Witness History
BBC World Service
Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by and curious about the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more. Recent episodes explore everything from how the Excel spreadsheet was developed, the creation of cartoon rabbit Miffy and how the sound barrier was broken.We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: the moment Reagan and Gorbachev met in Geneva, Haitian singer Emerante de Pradines’ life and Omar Sharif’s legendary movie entrance in Lawrence of Arabia.You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, like the invention of a stent which has saved lives around the world; the birth of the G7; and the meeting of Maldives’ ministers underwater. We cover everything from World War Two and Cold War stories to Black History Month and our journeys into space.
Episodes
Mentioned books
6 snips
Mar 23, 2026 • 11min
The reunification of Germany
Joachim Bitterlich, senior advisor to Chancellor Helmut Kohl during reunification, offers first-hand recollections. He recounts the chaotic night the Wall fell. He describes Kohl’s rapid ten-point plan and tense diplomacy with Gorbachev, European leaders and the US. He reflects on the treaty that restored German sovereignty and the long work of rebuilding a united nation.
6 snips
Mar 20, 2026 • 10min
Women's rights in independent Tunisia
Saida El-Gayed, founding member of the Tunisian Women's Union and journalist, recalls campaigning for post-independence reforms. She discusses the 1956 personal status code, grassroots outreach in rural areas, educating girls about rights and contraception, and efforts to win men's support for change. The conversation highlights legal reforms like banning polygamy and expanding abortion access.
5 snips
Mar 19, 2026 • 10min
The 'Cyprus Emergency'
Renos Leshotis, a former Cypriot lawyer and youth leader who was imprisoned during the 1950s insurgency, recounts his time in EOKA and the struggle for Enosis. He describes courtroom defenses, leading youth activities, brutal interrogation tactics and nearly two years in Pila prison. Personal friendships, a human rights complaint and reflections on independence and its aftermath also feature.
Mar 18, 2026 • 11min
Oslo's anti-racism demonstration
Luciana Parvaneh Zehi, childhood friend of Benjamin Hermansen, gives a vivid first-person account of his life and the murder. She recounts local neo-Nazi threats in Holmlia. She describes the shock of the attack, the discovery of Nazi memorabilia, and the torch-lit mass mobilisation of tens of thousands in Oslo. She reflects on political reactions, legal outcomes, and the long-lasting personal and social impact.
5 snips
Mar 17, 2026 • 10min
The L'Amicale Four
Imran Samudhi, a Mauritian bakery owner who spent nearly two decades in prison as one of the L'Amicale Four, recounts his life before and after conviction. He describes the tense football match that sparked riots, the deadly gambling house fire, alleged police pressure and contested witness IDs. He talks about long imprisonment, family loss, a later legal review and ongoing questions about justice.
Mar 16, 2026 • 11min
The nuclear mango deal
Ronen Sen, a career Indian diplomat and former ambassador to the US, recalls steering the 2006 US–India nuclear negotiations. He describes tense, technical talks at Hyderabad House. He explains why Washington made an unprecedented exception on safeguards and how lifting the mango ban became a symbolic diplomatic sweetener. He reflects on the deal’s finalisation and its lasting political legacy.
7 snips
Mar 13, 2026 • 10min
Casablanca: Making one of Hollywood’s greatest movies
Leslie Epstein, writer and son/nephew of screenwriters Julius and Philip Epstein, shares first‑hand memories of their Hollywood life. He recalls the chaotic script revisions, the missing ending on the last day of shooting, casting Bogart and Bergman, and the red‑light drive that inspired the film’s famous final line. He reflects on why the movie still resonates today.
Mar 12, 2026 • 11min
How Rang De Basanti inspired a generation
Kamlesh Pandey, veteran Indian screenwriter who created Rang De Basanti, reflects on crafting a film that sparked nationwide debate. He describes the long struggle to get the story made. He recalls casting, a risky storytelling approach mixing history with modern youth, the film’s explosive public reaction and how its imagery fueled real-life protests and civic conversations.
7 snips
Mar 11, 2026 • 11min
I starred in Pan’s Labyrinth
Ivana Baquero, the Spanish actress who played 11-year-old Ophelia in Pan’s Labyrinth, recalls auditioning, rehearsing and filming under Guillermo del Toro. She talks about on-set challenges, working with practical effects and learning her craft in the Madrid mountains. They explore the film’s setting in 1944 Spain, its themes of imagination versus fascism, and its enduring legacy.
Mar 10, 2026 • 11min
My father directed Seven Samurai
Hisao Kurosawa, film producer and son of director Akira Kurosawa, shares childhood memories of his father making Seven Samurai. He recalls location shoots, the grueling snowy finale and the production’s massive overruns. He reflects on his father’s patient directing style, technical innovations and the film’s global influence.
