Upon look back on the year gone by, a selection of outstanding feature-length pieces shines. These pieces probe complex topics from political machinations and scientific revelations to deeply human sagas.
The Puzzling Author and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with scathing critiques on power. Whereas several of his writer peers have encountered censorship or left the nation, he continues to move millions of copies. This poses a pressing query: Has he turned into an supporter for the establishment?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only route out of incarceration was to join the regime forces. After fourteen long years, his history as one of Assad's fighters might still get him killed.
The Acrimonious Argument Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was proclaimed as radically re-writing the narrative of our species. However, some scholars was convinced. The resulting intense scholarly debate has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.
The UK Cult That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the appalling scale of abuse it had carried out.
The Leader's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
Numerous supporters expected that the prime minister would renew the the nation's dedication to international law. But, the performance over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Challenging a Nation's Identity
A documentary tracking a remorseful master criminal as she records unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras asks thorny queries: Is this person really changed, and is the filmmaker's true methods?
A Man Who Remediates the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and restored – everything. In their stickiest hours, individuals depend on him to bring back peace.
Will an Renowned Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by colonial controversy, strained finances and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's leading museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it restore its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Extreme Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an consistent medical remedy – until perhaps now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology shape the highest levels of the state.
An English Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his keen intellect and sterling credentials, it's little wonder that affluent clients entrusted him with their assets. Then they started to get wary.
A Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Hub
An extremely rich country has transformed into a major player on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. What are behind this unprecedented endeavor?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world arena, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to manage a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn infant?
The Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was far from unexpected.
A Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties became public, there was immense outrage. But the precise truth of the procedures is still partially contested.
The "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and given away enormous sums of money to selected contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of daring genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's population is facing the reality that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent issue is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Sorrowful Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then thought his situation could improve. I was sadly wrong.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he might possess the key to who wins the global AI race.
The finest narratives
