Amanpour

 This week, a special show for the festive season on art with a message. First, the king of the blockbuster, James Cameron on his new film and the horror of nuclear war.

Then, a conversation about "Kyoto," a hit play on both sides of the pond, finding humor and hope in climate negotiations. Also, a punk take on feminism with artist, Linda and the Spanish master, Pedro Almodovar on delivering beauty and vibrancy in even our toughest moments.

Plus how we use art to understand each other as Hong Kong staged an opera about Trump, and from the archive: a New York Opera about Nixon in China, and finally unveiling a mural with special meaning at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York.

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First: U Thant led the UN during a golden era of diplomacy. What can we learn from him today? Christiane speaks with Thant's grandson, historian Thant Myint-U, about his new book, "Peacemaker." 

Plus: In this age of disinformation, the legendary filmmaker Werner Herzog tells Christiane why we must never stop fighting for the truth. 

And: Booker Prize-winning author Arundhati Roy reveals new insights into her tumultuous childhood in her new memoir, "Mother Mary Comes to Me." 

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50 years ago, Iceland's women went on strike. It's not the most gender-equal country on earth. A new documentary, "The Day Iceland Stood Still," tells that historic society. Christiane speaks to their president and the film's director. 

Also on today's show: Former CNN Cairo bureau chief Gayle Young; tech activist Cory Doctorow 

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As Hanukkah celebrations draw to a close under the shadow of the horrific anti-Semitic attack in Sydney, Bianna Golodryga speaks to Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann about navigating grief with faith, empathy and togetherness. And, the South Korean film racking up Golden Globe nominations, director Park Chan-wook talks about his new film "No Other Choice", tackling unemployment with horror and humor. Then, the singer-come-politician looking to unseat Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni after 40 years in power. CNN’s Larry Madawo speaks to Bobi Wine about the violent opposition crackdown ahead of the country's general election. Plus, veteran broadcaster David Dimbleby speaks to Christiane about his new BBC docu-series "What's the Monarchy for?",  lifting the lid on the secretive inner workings of Britain's royal family. From Christiane's archives, how a family of refugees found sanctuary in 1970s America after fleeing Communist Poland's crackdown on democratic dissent. And finally, celebrating 250 years of the legendary British writer Jane Austen and her long-lasting cultural impact.

Air date: December 20, 2025

Guests: 

Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann

Park Chan-wook

David Dimbleby

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First, Brianna speaks with activist Chase  Strangio about pushing back against what many see as President Trump's war against trans people. Then, visual artists Gilbert & George give us an up-close look at their weird and wonderful world. And reporter Tom Gjelten joins the show to discuss the dangerous intersection of antisemitism, Christian nationalism, and the Republican party.

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World leaders are meeting in Brussels to discuss an unprecedented plan to use frozen Russian assets to finance more support for Ukraine. Critics argue that it's legally questionable and risks serious retaliation from Moscow. Correspondent Clare Sebastian joins the show from Brussels.  

Also on today's show: author Marietje Schaake, "The Tech Coup"; playwright Bess Wohl and actor Kristolyn Lloyd, "Liberation"; Zoe Weissman, a survivor of both the Brown University and Parkland school shootings 

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"An alcoholic's personality," "a right-wing absolute zealot," and "a conspiracy theorist" are some of the descriptions of President Trump and top members of his team by his Chief of Staff Susie Wiles in a new Vanity Fair interview. She claims her words were taken out of context and key administration figures are standing by her. But are fractures starting to appear in the Trump coalition? David A. Graham, staff writer for The Atlantic and author of "The Project: How Project 2025 is Reshaping America," joins the show to discuss. 

Also on today's show: Brian Winter, Editor-in-Chief, Americas Quarterly; Steve Huffman, CEO and Co-founder, Reddit 

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Are we one step closer to peace in Ukraine? After two days of negotiations between the US, Ukraine and Europe, there certainly seems to be optimism in the air. Now the new proposal goes back to the Kremlin, but is President Putin ready to accept the terms? We ask Kurt Volker, former US Ambassador to NATO, who served as special envoy to Ukraine during President Trump's first term. 

Also on today's show: Former Ukrainian Economy Minister Tymofiy Mylovanov; actor and playwright Yousef Sweid & playwright and director Isabella Sedlak discuss Sweid's one-man play, "Between the River and the Sea"; author Saikrishna Prakash, “The Presidential Pardon” 

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Australia's tight-knit Jewish community is reeling in the aftermath of a mass shooting targeting a Hanukkah celebration on Sydney's Bondi Beach. Australia's Jewish leaders have been warning Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his government about rising antisemitism for several years now. As the Hanukkah holiday continues, with its celebration of light and resistance, Bianna speaks with Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann from Melbourne.  

Also on today's show: British Conservative MP Alicia Kearns; Director Park Chan-Wook; US Senate Democrat Andy Kim 

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It’s been a tough week for Europe after President Trump described the continent as "weak" and "decaying". Can US-Europe relations recover? Christiane gets the view from both sides of the pond, with former US Defense Department official Celeste Wallander and Oxford historian Peter Frankopan. A year since the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, the country’s new President Ahmed al-Sharaa talks to Christiane about Syria’s future following a decade of civil war. Plus, who are the “Pink Ladies”? A special report on Britain's new protest movement which is echoing far right rhetoric. Then, into the past with author Jonathan Freedland, who reveals the hidden history of the millions of Germans who resisted Nazi rule. From the archives, how one man from Harlem trekked to the North Pole to inspire New York's schoolchildren. And finally, Nobel Peace Laureate Maria Corina Machado makes a daring journey to Oslo, telling the world what the award means to her. 

Air date: December 13, 2025

Guests: 

Celeste Wallander & Peter Frankopan 

Ahmed al-Sharaa 

Jonathan Freedland 

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