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Faranak Amidi presents global stories from the Fifth Floor, home to the BBC’s 40 Language Services.

Faranak Amidi presents global stories from the Fifth Floor, home to the BBC’s 40 Language Services

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The Fifth Floor: Myanmar: the Long Road to Peace

Documentaries

A rebel soldier coming out of the forest in Myanmar.

08/07/2016 GMT

Myanmar: the Long Road to Peace

BBC World Service - The Fifth Floor, Myanmar: the Long Road to Peace

Why are so many of Myanmar's ethnic groups in conflict with the government?

Myanmar's ethnic conflicts, Russian rock and the military, trying to get to Gilgit Baltistan, remembering Abbas Kiarostami, and second hand fashion in Nairobi - and Fifi.

Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi has said peace is one of her government's main priorities.  The country has 135 official tribes - some of them in direct conflict with the government, and most of them demanding equality and self-determination. Ko Ko Aung of BBC Burmese has been investigating this complex issue for many years, including a trip to the Thai border in search of a legendary rebel leader.  He shares his insights.

The militarisation of Russian rock festivals 
As thousands of rock fans head for the annual open-air Nashestvie festival in Russia this weekend, the Fifth Floor's resident expert on Russian rock takes us back through changes in the festival style in recent years.  For example, the presence of howitzers, armoured vehicles, and lots of men in uniform...  Alexander Kan explains why military patriotism is now an essential part of Nashestvie, and what bands and fans make of this development.   

Gilgit Baltistan disappointment
Pakistan's region of Gilgit Baltistan is often referred to as the "other" north.  It's beautiful, rich with heritage, and has a unique culture.  Education levels are high, women are involved in business and public life, and many practice the Ismaili religion.  So BBC Urdu's Iram Abbassi leapt at the chance to visit.  But things didn't quite work out as hoped.

Remembering Abbas Kiarostami
Iranian cinema has been saying goodbye to one of its most influential film makers, Abbas Kiarostami. He wrote and directed many influential films, including Taste of Cherry for which he won the top prize at Cannes, the Palme d'Or.  Maghsood Salehi of BBC Persian is a fan, and shares his insights into the director's influence. 

How to shop Nairobi style 
Sharpen your elbows and get your handbags ready! BBC Africa's Frenny Jowi takes us on a tour of Nairobi's second hand clothes markets to show us how to get the best deals on designer fashion.

And Fifi Haroon's pick of the world wide web.

(Main Image:  A rebel soldier coming out of forest in Myanmar.  Image credit: Ye Aung Thu / AFP / Getty Images)

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