While we look back on the year gone by, a selection of exceptional feature-length pieces emerges. Such accounts explore multifaceted subjects from geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to deeply human stories.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the 1990s with biting satires on autocratic rule. While many of his literary peers have faced suppression or left the country, he continues to sell millions of books. It raises a pressing question: Has the author become an supporter for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his only way to escape prison was to enlist in the government forces. After fourteen long years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers may now cost him his life.
The Fierce Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was hailed as radically re-writing the history of our species. But, some scholars was convinced. The ensuing intense scholarly debate has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the appalling scale of abuse it had carried out.
The Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
Many followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's dedication to international law. But, the record over the past year has been notably ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A film featuring a remorseful fraudster as she records corrupt clients with hidden cameras raises difficult questions: Is she genuinely a new person, and what are the director's own intentions?
The Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest hours, people rely on him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Iconic Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by restitution claims, strained finances and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's number one museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has long lacked an reliable medical solution – until possibly now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideas permeate the very highest levels of the state.
The English Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his brilliant intellect and sterling credentials, it's little wonder that wealthy clients trusted him with their wealth. Until they started to become suspicious.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Hub
An incredibly rich Gulf state has transformed into a major force on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented role?
An Inside View at a President Gearing Up for International Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader relishes the world stage, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a certain former US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn infant?
The End of a Global Development Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest letdown was far from unexpected.
A Disturbing 1960s Experiment on Indian Women
When details about a scientific study in the sixties came to light, there was immense outrage. But the full nature of what happened is still partially shrouded.
The "Genius" of the Online Age
He's endured a full day in slime, two days buried alive – and given away huge amounts of money to selected participants. But are these videos simply very clever clickbait – or works of daring brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the possibility that their homeland may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
A Tragic Story of Childhood Destitution
When I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then hoped his situation might change for the better. I was devastatingly wrong.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he may hold the key to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.
The finest narratives
