Sagrario Ruiz de Apodaca, friend of Letizia, in the documentary about the queen: 'It was hard for her to give up her freedom'

The German public broadcaster ZDF is launching a documentary series titled 'De profesión: Reina,' with the first episode focusing on Queen Letizia of Spain. Directed by Julia Melchior, the documentary explores the role of modern queens and features Queen Letizia's engagements over a year, highlighting her involvement in health, nutrition, and women's issues. The film includes testimonies from Letizia's friend Sagrario Ruiz de Apodaca, historian Charles Powell, Nobel laureate Mario Vargas Llosa, and others, painting a picture of Letizia as a perfectionist and committed queen who transitioned from journalism to royalty.

Julia Melchior, the German journalist who followed Queen Letizia: 'I don't understand why no Spanish media had made a documentary about her before'

Julia Melchior, a German journalist known for her expertise in European monarchies, has created the first documentary about Queen Letizia of Spain, sparking curiosity and surprise in Spain. Melchior, who has a background in business administration and started her career in a strategic consulting firm, transitioned to documentary production with Broadview TV and became a recognized figure in royal documentaries. Despite no exclusive access, her professional reputation and previous work on royal families facilitated her documentary-making process. Melchior, also a mother, shared her experiences of work-life balance with Queen Letizia and reflected on the multidimensional nature of her work, which goes beyond superficial tabloid coverage to explore the role of monarchies as heads of state.

Germany: Angela Merkel, 'the world's most powerful woman', steps down as party leader and has a successor

Angela Merkel, recognized by Forbes as 'the world's most powerful woman', has stepped down as the leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) after 18 years, marking the beginning of a new era. Merkel's tenure as Chancellor of Germany will end in 2021. At the party's federal congress in Hamburg, 1,001 delegates chose Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer as her successor. Merkel is known for her analytical mind, calm demeanor, and attention to detail, and has maintained her popularity without the need for social media presence. She plans to retire to her home in Uckermark.

The story behind the success of 'Bella Ciao'

The anti-fascist song 'Bella Ciao' has become a global summer hit, even in Germany, largely due to a dance remix by French DJ Florent Hugel. Originally an Italian partisan song with over a hundred years of history, it gained renewed popularity through the Spanish Netflix series 'La casa de papel'. The song's origins are debated, but it is agreed that it dates back to before World War II, evolving from folk songs sung by female rice paddy workers in Italy. 'Bella Ciao' became a battle anthem for the Italian resistance during World War II and later a popular hymn during worker and student protests in the 1960s. The Hugel remix has over 28 million views on YouTube and has topped German charts for ten weeks.

Nacho Duato: 'You can't wave the flag and then not pay taxes'

Nacho Duato, the Spanish choreographer, reflects on his bittersweet experience leading the Berlin State Ballet, expressing dissatisfaction with the treatment from critics and politicians. He plans to return to Spain to establish a private foundation, advocating for better cultural policies and artist support. Duato criticizes the Spanish government's neglect of artists and cultural contributions, mentioning recent political appointments and resignations. Despite challenges, he feels warmly received by the Berlin public and notes record ticket sales. Duato remains critical of the cultural scene in Berlin, comparing it unfavorably to other major cities.

Spanish Conductor Casado: 'There is an absolute deficit in musical education'

Spanish conductor Heras-Casado discusses his career trajectory, the importance of musical education, and his concerns about the cultural deficit in Spain. Despite his humble beginnings in Granada, he has achieved global acclaim, directing prestigious orchestras such as the Metropolitan Opera and the Vienna Philharmonic. He emphasizes the transformative power of music beyond professional training and expresses a desire to promote musical education in Spain. Heras-Casado also reflects on his personal and professional ties to the Teatro Real and his new role at the International Music and Dance Festival of Granada. He shares his views on the cultural scene in Berlin and his relationship with Daniel Barenboim, while also touching on his family life and the impact of his marriage to TV presenter Anne Igartiburu on his public image.

Mario Testino: 'In life, the worst thing is fear'

Peruvian fashion photographer Mario Testino reflects on his 35-year career, from his beginnings in Peru to his success in London. He discusses overcoming fear, finding his style, and the evolution of fashion photography. Testino expresses satisfaction with his life and career, mentioning memorable photoshoots with Madonna and Diana of Wales. He inaugurates an exhibition in Berlin's Helmut Newton Museum, showing 50 large-format portraits. Testino also shares his views on social media's impact on photography, noting the democratization of the field and the challenges of creating good photos. He expresses a desire to photograph the Spanish royal family and to be part of the cultural surge in Peru.

Bayern and Borussia Dortmund on the threshold of the cup final

Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are set to face Kaiserslautern and Wolfsburg respectively in the semi-finals of the German Cup, with the final scheduled for May 17 at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. Bayern, coached by Guardiola, aims to repeat last season's historic treble and must overcome second-division Kaiserslautern, who previously won the cup in 1990 and 1996. Kaiserslautern's coach Kosta Runjaic acknowledges the need for luck against what he considers the world's best team. Meanwhile, Dortmund, led by Jürgen Klopp, hopes to reach the final with Robert Lewandowski, who dreams of playing against his future team. Bayern seeks to respond to criticism after a recent defeat in the Bundesliga, with sports director Matthias Sammer calling for more player responsibility.

'The decent one', or the most intimate Himmler

A documentary titled 'The decent one' by Vanessa Lapa, which premiered at the Berlinale, explores the personal side of Heinrich Himmler, the head of the SS and Gestapo, through personal letters between Himmler and his wife, Margarete, from 1927 to 1945. The film reveals the banality of Himmler's personal life against the backdrop of the Holocaust, shocking audiences with the contrast between his role in the genocide and his domestic life. The documentary, a co-production between Israel, Austria, and Germany, provides a subjective perspective on the Third Reich and its impact on the personal lives of its key figures.