As we look back on the past year, a assortment of outstanding feature-length stories stands out. Such pieces probe intricate themes including geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to deeply human journeys.
The Mysterious Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
Victor Pelevin became known in the nineties with sharp satires on authoritarianism. While numerous of his writer peers have faced suppression or fled the nation, he still sell millions of books. It raises a pressing question: Has he become an supporter for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole route out of prison was to enlist in the government forces. Following 14 long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still get him killed.
A Fierce Argument Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally rewriting the narrative of our species. Yet, a faction was convinced. The resulting intense controversy has dominated the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Religious Group That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the shocking scale of mistreatment it had carried out.
A Leader's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
Numerous supporters anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to international law. However, the track record over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.
Shattering a Nation's Myth
A documentary featuring a remorseful master criminal as she records unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras asks complex questions: Is this person really changed, and what are the filmmaker's true motives?
A Man Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest times, families rely on him to bring back order.
Can an Iconic Museum Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, strained finances and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's premier museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Severe Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has long lacked an reliable medical end – until potentially now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings permeate the uppermost echelons of government.
The English Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his sharp mind and sterling credentials, it's understandable that affluent individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Then they began to become suspicious.
A Small State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Center
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a key actor on the international scene, striving to solve some of the most intractable conflicts. What are behind this unprecedented project?
A Close-Up View at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron thrives on the world stage, where he positions himself as the leader most equipped to handle a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Case
How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their newborn infant?
An End of a Major Aid Agency: Far From Universal Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was not unforeseen.
The Disturbing 1960s Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a medical study in the 1960s became public, there was immense anxiety. But the precise truth of the events remains somewhat shrouded.
The "Master" of the Online Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and given away vast sums of money to selected contestants. But are these videos simply very savvy clickbait – or works of daring brilliance?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the possibility that their islands may in the near future be submerged. The urgent question is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Tragic Story of Childhood Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still hoped his life might change for the better. I was tragically wrong.
The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he could possess the answers to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.
The finest narratives
