Sound & Vision

This investigative documentary covers 30 years in the socio-political history of Russia through the personal history of Vladimir Putin: a man who has single-mindedly played all the rules of the game to reach the pinnacle of power. Russia’s re-emergence on the world stage in recent years is reminiscent of the glory days of the Soviet Union. WIN tickets to see The Putin System

In Debt We Trust exposes the rising crisis of debt in North America, its victims, ordinary people and its beneficiaries, the banking system. The film focuses on how credit card companies, lobbyists, corporate media and the US government have all colluded to encourage a debt ridden society many of whom are now 21st Century serfs. CLICK HERE TO BUY THE FULL VERSION

Filmed over 4 years, THE UNWINKING GAZE is a unique portrait of the Dalai Lama, as he attempts to strike a balance between his religion and the realpolitik needed to engage China in order to resolve the future of Tibet.

Photojournalist David Gillanders travels back to Odessa to continue documenting the lives of street children. CLICK HERE TO BUY THE FULL VERSION

The Angry Skies is a compelling documentary which follows Blake Kerr – a New York-based doctor, author and human rights activist – as he travels to Cambodia to uncover the truths behind the rise of the Khmer Rouge in the 1970s and its legacy that remains today. CLICK HERE TO BUY THE FULL VERSION

In August 2000 the Kursk, a supposedly unsinkable, state of the art Russian nuclear submarine, sank with its 118 crewmen. The official explanation, that an accidental explosion of an old fashioned torpedo, was readily accepted by the international press; the real causes of the tragedy have never been confirmed. Until now. CLICK HERE TO BUY THE FULL VERSION

What inspires men to pay women for sex? Availability: World excl Australia. CLICK HERE TO BUY THE FULL VERSION

The forgotten women risking their lives in a controversial war. CLICK HERE TO BUY THE FULL VERSION

Iraq: Was the press selling or telling? Availability: Worldwide. CLICK HERE TO BUY THE FULL VERSION

Scottish nudists - why do they do it? Availability: Worldwide CLICK HERE TO BUY THE FULL VERSION

Recycling to live. Availability: Worldwide CLICK HERE TO BUY THE FULL VERSION

Nuclear fusion - will it produce a limitless source of clean, green energy? Green.tv visits the Culham Science Centre, home of UK fusion research, to find out if fusion is the future.

If solar panels are the solution to global warming, why are they not everywhere already? Gwenan Edwards talks to Toby Ferenczi about his research into solar energy at Imperial.

Thanks to their size, strength and intelligence, gorillas face almost no mortal threats from other animals except human beings. Sadly, that's what they're up against in the Congo Basin. Join Conservation International President, Russ Mittermeier, on a journey to discover gorillas in the wild, and meet the communities that are working together to protect these amazing primates.

Presented by BTCV Vice President, Sir David Attenborough, we find out how volunteering with BTCV transforms both people and places and how small environmental changes can make a big difference...

If it's raining where you are, the oceans played a role. If you drove to work today, the seas are absorbing the carbon dioxide from your car. No matter where you live on Earth, what you do affects the oceans - and what happens to the oceans affects you.

Vitya aims to do three things- explore the environmental theme of recycling, give an insight into the social landscape of rural India, and draw an engaging portrait of a man who lives a full yet uncomplicated life. He comes across as a likeable character. Both confident and humble, generous and honest. By giving an insight into Vitya's life the film also helps to communicate to audiences the atmosphere within a rural Indian village, low-income entrepreneurship within the rural economy, small-scale industry within Indian towns, and the intimate nature and traditional values of the Indian family.

Two men called Martin and Alf have been living over the past few years from the excessive waste generated by people and supermarkets. In a way they have chosen to go against the societal norm of having steady, paid jobs and yet survive well by not participating in the process of earning money and adding to the burden of existing over-consumption in western society which creates far more throwaway waste than we can handle. As they put it 'being content to live off less'. Taking this stand of living leaves them more time to interact with members of the public and communal service.

Green.tv visits Cavendish Square in London to see the latest trends in ethical and fairtrade fashion for the upcoming season. From handbags, clothes and shoes to ethical jewellery, eco-fashion is really hitting the mainstream.

In Bukit Lawang, devastating flooding attributed to illegal logging in the surrounding Gunung Leuser National Park caused over 239 deaths in 2003. Since the floods, this village community has been involved in voluntary forest governance enforcement schemes in an attempt to curb illegal logging in the National Park, and has embraced the important role of ecotourism in the preservation of their surrounding forests.

Stunning timelapse film of the construction of 3 wind turbines at Bristol Port. The turbines will produce over 15 million units of new green electricity annually, enough to save around 13,000 tonnes of carbon emissions every year for the next 30 years.

The United Nations Environment Programme has awarded this year's Sasakawa Prize on the theme of Climate Change to an individual, Jeunesse Park, CEO of Food & Trees for Africa.

About 30,000 travellers visit Antarctica every year, but should we be there at all? Destination Antarctica looks at the wildlife and landscape of one of the Earth's most fragile environments.

