As we consider the previous year, a selection of remarkable feature-length pieces stands out. These accounts delve into intricate themes from political intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly human stories.
The Mysterious Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
An author rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with biting critiques on power. Whereas several of his writer peers have faced suppression or left the nation, he still sell millions of copies. It prompts a key query: Has he turned into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole route out of prison was to join the government military. Following fourteen long years, his past as one of Assad's fighters could still get him killed.
A Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally changing the story of our human race. Yet, some scholars was convinced. The subsequent intense controversy has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.
A British Religious Group That Operated in the Open
One woman was just a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the appalling extent of exploitation it had carried out.
A Leader's Unexpected Stance on International Law
Numerous followers anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's dedication to international law. However, the track record over the past year has been curiously mixed.
Shattering a Country's Myth
A documentary featuring a repentant fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras raises difficult questions: Is she genuinely a new person, and what are the filmmaker's own intentions?
The Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their most challenging hours, people depend on him to bring back peace.
Can an Famous Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, strained finances and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it restore its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an consistent medical end – until perhaps now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Modern Politics
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings influence the highest echelons of the state.
The British Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his keen intellect and sterling credentials, it's understandable that wealthy individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to get suspicious.
A Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Hub
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has become a key player on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are driving this ambitious endeavor?
An Close-Up View at a President Preparing for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron thrives on the international arena, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to handle a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Universal Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a scientific study in the sixties became public, there was widespread outrage. But the exact truth of the procedures remains somewhat shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Online Age
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and showered vast sums of money to selected participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's population is grappling with the prospect that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The pressing question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Tragic Story of Youth Homelessness
As I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still believed his life could turn around. I was tragically wrong.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he may possess the key to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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