Rising Gulf
While the focus of most of the worlds media is on conflict areas in the Middle East, a silent revolution is taking place in the Gulf States. A rapid modernization process is taking place in this part of the Arab world, one that we have never seen before
Imagine an island called 'Happiness'. This is not a fantasy, it truly exists and will soon arise on the coast of Abu Dhabi, one of the largest Emirates in the Persian Gulf. A silent revolution is taking place in the Gulf where petro dollars are floating and Bedouin tents have long been replaced by a world of luxury and indulgence. While most of the worlds media focus on the Middle East as a region of conflict, a rapid modernization process is taking place in this part of the world, one that we have never seen before.
Due to high oil prices, Dubai and its neighboring Abu Dhabi are enjoying a transformational moment that could deeply affect the region, if not the entire world. Backlight takes you on a flight to the island of Happiness and shows you the impact of this dynamic process on a society that will become the model for a new Arab world.
Caracas the informal city
In this documentary Rob Schröder portraits the created self-built constructions of six million inhabitants who live in the informal conditions of the barrios in Caracas.
Democracy's Dilemma
With this documentary, Backlight holds up a mirror to its viewers. Are EU citizens willing to accept the combination of Islam and democracy? Or are Muslims by definition seen as wolves in sheep’s clothing? In collaboration with Fareed Zakaria, Backlight analyzes the current situation in Turkey.