those she loved the most.
Diana's butler and confidant, Paul Burrell, provides us with his insight into the real Diana, in her lonely hours behind palace doors. Dedicated to serving Diana, both in life and in death, Paul shares his very personal story.
In 1980, an innocent nursery school teacher would go from anonymity to worldwide super stardom practically overnight. In this documentary we take a look at the story of the country girl before Buckingham Palace, meet her friends, the people who knew her and visit the school where she spent her childhood.