AFP

Video: Russian youth learn ancient craft of painting icons

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 10:32:09 +0000

Sergiev Posad is one of the most beautiful Orthodox monasteries in the Moscow region, and also the site of a special kind of school. Every year, nearly 60 students meticulously learn to paint religious icons, retracing the same brushstrokes of masters from centuries ago. Duration: 01:50.

Video: Computers for all, in Uruguay's schools

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:34:48 +0000

A notebook, number 2 pencils, and the newest essential school supply in Uruguay: a laptop. The South American nation is the first and only country to guarantee every elementary school student attending government schools a portable computer. If the incumbent left-wing president wins the run-off election on November 29, his government says it will expand the program to all students in the public education system.Duration: 01:56

Video: Presidential race too close to call in Romania

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:08:29 +0000

Romania, struggling with a severe recession and reeling from political turmoil, is now set to face yet another challenge -- a presidential election. Both front-runners, including the incumbent Traian Basescu, are neck-and-neck in the polls, meaning a decisive outcome from Sunday's poll looks unlikely.Duration: 01:55

Video: Canine lifeguard's: man's best friend

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:22:13 +0000

Swimmers who get into difficulty off the French coast may have some rather unusual rescue workers coming to their aid. Over a dozen lifeguard teams using Newfoundland terriers are now in place, with dog-handlers training their canine partners to help lead victims safely back to shore.Duration: 01:32

Video: Sun shines on golf's growth in China's Hainan

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:18:34 +0000

Hainan island in the South China Sea is fast becoming one of Asia's finest golfing destinations, with several world-class courses and developers rushing to build dozens more. Once dependent on foreign players, the industry is now being built on the back of a new wave of Chinese golfers.Duration: 02:21

Video: New nude of French first lady Carla Bruni up for auction

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:38:33 +0000

A nude photograph of Carla Bruni-Sarkozy taken by Michel Comte during her modelling days goes under the hammer on Friday at a Paris auction house. A similar nude shot of the wife of the French president went for 91,000 dollars -- three times more than its estimated bidding price -- in a New York sale last year. Still images.Duration: 00:24

Video: FIFA refuse Irish request for replay

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:22:48 +0000

Football's world ruling body FIFA on Friday officially turned down a request from the Irish to stage a replay of their controversial World Cup playoff defeat to France. Henry's handball helped set up a goal which put France through to the World Cup at Ireland's expense -- prompting government-level exchanges. Duration: 1:30

Video: Little-known Belgian PM now the face of Europe

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:12:37 +0000

European leaders have chosen a low-profile pair to lead a revamped EU, prompting widespread criticism that national leaders deliberately undercut the positions in order to preserve their own influence. The pick of Belgium's premier, Herman Van Rompuy, as president and EU Commissioner Catherine Ashton, a Briton with little foreign policy experience, as the top diplomat, came at a summit of the 27 EU heads of state and government. Duration: 02:21

Video: Mixed feelings greet inauguration of Afghan president

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:50:25 +0000

After a controversial election, Afghan President Hamid Karzai was sworn in for a second term on Thursday. But with public confidence at an all time low and the US ramping up pressure to rid the country of its corruption, many Afghans are concerned about the future. Duration: 02:15

Video: Hop on the chocotrain

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:09:04 +0000

An antique electric train, left over from the heyday of American power in Cuba, still snakes its way through Havana. But it's more than just a tourist ride. The nearly century-old Hershey train, named after the chocolate company that built it, takes Cuban commuters to work every day. Duration: 01:17

Video: Beaujolais Nouveau in Japan's hot springs

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:10:17 +0000

A spa outside Tokyo celebrates the arrival of Beaujolais Nouveau wine by pouring red wine into outdoor pools and inviting the adventurous in for an invigorating bath. Duration: 01:56.

Video: Mixed feelings greet inauguration of Afghan President Karza

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:23:26 +0000

Video: Romania's countryside empties of able-bodied workers

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:32:59 +0000

Since Romania joined the European Union in 2007, an estimated 10 percent of its people have left, seeking better fortunes elsewhere in the 27-nation bloc. Some regions have been abandoned by the able-bodied, leaving the elderly and children behind. Duration: 02:04.

Video: Henry 'handball' puts France in World Cup

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:59:35 +0000

Following a controversial win which saw France thrust into the 2010 World Cup finals and Ireland shunted to the sidelines, fans in Paris had little but praise for their team. Duration: 00:54.

Video: Karzai sworn in, vows to fight corruption

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:57:00 +0000

Afghan President Hamid Karzai was sworn in for a second term, vowing to combat corruption, bring security and reach out to his political rivals under Western pressure to restore legitimacy. Duration: 01:22.

Video: Terra cotta warriors arrive in Washington

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:08:46 +0000

A handful of the thousands of terra cotta warriors sculpted to protect the tomb of China’s first Emperor, Qin Shihuangdi, touched down in Washington at the National Geographic Society after a tour of three other US cities. Duration: 01:06.

