While we reflect on the past year, a selection of outstanding feature-length pieces emerges. Such pieces explore multifaceted topics ranging from geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly human sagas.
The Enigmatic Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin became known in the post-Soviet era with sharp satires on autocratic rule. Whereas many of his literary peers have encountered censorship or left the nation, he still sell vast numbers of books. This poses a pertinent query: Has he turned into an supporter for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only way out of prison was to enlist in the government forces. After 14 long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers may now get him killed.
A Bitter Argument Over Our Earliest Origins
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was hailed as radically rewriting the history of our species. However, not everyone was in agreement. The subsequent heated scholarly debate has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
A UK Cult That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the shocking scale of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
A great many voters hoped that the prime minister would renew the the nation's commitment to international law. Yet, the track record over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A film tracking a remorseful master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with covert recording raises thorny queries: Is this person truly reformed, and what are the filmmaker's true methods?
The Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest hours, people turn to him to restore order.
Will an Famous Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, strained finances and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it restore its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Extreme Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an effective medical remedy – until possibly now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideology influence the highest levels of the state.
An British Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his keen intellect and flawless credentials, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their wealth. Then they started to become wary.
The Tiny Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Center
An extremely rich Gulf state has transformed into a key actor on the international scene, attempting to mediate some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are driving this ambitious role?
A Close-Up View at a President Preparing for Global Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, President Macron relishes the world arena, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to handle a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?
The Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was not unforeseen.
The Unethical 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was immense shock. But the precise story of the events is still somewhat unclear.
The "Master" of the Online Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered enormous amounts of cash to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of artistic genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the reality that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Story of Youth Destitution
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then thought his life might improve. I was devastatingly mistaken.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he could hold the key to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
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