On August 15, 2021, the Taliban overthrew Ashraf Ghani's government and seized power in Afghanistan. One year later, the country is facing multiple challenges that demand immediate global attention.

Haute couture is a sartorial discipline revered in France and across the world, but at its best it's also an expression of often complex philosophical ideas and convictions. Designers are continually grappling with the tension between body and spirit, between being and merely appearing, between functionality and seduction. FRANCE 24 takes a deep dive into the latest Haute couture collections from Iris van Herpen, Yuima Nakazato, Imane Ayissi, Adeline André and Alexandre Vauthier.

Our film critic Lisa Nesselson tells us about some of the movies selected at the 48th edition of the Deauville American Film Festival. "Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, a Journey, a Song", directed by Daniel Geller and Dayna Goldfine, explores the life of the singer-songwriter through the prism of his most famous song. Meanwhile, another music legend, David Bowie, is the subject of a documentary based on previously unseen footage. "Moonage Daydream" is directed by Brett Morgen.

Britain and the world reflected on Queen Elizabeth II's legacy and role in shaping the world during her reign. Her funeral is expected to take place within 10 days.

Annette Young meets acclaimed US artist and writer, Alison Bechdel, whose latest book has been translated into French. They talk about the need for exercise, feminism and American politics following the demise of Roe v. Wade. We also report on how the record-breaking floods in Pakistan that have left millions homeless, have placed women in an even more vulnerable position. Plus the many facets of American war photographer, Lee Miller, who was so much more than being simply the muse for Surrealist artist, Man Ray.

It's almost as if David Bowie has come back to life to narrate the movie "Moonage Daydream", a vivid collage of the music, art and ideas that make up his extraordinary legacy. US filmmaker Brett Morgen spent years sifting through endless audio and film archives and the result is an innovative, sensorial portrait of a man with many faces.

French art historians have estimated that some 90% of Africa's looted cultural heritage is believed to be in Europe. Germany has signed an agreement to transfer ownership to Nigeria of the Benin Bronzes, among Africa's most culturally significant artefacts, looted in the 19th century.

Most people have an idea about what life in Paris is supposed to look like: the cliché of intellectual conversations, perfectly dressed Parisians, iconic monuments and of course romance. But what happens when you actually move to the City of Lights and discover a different reality? Do you give up and go home? Or do you write your own story about what life in Paris is really like, especially as a foreigner? Sutanya Dacres chose the latter with her book "Dinner for One: How Cooking in Paris Saved Me". She joined us on Perspective.

Ukraine launched a successful counteroffensive to retake the Kharkiv region in September. Two women from the recently liberated city of Balakliya recount the horrors of life under Russian occupation.

In the second part of her story, Ghanaian medical student Dorcas Djabatey, who was studying in Ukraine before the war broke out, talks about her escape from Sumy, why she feels let down and her future.

The US president is planning to visit Florida after it was hit by what is feared to have been one of the deadliest hurricanes in the state's history. New warnings have been issued as the storm moves north.

Kunle Adewale uses art therapy to help patients in Lagos hospitals recover. He uses music, painting, and dance to treat psychological disorders and promote mental health and believes that creative expression can foster healing and mental well-being.