As we consider the year gone by, a assortment of outstanding feature-length stories stands out. These narratives delve into intricate subjects including political intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly personal stories.
A Mysterious Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist became known in the post-Soviet era with biting commentaries on power. Although many of his writer peers have encountered censorship or fled the country, he still sell millions of books. It raises a pressing query: Has he evolved into an defender for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his sole way out of prison was to join the government military. After fourteen long years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers might still put him in mortal danger.
A Fierce Dispute Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally rewriting the story of our human race. But, not everyone was persuaded. The ensuing bitter argument has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the shocking extent of mistreatment it had committed.
The Statesman's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Numerous voters hoped that the prime minister would restore the UK's dedication to international law. But, the performance over the first year in office has been curiously mixed.
Shattering a Country's Myth
A documentary following a remorseful con artist as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras poses complex queries: Is she genuinely a new person, and what are the filmmaker's true intentions?
A Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest hours, families turn to him to restore peace.
Will an Famous Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's leading cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it salvage its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Extreme Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an effective medical solution – until perhaps now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings permeate the uppermost levels of the state.
The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his brilliant mind and flawless credentials, it's little wonder that affluent individuals trusted him with their assets. Until they started to get wary.
A Tiny Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Capital
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a key player on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are driving this unprecedented project?
A Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely disliked at home, the French leader thrives on the international stage, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a certain sitting US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for battle.
During the Trial of a Tragic Story
What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn baby?
The Dismantling of a Major Aid Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was not unforeseen.
A Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s came to light, there was immense shock. But the exact nature of what happened remains somewhat shrouded.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and given away vast sums of money to selected contestants. But are these videos simply very savvy clickbait – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the reality that their homeland may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent issue is: To where are they going to go?
A Sorrowful Story of Childhood Destitution
When I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then thought his life could turn around. I was sadly mistaken.
The International AI Competition and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he might hold the key to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
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