Video: Rodrigo y Gabriela play guitar magic

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:05:11 +0000

Mexican guitarists Rodrigo y Gabriela used to play heavy metal, but one day chucked the electric sound for nylon-strung guitars, settled in Europe and have never looked back. The duo's acoustic cover versions of Led Zeppelin or Metallica hits, played with Latin bravado, have earned them a worldwide following. Duration: 02:21-

Video: Fans in France celebrate Algeria's win

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:00:26 +0000

Hundreds of football fans took to the streets of Paris and Marseille on Wednesday night after Algeria beat Egypt 1-0, qualifying the team for the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa. Fans were seen waving Algerian flags and cheering in both French cities. Duration : 00:30

Video: Now hiring: EU president

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:13:53 +0000

European leaders are bracing for a night of steely negotiation Thursday as they seek to name people to top new jobs that will become the face of a revamped European Union. AFPTV takes a look at who's in the running. Duration: 01:51

Video: Terra cotta warriors arrive in Washington

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:06:21 +0000

Video: Egypt football fans bitterly disappointment by defeat

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:44:51 +0000

A superb Antar Yahia goal gave Algeria a 1-0 victory over Egypt Wednesday and a place at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. The France-born defender who plays for German club VfL Bochum struck on 40 minutes to settle a play-off necessitated by the bitter North African rivals finishing level on points and goal difference in one of five African groups. In Cairo, football fans expressed their bitter disappointment.Duration: 00:58

Video: US-Canada border tensions over the road

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:41:37 +0000

On Canusa Avenue, houses on one side of the street are in the USA, but on the other side they are in Canada. It’s a spot favored by illegal immigrants, and authorities are taking notice. The US is planning to build a wall on the street, and they've already installed a customs post. Duration: 01:50

Video: Now hiring: EU president

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:24:59 +0000

Video: 'Pop idol', Paris metro-style

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:18:38 +0000

If you think anyone can pick up an accordion and flute and busk in the metro, then think again. The RATP, the organisation behind the Parisian underground, has set up a proper audition system since 1997, giving a green light to a lucky few to perform in its corridors. When one artist auditioned for a new metro musicians' try-out, AFPTV went along for a listen.Duration: 02:18

Video: President Obama "impressed" by the Great Wall

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:50:46 +0000

US President Barack Obama wrapped up his first trip to China on Wednesday by meeting Premier Wen Jiabao, who said the two nations were better off as partners not rivals, and visiting the Great Wall. Duration:00:52

Video: EU-Russia summit tackles thorny gas issue

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:49:08 +0000

EU and Russian leaders met in Stockholm on Wednesday for a summit dominated by energy issues and climate control. Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt hosted Russian President Dmitry Medvedev for the meeting. During the summit, EU officials said Russia agreed that it was ready to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 20 to 25 percent by 2020 from 1990 levels, raising its target from 15 percent just weeks ahead of a UN climate summit.Duration: 01:07

Video: Round the world - the carbon-neutral way

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:53:13 +0000

Jean-Gabriel Chelala is a man on a mission -- to vet all the way around the world without any extraneous carbon emission. That means using only his own body power -- by sea as well as land. He's already cycled across North America and crossed the Atlantic by kayak, and now he's facing the final stretch from Moscow to Paris. Duration: 01:46

Video: Carla Bruni in Qatar to promote French university

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:49:39 +0000

Carla Bruni, wife of French President Nicolas Sarkozy, is visiting Qatar as part of efforts to persuade the emirate to set up branches of major French universities and research bodies. Following her arrival on Tuesday, the singer and former model attended a gala dinner for an education conference patronised by the wife of Qatar's emir, Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser al-Missned. Duration: 00:25

Video: Karzai faces one of the world's toughest jobs

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:47:22 +0000

Afghan President Hamid Karzai faces monumental challenges to improve security, strengthen governance, eradicate corruption and repair ties with the West when he takes office on Thursday at the helm of a nation engulfed in war. Duration: 02:25

Video: Michael Jackson 'Moonwalk' glove set to sparkle at auction

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:04:55 +0000

A rhinestone-studded leather glove worn by pop icon Michael Jackson on his maiden Moonwalk in 1983, was on display Tuesday in New York before it rocks on to the auction block.Duration: 01:31

Video: Preparing the world's first fusion reactor

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:31:57 +0000

An experimental reactor that could harness nuclear fusion has yet to see the light of day, but preparations for the daring multi-billion-dollar project are well under way. The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), backed by the European Union, the United States, China, India, Japan, South Korea and Russia, is expected to be fully operational in 2026. It is no less than an effort to reproduce the energy-yielded processes of the Sun and other stars -- which defenders say would be safe and cause little damage to its home on Earth.Duration: 01:44

Video: Egypt gears up for decisive match against Algeria

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:25:17 +0000

After savouring their fresh victory against Algeria, Egypt fans are looking ahead to the make-or-break World Cup qualification play-off taking place in Sudan on Wednesday.Duration: 00:50

Video: Tokyo overtakes Paris as 'culinary capital'

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:07:54 +0000

Tokyo has overtaken Paris as the city with the most Michelin three-star restaurants, the publisher of the renowned culinary guide announced Tuesday. Duration: 01:36

