As we reflect on the year gone by, a selection of outstanding feature-length pieces stands out. Such pieces probe intricate themes ranging from political machinations and historical revelations to profoundly human stories.
A Mysterious Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin became known in the post-Soviet era with biting satires on autocratic rule. Although numerous of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or left the nation, he still sell millions of books. This poses a key question: Has the author evolved into an defender for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his only way out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. After 14 years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might now cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Feud Over Our Earliest Origins
The finding of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was hailed as radically re-writing the narrative of our human race. Yet, a faction was convinced. The subsequent intense argument has consumed the careers of researchers ever since.
A UK Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was just a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the appalling extent of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
A Leader's Curious Stance on Human Rights
A great many followers expected that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to human rights. However, the performance over the first year in office has been notably inconsistent.
Shattering a Nation's Myth
A documentary featuring a remorseful con artist as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras asks complex queries: Is she truly a new person, and is the filmmaker's own intentions?
A Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their stickiest moments, people rely on him to bring back peace.
Will an Famous Museum Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by restitution claims, strained funding and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an reliable treatment remedy – until perhaps now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideas shape the highest levels of government.
An British Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his keen mind and flawless reputation, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Until they began to get uneasy.
The Tiny Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Center
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has become a major force on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most long-standing disputes. What are behind this unprecedented role?
An Inside View at a President Preparing for Global Summitry
Extremely disliked at domestically, President Macron relishes the international arena, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a particular former US president. Seven years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Not Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was far from unforeseen.
The Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties came to light, there was immense shock. But the exact story of the events remains partially shrouded.
The "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and given away huge sums of money to selected contestants. But are these videos simply very clever entertainment – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the prospect that their home may soon be submerged. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Tragic Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then hoped his situation could improve. That hope was sadly mistaken.
A Global AI Race and a Crucial 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. Today, he may possess the secret to who wins the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful narratives