In the past few decades, Sumatra's lowland forests have shrunk dramatically, from 16 million hectares in 1900 to just 500,000-600,000 hectares today; and if we don't act now, the Harapan Rainforest and its amazing wildlife will be gone in five years. This film details the dangers facing the Sumatran rainforest. To learn more, visit www.rspb.org.uk/sumatra

Local people have developed a sustainable community-based forestry co-operative. The land was purchased by the community and is farmed for teak. The co-operative is the first in Indonesia to achieve Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification for sustainability. This has helped to regulate timber production and secure fair prices. However, this forestry program is under continued threat by Indonesia's endemic corruption.

Sam Suds, PI. (Poisons Investigator) protects the Johnson household from dangerous toxins. Word around the bathroom was he was washed up: until she floated in...

This gem in Spain's north-west is off the map for many UK visitors - but it's at the heart of one of Spain's most fascinating provinces. Simon Calder works his way through the layers of the city's ancient heritage, then heads to Astorga - a town with 2,000 years of history of its own (as well as a tasty chocolate museum)

Northern Spain boasts some of Europe's most beautiful railway lines - and one of the greatest luxury trains. The toss of a coin decides whether Ben Ross or Simon Calder will indulge aboard El Cantabrico, while the other takes the budget option. But whatever the outcome, both will get to enjoy the rich heritage, countryside and shorelines of "Green Spain".

From Edwardian seaside destination and health resort to cool bohemia, Brighton has always been more than a city by the sea. As Simon Calder discovered when he went to look for some of its hidden gems sent in by users of the Enjoy England website.

The Independent Traveller spends two eventful days in dazzling Singapore, an extremely diverse and welcoming city with a fascinating history.

Fez is a stunning medieval city, a mere three hours from London by plane. Simon Calder haggles for some beautiful Fez pottery, gets a crash course in Moroccan cuisine and sheds all for a trip to a hammam.

Simon Calder looks at the aviation industry's grand designs for dramatically improving the flying experience for passengers.

On a scenic journey through the stunning Lake District, Simon Calder enjoys the area's sights, history and culture, from Roman times to the 21st century.

A trip around one of Simon Calder's favourite cities. From the Guggenheim to traditonal cod shops, Bilbao is a place with strong sense of the past and the future.

That sums up Zaragoza, the surprising capital of the beautiful region of Aragon. But this year the secret is out, because this northern Spanish gem is host to Expo 2008. Join Simon Calder as he compresses 48 Hours in Zaragoza into just 15 minutes - distilling the best from a rich past, a spectacular present and an exciting future.

Join Simon Calder in the Bay of Biscay, as he travels from the Spanish city of Bilbao to the UK port of Portsmouth on board P&O Ferries' 38,000 ton ship, 'The Pride of Bilbao'. En route, Simon catches up with his fellow passengers to discover just where they've been and what they've seen on their travels round Spain.

In the heart of the Alps, Innsbruck is a skiers' paradise in winter and a great location for hiking and biking in summer. Simon Calder discovers the ‘Golden Roof', used by the Roman emperor Maximilian I to watch events in the town square and takes a tram into the mountains to survey the stunning surroundings.

Considered by locals as 'the real Mexico', Huatulco is an ecological paradise on the Pacific coast. Simon Calder samples the fresh papaya and refried beans of local cuisine, attends a ‘boarding’-school for aspiring surfers, and explores the area's magnificent bays and traditional chapels.

Jamaica has something for everyone; Independent traveller Simon Calder takes a terrifying wire-harness tour of the forest, tastes local cuisine at Faith's Pen, and visits 56 Hope Road, better known as Bob Marley's former abode.

From the rock formations of Bouley bay to the capital, St Helier, Simon Calder's walking tour takes in some of Jersey's most pleasant spots as well as the many remnants of the island's occupied past.

Simon Calder checks out Santa's ice sculptures, secret grotto and post office. He also finds time to see the city's Arktikum Museum (‘Museum of the Arctic'), and wilderness of Kittilä, perfect for snowmobiles, huskies and reindeer-led sleigh-rides.

Madeira's striking capital, Funchal, is a whitewashed town built on dark volcanic rock, while the municipal market is an Art Deco masterpiece. Simon Calder enjoys all the beauty as well as the energetic nightlife and the fishing village Câmara de Lobos, meeting the self-proclaimed ‘Cocktail King' of the island along the way.

Go back in time with Simon Calder as he hops on Malta's 1960s buses in the island's capital Valletta, the first planned city in Europe.

Simon lets himself get lost in the winding streets of Morroco's Marrakech, exploring the traditional market places, and marvelling at the architectural wonder of the Koutoubia Mosque tower, before winding down in Yves Saint Laurent's Jardin Marjorelles.

Beginning in the Promenade des Anglais, Simon Calder explores the Matisse Museum and admires the beautiful views of the hills of Provence. He also samples the region's cuisine, trying traditional corn pancakes and dining at the luxurious Aphrodite restaurant, before tasting some locally produced wine.

