Upon reflect on the previous year, a curated list of exceptional feature-length stories stands out. These accounts probe intricate topics from political intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly personal stories.
The Puzzling Author and the Soul of a Country
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with biting satires on authoritarianism. Whereas many of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the country, he still sell vast numbers of copies. It raises a pressing query: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the establishment?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole path out of incarceration was to enlist in the government military. Following 14 long years, his past as one of Assad's fighters could now cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Argument Over Our Earliest Origins
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as radically changing the story of our species. Yet, not everyone was in agreement. The ensuing bitter controversy has dominated the careers of researchers ever since.
The UK Cult That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the shocking extent of abuse it had perpetrated.
A Statesman's Unexpected Stance on International Law
Numerous voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's dedication to human rights. However, the track record over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.
Breaking a Country's Self-Image
A film following a repentant master criminal as she ensnares corrupt clients with covert recording poses thorny queries: Is this person really a new person, and is the director's true motives?
A Person Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest hours, families turn to him to restore order.
Will an Iconic Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Severe Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment solution – up until potentially now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings influence the uppermost echelons of the state.
The British Professional With a Crooked Side
With his sharp mind and flawless reputation, it's no surprise that affluent individuals entrusted him with their assets. Until they started to become suspicious.
The Small State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Center
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a significant actor on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most long-standing disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented project?
A Inside View at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader relishes the international stage, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a particular former American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was not unforeseen.
The Disturbing 1960s Study on Indian Mothers
When details about a scientific experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread outrage. But the precise truth of the procedures remains partially unclear.
A "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and showered huge amounts of money to selected participants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is grappling with the possibility that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Tragic Story of Childhood Destitution
As I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then thought his situation might improve. I was sadly mistaken.
A International AI Race and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he may possess the answers to who wins the worldwide AI race.
The best narratives
