Upon reflect on the year gone by, a curated list of exceptional feature-length pieces shines. These narratives delve into complex themes from political intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly human journeys.
A Enigmatic Novelist and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with scathing critiques on authoritarianism. Whereas many of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he still sell millions of books. It prompts a pressing question: Has the author turned into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his only path to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. Following fourteen long years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers may now get him killed.
A Bitter Dispute Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was hailed as radically re-writing the narrative of our species. Yet, a faction was persuaded. The subsequent bitter argument has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the shocking scale of exploitation it had committed.
The Leader's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
Many supporters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's commitment to international law. However, the performance over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A film featuring a repentant master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras raises difficult questions: Is this person really changed, and is the director's true motives?
A Man Who Remediates the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and restored – everything. In their stickiest moments, families turn to him to restore order.
Can an Renowned Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, difficult finances and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's leading museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it restore its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an consistent medical solution – up until possibly now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas shape the uppermost levels of government.
An British Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his keen mind and flawless credentials, it's little wonder that affluent individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to become wary.
A Small State That Became the Global Mediation Center
An astonishingly rich country has risen as a major player on the international scene, working to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are behind this unprecedented project?
A Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely disliked at domestically, President Macron relishes the world arena, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to manage a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Trial of a Tragic Story
What led to the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn baby?
The Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Not Universal Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was far from unexpected.
A Disturbing 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread outrage. But the full nature of what happened remains partially unclear.
A "Genius" of the Online Age
He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered huge sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of avant garde genius?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is confronting the possibility that their islands may in the near future be submerged. The critical issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Story of Youth Homelessness
As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then thought his situation could turn around. That hope was sadly mistaken.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Move
In 2020, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he may hold the secret to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
The most impactful stories
