As we look back on the past year, a curated list of outstanding feature-length stories stands out. Such narratives probe multifaceted topics from political machinations and historical revelations to profoundly human sagas.
The Puzzling Author and the Soul of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the 1990s with biting critiques on authoritarianism. Whereas numerous of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or left the nation, he continues to sell millions of books. It prompts a key question: Has the author turned into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his only path to escape prison was to join the government forces. After fourteen long years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers may still put him in mortal danger.
The Fierce Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally changing the story of our human race. Yet, not everyone was persuaded. The resulting heated scholarly debate has dominated the lives of researchers ever since.
The British Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was just a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the disturbing breadth of abuse it had carried out.
The Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on International Law
A great many voters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to international law. Yet, the performance over the past year has been notably inconsistent.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A film following a remorseful con artist as she records unscrupulous individuals with covert recording poses thorny questions: Is this person really changed, and is the director's true motives?
The Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their darkest hours, people rely on him to bring back peace.
Can an Famous Institution Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, precarious funding and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Extreme Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an consistent medical remedy – until potentially now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideas shape the highest levels of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his keen mind and flawless background, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to become wary.
The Tiny State That Became the World's Diplomatic Capital
An incredibly rich Gulf state has transformed into a major player on the international scene, attempting to mediate some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are driving this ambitious role?
A Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, President Macron enjoys the international stage, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to deal with a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
The End of a Major Development Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.
The Shocking 1960s Study on South Asian Women
When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s became public, there was widespread outrage. But the full story of what happened is still somewhat unclear.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and given away vast sums of cash to selected participants. But are these videos simply very clever entertainment – or acts of artistic genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is confronting the possibility that their home may soon be submerged. The pressing question is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Destitution
As I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still believed his situation might change for the better. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.
The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he may hold the secret to who wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
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