Simon Calder finds the occupants of this dynamic city welcoming and friendly and the architecture staggering. Travelling to Delft, he visits the 'old church' where Johannes Vermeer, is buried, before journeying to the Hague to see some of the painter's most famous works in the Dutch Royal art collection.

Sharm El-Sheikh's reputation for luxury is borne out by Simon Calder's experience of the Four Seasons resort. After a dazzling snorkelling trip, Simon heads into the desert on a quad-bike, and takes tea at a Bedouin campsite. Crossing the Gulf of Suez, he visits Hurghada, a bustling tourist city with a more authentically Egyptian identity.

Beginning in the Buddhist 'Temple of the Tooth', Simon Calder experiences Singapore's diverse population. He visits the multi-ethnic Chinatown, before exploring the village of Kampong Glam, getting a fresh view of the city by riverboat, and filling up on worldwide cuisine at Glutton's Bay.

There are many sides of this tourist hotspot for Simon Calder to discover, from the seventeenth-century building containing Tenerife's history museum, to the Augustan monastery in the quiet town of La Laguna. After walking on the summit of central mountain Teide, Simon visits the manmade beach of Las Teresitas, and the cultural capital, Santa Cruz.

Simon Calder speaks to the founders of the Lonely Planet, Tony and Maureen Wheeler. In a wide-ranging interview they discuss the history of their now ubiquitous travel guides, the controversial Lonely Planet guidebook to Burma, and their thoughts on the future of the travel industry in the face of concerns about its impact on the environment.

In this interesting one-off podcast, Simon Calder finds out how the Youth Hostel Association is adapting to a changing travel industry, whilst continuing to offer cheap and cheerful accommodation to its 250,000 members and other budget travellers around the world.

From the ‘Hotel Periscope’ and the Acropolis, to sandal-buying and wine-shopping, Simon Calder explores the ancient and the modern sides of the spectacular Greek capital. Join our intrepid explorer as he learns to snoop out the hidden delights of the Athens retail experience, marvels at the late-night eating, samples traditional cuisine, and tries to keep up with the nocturnal partying habits of young Athenians.

"Prepare to recalibrate your sense of wonder" that's Simon Calder's advice for when first you experience the New World Wonder that is Machu Picchu. But on a journey of discovery through Peru, from the steamy, soupy Amazon to the austere beauty of the High Andes, Simon shows there is far more to Peru. Meet the locals along the world’s mightiest river; marvel at the mysteries of the Nazca Lines; and take the pulse of Lima, one of the most exciting capitals in the Americas. download here

Something to Declare is the UK's only travel magazine radio programme, presented by Ben Ross and Frances Tuke. The aim is to translate to radio The Independent's long-held values of inspiring, informing and entertaining travellers - with production standards to match the best of the BBC. The programme mixes expert advice from studio guests with reports from travellers and the travel trade across the world.

Ben Ross of The Independent's travel desk presents our new travel magazine programme.

Simon Calder experiences the stunning modern design and Roman roots of the Catalan capital, Barcelona, taking in the art, architecture, food and fashion of a truly 21st century city.

Superstar dj and music producer Mark Ronson and globe trotting Independent Traveller Simon Calder discuss the positive effects technology and the internet have had on their work.

Surgeon Tim Lloyd and sushi chef Kazutoshi Endo discuss their work, from the art and science of facial deformity surgery to crafting the perfect sushi meal.

Bruce Goldsmith, paraglider, and surfer Sam Bleakley explain the joys of their adventurous pursuits.

Michael Rodber, industrial designer on the Eurostar, explains the train's iconic design. Matthew Bedward, architect, discusses his work on the spectacular Farnborough Airport.

Record label owner and renowned Radio 1 dj Giles Peterson discusses how technology and the internet have revolutionised his work and listening habits. While property developer, website owner and tv presenter, Sarah Beeney, enthuses on the impact of the internet on her projects.

Virgin Galactic's astronauts and engineers explain their pioneering project to offer suborbital and eventually orbital space travel to members of the general public

The perfect preparation for an underloved cut - Click here to see Mark Hix's recipe

A simple and delicious canape - See the recipe here

A simple step-by-step guide - The recipe is here

Rob Greenhalgh talks Stuart Alexander through the Round the Island course

Stuart Alexander talks to Brian Thompson mid-Atlantic as he looks to qualify for the Vendee Globe

Stuart Alexander talks to British America’s Cup team boss Sir Keith Mills

Stuart Alexander talks to Brian Thompson on board his Open 60, Pindar

Stuart Alexander talks to an exhausted but relieved Dee Caffari

Stuart Alexander talks by video link to Dee Cafarri mid-Atlantic in Aviva

British skipper Mike Sanderson slams America’s Cup “shambles”

Stuart Alexander talks to Olympic bronze medallist John Cutler about life as a TP52 tactician

As the French mass in Plymouth for a transatlantic race, Stuart Alexander assesses the trials and tribulations facing the English team

Spring/Summer 2008 women's catwalk show

Autumn/Winter 2008 menswear show

Autumn/Winter 2008 catwalk show