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Under the Sun

1989 - 2000

Olongapo Rose

Episode 1

Olongapo City in the Philippines is bounded on one end by the US naval base on Subic Bay, and on the other by a line of massage parlours, bars, discos, pool-halls, and short-time hotels where 15,000 young and pretty Filipinas cater to the base's 'rest and recreation' needs. Rose is one of the bar-girls who dreams of marrying an American sailor. The dream comes true for over 1,000 Filipinas every year, but for many the way they earn their living has disastrous consequences. 1/10.

Four Days in Summer

Episode 2

The Palio di Siena is the most dangerous horse race in the world. It is the culmination of the Sienese year, where ancient rivalries between districts come to a head. This film goes behind the scenes to show the lives of two enemy districts as they try to make their dream come true.

Spirits of Defiance

Episode 3

Once feared by explorers as fierce cannibals, the Mangbetu tribe inhabit the edge of the Zaire rainforest in the heart of Africa. Although they don't eat people any more, they still cling to their traditions of hallucinogenic rituals and retain a deep faith in magic and sorcery, despite the efforts of missionaries to change them.

Masks of Arcadia

Episode 4

In the rice village of Kurokawa, the contradictions of rural life in Japan are particularly evident. Tradition appears strong, but this close-knit community is living through a time of enormous change. Today, Gonjiro, the grandson of a prosperous farmer and master of the Noh theatre, keeps his house and land by dividing his time between farming, construction work and the Tokyo railway. His predicament is to find a balance between the practical and the ideal.

Dust and Ashes

Episode 5

The pilgrimage to Kumbh Mela is the largest gathering of people in the world. Every 12 years, millions come to the holiest place in India - where two great rivers meet. Discover how and why it happens through the eyes of three people: one of Hinduism's five pontiffs, a rupee billionaire pilgrim, and the man who organises this mega-event.

Voice of the Whip

Episode 6

For centuries, semi-nomadic Arabs have brought camels along the '40-day road' from central Sudan to the camel markets of Egypt. Follow one group as they make the arduous 800-mile trip across great stretches of desert, evading thieves and battling sandstorms to reach the Nile.

The Shaman and His Apprentice

Episode 7

In a world where there are no hospitals or doctors, the medicine man or shaman cures the sick using purely supernatural powers. Jose is a master shaman of the Yaminahua tribe in the Peruvian Amazon. His young apprentice Curaka only came into contact with the outside world five years ago, when his group of Yaminahua were decimated by a flu epidemic. Does Curaka have the strength and determination to learn how to cure?

Celso and Cora

Episode 8

An intimate and moving portrait of a young Filipino couple trying to survive in the slums of Manila. Celso and Cora are sharply aware of the injustices they have to suffer, but there is no self pity as they describe the problems they face bringing up two young children on what little they make selling cigarettes outside hotels and discos. They provide a glimpse of a side of Manila tourists rarely see, navigating extreme poverty with dignity and humour. (TV edit of feature film)

One Generation More

3rd August 1989

Episode 9

Estonia is in the forefront of Soviet nationalist movements awakened by glasnost. As Estonian Jews celebrate their new freedom, they remain fearful and contemplate emigration. The film focuses on a four-generation family as they go about their daily lives and try to act as if the new freedoms in the Soviet Union are here to stay.

Adios General

10th August 1989

Episode 10

General Pinochet's violent military coup ended a long tradition of democracy in Chile. For the Santiago shanty town of La Victoria this has meant years of brutal repression, husbands slaughtered, and women taking the lead in organising the community. This is the story of one such brave woman, her fears for the future and her struggle to survive and bring up her son.

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BBC series exploring cultures around the world.

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David Pearson

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