As we reflect on the past year, a curated list of exceptional feature-length stories stands out. These narratives probe complex topics ranging from political machinations and historical discoveries to deeply human sagas.
A Puzzling Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the 1990s with scathing commentaries on power. Whereas many of his literary peers have faced censorship or fled the country, he continues to sell millions of books. This poses a pressing question: Has the author evolved into an defender for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his only way to escape prison was to join the regime military. After 14 long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers could still cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The finding of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was heralded as completely rewriting the history of our species. However, not everyone was convinced. The ensuing heated scholarly debate has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the shocking breadth of abuse it had committed.
A Leader's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
A great many supporters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's commitment to human rights. But, the record over the first year in office has been curiously mixed.
Shattering a Country's Self-Image
A documentary featuring a repentant master criminal as she sets up corrupt individuals with hidden cameras poses difficult queries: Is she genuinely reformed, and is the director's true intentions?
The Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Darkest Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest times, families rely on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Renowned Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, difficult funding and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's premier museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Severe Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an reliable treatment solution – until possibly now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideas shape the very highest echelons of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his brilliant mind and impeccable reputation, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their wealth. Then they started to become suspicious.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Center
An extremely wealthy country has become a key actor on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are driving this ambitious role?
A Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader enjoys the international stage, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to deal with a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Case
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn baby?
The Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Not Universal Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was far from unforeseen.
A Disturbing 1960s Study on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread outrage. But the precise story of the events remains partially contested.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and given away huge sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's population is grappling with the possibility that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: To where are they going to go?
A Sorrowful Case of Youth Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then believed his life might turn around. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.
The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Defection
In 2020, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he might hold the answers to who prevails in the global AI race.
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