Upon consider the previous year, a curated list of remarkable feature-length stories stands out. Such pieces probe intricate themes from political machinations and scientific revelations to deeply personal stories.
The Enigmatic Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
An author became known in the nineties with biting commentaries on power. Whereas numerous of his literary peers have faced suppression or fled the nation, he still move millions of books. It poses a key question: Has the author become an defender for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his only route to escape prison was to enlist in the government forces. After 14 long years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters might still get him killed.
The Fierce Dispute Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The finding of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as radically changing the narrative of our human race. But, not everyone was persuaded. The resulting heated controversy has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.
The UK Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped expose the appalling extent of exploitation it had committed.
The Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on International Law
Numerous followers expected that the prime minister would renew the the nation's commitment to human rights. However, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A film following a repentant fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with covert recording poses complex questions: Is she truly reformed, and is the filmmaker's own motives?
A Man Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest moments, families rely on him to restore normalcy.
Can an Renowned Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by colonial controversy, strained finances and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment remedy – until potentially now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideology influence the highest echelons of government.
The English Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his sharp intellect and impeccable background, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to become suspicious.
The Small State That Became the World's Diplomatic Center
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a key player on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are driving this ambitious project?
An Inside View at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for battle.
During the Trial of a Tragic Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Not Universal Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was far from unforeseen.
The Unethical Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women
When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact story of what happened is still partially contested.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, two days buried alive – and given away huge amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is confronting the prospect that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: Where are they going to relocate?
One Tragic Case of Childhood Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his situation might change for the better. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.
A Global AI Race and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he could possess the secret to which nation wins the global AI race.
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