Upon consider the year gone by, a selection of outstanding feature-length stories stands out. These narratives probe intricate subjects including geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to deeply personal journeys.
A Puzzling Author and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin became known in the nineties with sharp critiques on authoritarianism. While numerous of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or left the country, he still move millions of copies. It poses a pressing question: Has the author become an defender for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his sole way to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. Following fourteen years, his history as one of Assad's fighters might still put him in mortal danger.
The Acrimonious Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was hailed as radically changing the narrative of our human race. Yet, a faction was in agreement. The ensuing intense argument has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Sect That Hid in the Open
One woman was only a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped uncover the shocking scale of exploitation it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Curious Stance on International Law
Numerous followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's dedication to international law. However, the performance over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Self-Image
A documentary following a repentant fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous clients with covert recording poses thorny queries: Is this person truly a new person, and is the director's true methods?
A Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Darkest Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their most challenging times, families rely on him to bring back order.
Can an Renowned Museum Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, precarious funding and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's number one cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Extreme Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an effective treatment end – up until perhaps now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his teachings influence the uppermost echelons of government.
An British Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his sharp intellect and impeccable credentials, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to get uneasy.
The Tiny State That Became the Global Diplomatic Capital
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has transformed into a significant force on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are driving this unprecedented project?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely disliked at home, President Macron thrives on the international arena, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to manage a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Global Development Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was far from unforeseen.
The Disturbing 1960s Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a medical study in the 1960s became public, there was immense shock. But the exact nature of what happened remains somewhat shrouded.
The "Master" of the Online Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and given away enormous sums of money to selected contestants. But are these videos simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of artistic genius?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is confronting the prospect that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Sorrowful Story of Youth Destitution
When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and without a home. Even then thought his situation might turn around. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he may hold the key to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.
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