Upon look back on the past year, a selection of exceptional feature-length stories shines. These pieces probe intricate topics ranging from political intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply personal journeys.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Soul of a Country
An author gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with biting critiques on authoritarianism. Although several of his literary peers have encountered censorship or left the country, he still sell vast numbers of copies. This prompts a pertinent question: Has the author become an supporter for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his only way out of incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. After fourteen years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters might still put him in mortal danger.
The Acrimonious Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The discovery of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely rewriting the history of our human race. However, not everyone was convinced. The ensuing intense scholarly debate has consumed the careers of scholars ever since.
The British Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped expose the appalling extent of mistreatment it had committed.
The Statesman's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
Numerous followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's commitment to human rights. However, the record over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A documentary tracking a remorseful con artist as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras asks thorny queries: Is this person really changed, and is the director's own intentions?
The Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – everything. In their most challenging moments, people rely on him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Iconic Museum Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, precarious finances and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's number one museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has long lacked an consistent medical end – up until possibly now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideology shape the highest echelons of government.
An English Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his keen intellect and impeccable credentials, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their wealth. Then they started to become uneasy.
A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Hub
An incredibly rich country has become a key force on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are driving this unprecedented role?
An Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for International Battle
Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader relishes the international stage, where he presents himself as the leader most equipped to manage a particular former American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Trial of a Tragic Case
What led to the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Major Aid Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When actions were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was not unforeseen.
The Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a medical study in the 1960s came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the full nature of what happened remains somewhat shrouded.
The "Master" of the Online Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and distributed huge sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply very clever clickbait – or works of daring genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the reality that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Sorrowful Story of Childhood Destitution
As I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still hoped his situation could change for the better. I was sadly wrong.
A International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he may hold the secret to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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