Upon reflect on the year gone by, a selection of exceptional feature-length stories stands out. These accounts explore multifaceted themes from political machinations and historical revelations to deeply human stories.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the 1990s with sharp satires on power. Whereas many of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the nation, he continues to move vast numbers of copies. This poses a pertinent query: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The account of a young man, who at 18 was told that his only path out of prison was to join the government military. Following fourteen years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could still get him killed.
The Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The finding of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally rewriting the history of our human race. But, a faction was convinced. The resulting heated argument has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Cult That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the appalling scale of exploitation it had carried out.
A Leader's Curious Stance on International Law
Numerous supporters expected that the prime minister would restore the UK's dedication to human rights. But, the track record over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.
Shattering a Nation's Identity
A film tracking a repentant fraudster as she records corrupt clients with hidden cameras poses thorny queries: Is she genuinely changed, and what are the filmmaker's true intentions?
A Person Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest moments, people depend on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Famous Museum Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an consistent medical end – up until possibly now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas permeate the highest levels of government.
The English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp intellect and sterling credentials, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals trusted him with their assets. Until they began to get wary.
The Small Nation That Emerged as the World's Mediation Capital
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has become a major player on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are driving this ambitious project?
An Inside Look at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader enjoys the international arena, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to manage a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Global Development Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was not unforeseen.
A Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s became public, there was immense anxiety. But the exact truth of the events remains partially contested.
The "Genius" of the Online Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed vast amounts of cash to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the prospect that their islands may soon cease to exist. The critical issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Destitution
As I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still believed his situation could turn around. I was tragically wrong.
The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he could possess the key to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
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