Equal rights for gays, religious divides, ancient customs in conflict with modern culture and law, hidden drug abuse and economic migrants.
This special series tackles all these issues through the eyes of the newly (and would-be) wed around the globe.
MOHAMMAD AND THE MATCHMAKER
 |
BBC TWO: 2200 BST (UK) WEDNESDAY, 16 JUNE, 2004
|
Iranian Mohammad is 47, single and looking for love in Iran.
He is also a former heroin addict and HIV positive.
In a country with the highest proportion of drug-users anywhere in the world but one where discussion of drugs and Aids is also taboo, Mohammad's search for happiness looks doomed, until his doctor sets out to find him a HIV positive bride.
Producer/Director: Maziar Bahari
DJ RAY'S BIG DAY
|
BBC TWO: 2200 BST (UK) WEDNESDAY, 19 MAY, 2004
|
New York DJ Ray and Russian beautician Natalia found love on the internet, via one of the many websites offering introductions to thousands of foreign wannabe brides.
After corresponding and spending just one week together in Europe, the film follows them as they plan their wedding day and married life in the US.
But they are just one of countless couples tying the knot after meeting on largely unregulated websites as Congress is set to debate a Bill to try and control the market in so-called mail-order or "cyber brides".
Producer/Director: Lara Agnew
LOVE CONVERTS
|
BBC TWO: 2200 BST (UK) WEDNESDAY, 26 MAY, 2004
|
Desperately in love, Ujjala and Asad have been meeting in secret for nine years. But they are determined to marry, despite the fact she is Hindu and he Muslim.
Both their families are entirely opposed to their relationship; Ujjala has been virtually imprisoned in her home, made to marry another Hindu man and ostracised by friends.
As the couple prepare to finally wed, the film explores the impact of this taboo coupling and shows how the families are slowly pulled apart as romantic love battles with hundreds of years of suspicion and prejudice that still underpin 21st Century India.
Producer/Director: Ashok Prasad
GYPSY CHILD BRIDES
|
BBC TWO: 2200 BST (UK) WEDNESDAY, 2 JUNE, 2004
|
Fourteen-year-old Regina has just married according to traditional Romany custom; she was sold by her Romanian father for $3,000.
The film follows the ancient customs of Romania's gypsy clans, which are coming under increasing fire from the European Union as amounting to little more than child abuse.
But having endured years of persecution since arriving from India 1,000 years ago, the gypsies will not give up their traditions lightly, as the latest round of criticism seems no different to the prejudice they have experienced before.
Producer/Cameraman: Liviu Tipurita
Director: Callum Macrae
GAY ON THE CAPE
|
BBC TWO: 2200 BST (UK) WEDNESDAY, 9 JUNE, 2004
|
Mark and Cengey, a gay couple from Cape Town, have escaped from the "coloured" ghettoes where they were born. They have overcome poverty, violence and the objections of their parents and neighbours to get to their wedding day.
But while all forms of discrimination in post-apartheid South Africa may have banned, gay marriages are still not recognised and Mark and Cengey's ceremony is no exception.
As the issue of gay marriages polarises opinion around the world, the programme reveals South Africa's continuing struggle for gay equality.
Producer/Director: Clifford Bestall
Series Producer: Sam Bagnall
Executive Producer: Karen O'Connor
~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~09~RS~)
One-Minute World News
News services
E-mail this to a friend
Printable version
