Generation C

Generation C is a bold, globe-spanning documentary series that meets the young people whose lives were shaped by the Covid-19 pandemic – and whose resilience is now fuelling a movement for change. From climate justice to mental health, activism to innovation, they’re not waiting for the world to fix itself. They’re taking the lead.

Through intimate encounters guided by Emmy-winning journalist and host Nelufar Hedayat, these stories reveal not just how Gen C has been changed, but how they’re changing the world in turn. At a time of mounting global crises, the series becomes a playbook for how we might all respond, if we’re willing to listen to those inheriting the future.

Episode 01 – Intolerance

Nelufar travels to Cape Town, ranked the most murderous city in the world outside of Latin America, meeting with rival gangs to understand how an unprecedented ceasefire came about, and whether the spirit of unity forged in the pandemic can be preserved. She also catches up with transgender youth in Peru, with the young activists in South Africa taking a stand against male violence, and the women of Dehli’s largest red light district who leveraged the pandemic to legitimise sex work and obtain legal protection.

Episode 02 – Doubt

In Episode 2, we visit Johannesburg to uncover the rapidly growing industry of ‘online healers, diviners and spiritualists’, and meet the Gen-C-ers reconnecting with traditional forms of faith. Nelufar travels to Japan, to understand why hundreds of young people are abandoning the Tokyo rat-race for provincial living, and the major challenges of keeping the art of Sumo wrestling alive in modern Japan. She also visits Navajo Nation, discovering the Native American youth returning to ancient ways of living, and meets the kids in Peru turning rags into riches: literally.

Episode 03 – Fear

We follow Nelufar deep into the Nevada desert to meet the growing number of extreme ‘prepper’ parents and their Gen-C children: families arming themselves against future war, disaster and apocalypse. She also heads back to Japan where an epidemic of youth loneliness is driving demand for businesses who hire out so-called ‘rent-a-sisters’ to isolated young people. We also get a glimpse into the outlandish and glamorous coming-of-age parties for a new generation of South American kids.

Episode 04 – Connection

In the final episode of the series, Nelufar uncovers how, in a time of immense divides, intolerance and fear, young communities are prioritising connection, and using technology for good. In Delhi, she meets up with ‘Free/Dem’, an organisation of youth activists challenging the ‘digital divide’ and providing girls with smart phones, tech know-how and podcast production skills, giving them a platform and real opportunity. Back in South Africa, we hang out with the young stars behind the explosive ‘Amapiano’ underground music scene which, through TikTok, has captured the imagination of millions around the globe.

Locations visited: Japan (Tokyo, Gunma prefecture), USA (Navajo Nation, Nevada), Peru (Lima, Arequipa), South Africa (Johannesburg, Cape Town), India (Delhi).