As we reflect on the previous year, a curated list of remarkable feature-length pieces stands out. Such pieces explore complex subjects including political intrigue and scientific discoveries to deeply human stories.
The Mysterious Novelist and the Soul of a Nation
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the nineties with scathing satires on power. Whereas many of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he still sell millions of copies. This poses a key query: Has he become an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The story of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole way to escape incarceration was to join the regime forces. After 14 long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might now get him killed.
The Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was heralded as radically changing the narrative of our species. But, some scholars was in agreement. The ensuing bitter argument has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.
The 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 helped reveal the appalling breadth of mistreatment it had carried out.
A Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on International Law
A great many supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's commitment to human rights. But, the track record over the first year in office has been notably ambiguous.
Breaking a Nation's Myth
A documentary tracking a repentant master criminal as she records unscrupulous individuals with covert recording asks difficult questions: Is she really a new person, and is the director's own intentions?
A Man Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – it all. In their most challenging hours, people depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Iconic Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, difficult funding and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's leading cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Extreme Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment remedy – up until potentially now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings influence the very highest levels of government.
An English Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his keen mind and flawless background, it's no surprise that affluent individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Until they started to get suspicious.
A Tiny State That Became the Global Mediation Center
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has become a major player on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most intractable conflicts. What are behind this unprecedented endeavor?
An Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely disliked at home, President Macron enjoys the international stage, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to deal with a particular sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
The End of a Global Development Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was far from unforeseen.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Study on Indian Mothers
When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties came to light, there was immense shock. But the exact truth of the events remains somewhat contested.
A "Genius" of the Online Age
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed vast amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these videos simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's population is confronting the prospect that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The critical issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Sorrowful Story of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still thought his life could turn around. I was tragically wrong.
The Global AI Race and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he may hold the answers to who prevails in the global AI race.
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