While we look back on the previous year, a selection of outstanding feature-length stories stands out. These narratives probe intricate subjects including geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply human journeys.
The Mysterious Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with scathing critiques on autocratic rule. Although many of his literary peers have faced suppression or fled the nation, he still move vast numbers of books. This prompts a key query: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his sole way out of incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. Following fourteen years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers may still cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was heralded as radically re-writing the story of our species. Yet, a faction was persuaded. The resulting heated argument has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the disturbing extent of mistreatment it had committed.
A Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
Numerous supporters anticipated that the prime minister would renew the UK's commitment to human rights. However, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A film tracking a remorseful master criminal as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with covert recording poses difficult queries: Is she really changed, and what are the filmmaker's own motives?
A Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their most challenging moments, individuals depend on him to restore peace.
Will an Renowned Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by restitution claims, precarious funding and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it restore its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an effective treatment solution – until perhaps now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his teachings influence the highest levels of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp mind and flawless background, it's understandable that affluent individuals trusted him with their assets. Then they started to get uneasy.
A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Center
An extremely wealthy country has become a key actor on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are fueling this ambitious project?
An Inside View at a President Preparing for Global Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, President Macron enjoys the international arena, where he presents himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to deal with a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn infant?
The End of a Major Development Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was not unexpected.
A Shocking 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the exact story of what happened is still somewhat shrouded.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and distributed enormous sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply very clever entertainment – or works of artistic genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is facing the possibility that their homeland may soon be submerged. The urgent issue is: Where are they going to go?
A Tragic Story of Youth Destitution
When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still hoped his life might improve. I was tragically misplaced.
A International AI Race and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he may hold the key to who prevails in the global AI race.
The finest narratives