Video: Crunch time for British parties as election looms

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:04:51 +0000

On Wednesday the Queen presents the British government's law-making plans for the coming year at the formal opening of parliament. Gordon Brown's Labour party wants to tighten the rules that govern the financial system but critics say there's not enough time for any new bills to come into force before the next general election. Duration: 01:54

Video: More Yves Saint Laurent items go under hammer

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:09:46 +0000

More items belonging to the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Berge go under the hammer on Tuesday. The auction, being held in a Paris theatre, runs through Friday.Duration: 01:19

Video: Big cats seek new homes in South Africa

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:16:36 +0000

Wanted: new residences for homeless big cats! Wildlife rescuers at one centre in South Africa are trying to rehome six wild caracals, a species halfway between a lion and a domestic cat. Duration: 01:58

Video: Abu Dhabi exhibition paves way for new Guggenheim

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:12:59 +0000

Over 50 artworks from the collection of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York are being shown off in Abu Dhabi ahead of the opening of the emirate's own Guggenheim museum in 2013. Duration: 01:18

Video: The risky life of wine lovers in Gaza

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:09:42 +0000

The Islamists of Hamas have imposed their socially conservative rule on the Gaza Strip since taking over in June 2007. But not everyone practices in private what is publicly preached. Since no alcohol is for sale in stores, some Gazans now brew their own at home -- at great personal risk. Duration: 01:45

Video: Hong Kong's 'spiders' stick to bamboo scaffolding

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:17:19 +0000

Nicknamed "spiders" for their gravity-defying skills in web-like constructions, Hong Kong's bamboo scaffolders have risen above predictions that their trade would disappear. They remain a common sight high above the streets of the city, scaling the sides of towering, ultra-modern steel and glass buildings on traditional bamboo poles linked through ancient design concepts. Duration: 02:14

Video: A billionaire on a green mission

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:52:04 +0000

American billionaire Donald Tompkins, founder of the clothing brand North Face, has bid corporate America farewell. He moved to Patagonia with his wife, and the couple has dedicated their lives to fighting for the environment. Duration: 02:02

Video: NASA launches space shuttle Atlantis

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:31:17 +0000

Atlantis blasted off Monday carrying vital supplies and spare parts for the International Space Station to extend its life past the 2010 retirement of the aging shuttle fleet. Atlantis launched at 2:28 pm local time from the Kennedy Space Center near Florida's Cape Canaveral carrying six astronauts and some 27,000 pounds (12,300 kilos) of gyroscopes, ammonia tanks and other equipment.Duration: 01:03

Video: Obama arrives in Beijing

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:45:19 +0000

US President Barack Obama arrived in Beijing on Monday from Shanghai, for the second leg of his maiden state visit to China. Obama was due to attend a welcome dinner hosted by Chinese President Hu Jintao. The pair will hold formal bilateral talks on Tuesday.Duration: 00:32

Video: "The Governator" visits Baghdad

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:30:22 +0000

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenneger, the charismatic former movie star known for his muscular, tough-talking roles, made a flying visit Monday to Baghdad. Duration: 01:29

Video: Afghanistan launches unit to tackle corruption

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:16:08 +0000

The Afghan government said on Monday it had formed a major crime unit to tackle corruption, following escalating Western pressure on President Hamid Karzai to wipe out corruption. Duration: 00:52

Video: Obama hold town hall meeting in Shanghai

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:28:57 +0000

President Barack Obama held a town hall meeting with Chinese students in Shanghai, which was streamed live on the Internet on Monday. Duration: 00:53

Video: Benin locals learning to live with wildlife

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:26:31 +0000

Pendjari National Park is Benin's green lung, a biosphere reserve set aside along the border with Burkina Faso to protect west Africa's flora and fauna. Though the park draws wildlife lovers from around the world, generating tourism revenue, it has not been easy for locals, who have had to adapt their way of living. Duration: 01:54

Video: More women in France living on breadline

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:21:54 +0000

The poverty gap between men and women has continued to widen in recent years, according to the United Nations, with women being increasingly disadvantaged. Although the trend has been largely visible in the developing world, developed countries are not immune. AFPTV went to meet one Frenchwoman trying to survive on society's margins. Duration: 01:38

Video: Albania moves to heal scarred coastline

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:34:03 +0000

In Albania, illegal construction disfigures the coastline and property disputes often spill over into violence. Now the Albanian authorities say they are determined to clamp down on corruption. Duration: 02:03

Video: Czech 'Velvet Revolution': 20 years on

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:28:11 +0000

With the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall earlier this month, all eyes have been turned on Germany. But in Czechoslovakia too, the non-violent "Velvet Revolution" of 1989 was another major turning point in history, bringing down the Communist regime in a matter of months. Duration: 01:55

Video: Africa's Green Revolution

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:24:22 +0000

A UN summit on the plight of the planet's one billion hungry opens in Rome on Monday. In sub-Saharan Africa, the Green Revolution, which transformed Asia's and Latin America's agriculture in the 70s, never came. Today it is the only region in the world where per capita food production has steadily declined over the last 35 years. But agro-science experts are now working on reversing the situation. Duration: 01:39