Eternal youth: the dream of humanity. Over the past century, the industrialized world has undergone a health revolution: people grow older today than at any point in the history of the human race. Deadly plagues and diseases have been eradicated, technological progress has given us food to spare and effortless mobility. But new diseases have crept into modern life such as cancer and dementia, which we increasingly seek to combat using science and technology. We are getting older, but we also have to fear serious illness in our old age. Could it be possible to become old in years while simultaneously maintaining the health of youth? Certain regions around the world seem to have found the secret. Here, a striking number of centenarians roam about. Old people enjoy an agility and alertness belying their years, working and playing with seemingly no effort. What is their secret? Using stylishly modern and highly cinematic images, the series Fountain of Youth transports the viewer to five different regions around the world.

Abkhazia: no true nation, but it has confidently declared its independence in the war with Georgia. In this practically unknown country we can experience how an almost archaic culture of extended families has developed a natural respect for the elderly. A simple, strictly regulated way of life has led these people to grow old and strong. The mild climate allows a large variety of fruits and vegetables to thrive. Free of artificial fertilizers and pesticides, these people mostly eat what they grow. Garlic, chili and yogurt feature prominently on the daily menu.

Director: Yousif Al-Chalabi
Writer: Yousif Al-Chalabi
Cinematographer: Yousif Al-Chalabi
Editors: Lena Rem, Guido Weyrauch, Daniel Paul Bier
Music: Christoph Schauer
Sound: Alexey Fedorov
Narrator (German): Erich Räuker
Commissioning editors: Pit Lehmann (MDR), Christian Cools (arte)
Production managers: Brigit Mulders, Bernd Schwarzer (MDR)
Producer: Andrea Ufer
Channel: MDR/arte

– Episode 1 – Guanacaste, Costa Rica
– Episode 2 – Abkhazia, Caucasus
– Episode 3 – Campodimele, Italy
– Episode 4 – Hainan, China
– Episode 5 – Loma Linda, California/USA