As we reflect on the year gone by, a assortment of remarkable feature-length pieces shines. Such pieces explore complex themes from geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to deeply personal sagas.
A Enigmatic Writer and the Conscience of a Nation
Victor Pelevin became known in the 1990s with sharp satires on autocratic rule. While several of his literary peers have faced censorship or left the nation, he continues to sell millions of books. This raises a pertinent question: Has he evolved into an supporter for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his sole way out of prison was to join the regime military. Following fourteen long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could now get him killed.
The Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely re-writing the narrative of our human race. However, not everyone was convinced. The subsequent intense scholarly debate has dominated the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Cult That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the disturbing breadth of abuse it had carried out.
A Statesman's Unexpected Stance on International Law
A great many followers hoped that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to human rights. However, the record over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Myth
A documentary tracking a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares corrupt individuals with covert recording asks complex queries: Is she truly a new person, and is the director's true motives?
The Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest hours, families rely on him to bring back order.
Will an Famous Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, strained funding and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's leading museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an effective medical end – until potentially now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas shape the uppermost echelons of government.
An English Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his sharp mind and impeccable credentials, it's understandable that affluent clients trusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to become suspicious.
A Small State That Became the Global Mediation Hub
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has transformed into a significant actor on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are driving this ambitious project?
A Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader relishes the world stage, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to 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 Dismantling of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was not unexpected.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the sixties came to light, there was widespread shock. But the exact story of what happened remains somewhat unclear.
A "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and showered vast sums of cash to selected participants. But are these productions simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is confronting the reality that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The critical issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
One Tragic Case of Youth Homelessness
As I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then hoped his situation might change for the better. That hope was sadly wrong.
The Global AI Competition and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he might possess the answers to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
The finest narratives
