As we reflect on the year gone by, a assortment of outstanding feature-length pieces stands out. These narratives delve into complex themes including political intrigue and scientific discoveries to deeply personal stories.
The Enigmatic Novelist and the Conscience of a Country
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the nineties with sharp satires on authoritarianism. Whereas several of his literary peers have encountered suppression or left the nation, he still move vast numbers of books. This poses a pressing query: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his sole route to escape prison was to join the government military. Following 14 long years, his history as one of Assad's fighters may still cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Argument Over Our Ancient Origins
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally changing the story of our human race. Yet, a faction was persuaded. The ensuing bitter scholarly debate has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
A UK Sect That Operated in the Open
One woman was only a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the shocking breadth of exploitation it had carried out.
A Prime Minister's Curious Stance on Human Rights
A great many voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to international law. Yet, the track record over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A film following a repentant fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras raises complex queries: Is she genuinely a new person, and what are the filmmaker's own motives?
The Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their stickiest times, people depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Iconic Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it salvage its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an reliable medical solution – up until potentially now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideology permeate the very highest levels of the state.
An British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his brilliant intellect and sterling background, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their assets. Until they began to become uneasy.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Capital
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has become a major force on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are driving this unprecedented project?
A Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron thrives on the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to handle a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
An End of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was not unforeseen.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the exact story of what happened remains somewhat shrouded.
The "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and given away enormous sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is confronting the prospect that their home may in the near future be submerged. The pressing issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Sorrowful Story of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still believed his situation might change for the better. That hope was tragically wrong.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he may hold the key to who wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
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