While we look back on the previous year, a selection of exceptional feature-length pieces emerges. Such narratives delve into multifaceted themes including geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly personal stories.
A Mysterious Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
A certain Russian novelist became known in the 1990s with scathing satires on authoritarianism. Although many of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the nation, he still move vast numbers of books. This prompts a key query: Has the author turned into an supporter for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only way to escape incarceration was to join the regime military. Following 14 long years, his history as one of Assad's fighters could still get him killed.
A Bitter Argument Over Our Ancient Origins
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was heralded as completely changing the history of our species. However, a faction was in agreement. The resulting bitter controversy has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the disturbing breadth of abuse it had carried out.
The Leader's Curious Record on International Law
Many followers hoped that the prime minister would restore the Britain's dedication to international law. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.
Shattering a Nation's Myth
A documentary featuring a repentant con artist as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras raises complex queries: Is she really reformed, and is the director's true methods?
A Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest hours, families rely on him to bring back order.
Will an Iconic Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, strained finances and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's number one cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it repair its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Severe Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an reliable treatment remedy – until possibly now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. Now, his ideas shape the highest echelons of government.
An British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp intellect and sterling background, it's understandable that affluent individuals trusted him with their wealth. Then they began to become suspicious.
A Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Hub
An astonishingly rich country has become a significant force on the international scene, attempting to mediate some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are fueling this ambitious role?
An Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to handle a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Global Development Agency: Not Universal Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was far from unexpected.
The Unethical 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific experiment in the 1960s became public, there was widespread outrage. But the full nature of the procedures is still partially contested.
A "Genius" of the Online Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and distributed huge amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of daring brilliance?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the reality that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The urgent question is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Sorrowful Story of Childhood Destitution
As I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still hoped his life might improve. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he may hold the key to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
The most impactful stories
