Upon consider the previous year, a curated list of exceptional feature-length stories emerges. Such accounts explore intricate topics ranging from geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply human stories.
A Mysterious Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with sharp critiques on authoritarianism. Although numerous of his literary peers have encountered censorship or left the nation, he still sell millions of books. It prompts a pertinent query: Has he become an defender for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The story of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole route out of prison was to enlist in the government forces. After 14 years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers might now put him in mortal danger.
The Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally rewriting the narrative of our species. But, a faction was persuaded. The resulting bitter argument has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.
The UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was only a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped reveal the disturbing breadth of exploitation it had perpetrated.
The Leader's Curious Stance on Human Rights
Numerous followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's commitment to human rights. But, the record over the past year has been curiously mixed.
Breaking a Country's Identity
A documentary following a repentant con artist as she records unscrupulous individuals with covert recording poses complex queries: Is she truly reformed, and what are the director's own methods?
A Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and restored – it all. In their stickiest times, individuals turn to him to restore normalcy.
Can an Iconic Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by restitution claims, strained funding and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's leading museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it repair its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an reliable medical end – until potentially now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideology influence the very highest echelons of the state.
An English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his brilliant intellect and impeccable reputation, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become uneasy.
A Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Capital
An extremely wealthy country has transformed into a major force on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are driving this ambitious endeavor?
An Inside View at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely disliked at home, President Macron relishes the international stage, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to handle a certain former American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their newborn infant?
The End of a Major Development Organization: Far From Universal Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was not unforeseen.
The Unethical Mid-Century Study on Indian Women
When information about a scientific experiment in the 1960s became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact truth of what happened is still somewhat unclear.
A "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and given away huge sums of money to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of avant garde genius?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is confronting the prospect that their islands may soon cease to exist. The urgent question is: To where are they going to go?
A Sorrowful Story of Youth Homelessness
When I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then believed his situation could improve. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.
A Global AI Competition and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he could possess the key to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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