As we reflect on the previous year, a curated list of outstanding feature-length pieces shines. These narratives delve into complex themes from geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly human journeys.
The Mysterious Writer and the Soul of a Nation
Victor Pelevin became known in the nineties with biting satires on authoritarianism. Whereas many of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or left the country, he continues to move millions of books. This prompts a key question: Has he become an supporter for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his only way to escape prison was to enlist in the government forces. After fourteen long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might still put him in mortal danger.
The Acrimonious Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally rewriting the history of our species. However, some scholars was persuaded. The ensuing bitter scholarly debate has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
The British Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the disturbing scale of mistreatment it had carried out.
A Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
Numerous voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's dedication to international law. But, the track record over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary featuring a repentant master criminal as she records corrupt clients with hidden cameras poses difficult queries: Is this person really a new person, and what are the filmmaker's true intentions?
The Man Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – everything. In their stickiest moments, families depend on him to restore order.
Will an Famous Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, strained funding and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's number one cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it repair its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Suffering 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 reliable treatment end – up until potentially now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideas shape the uppermost echelons of the state.
The English Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his keen intellect and flawless reputation, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals trusted him with their assets. Then they began to get suspicious.
A Tiny State That Became the Global Diplomatic Capital
An incredibly rich country has become a significant force on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most intractable disputes. What are behind this unprecedented role?
An Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron relishes the international arena, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to manage a certain former US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with killing their newborn baby?
The Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Far From Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was far from unexpected.
A Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a medical study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread shock. But the exact story of the events is still somewhat contested.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and showered enormous amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is confronting the reality that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: To where are they supposed to go?
One Heartbreaking Case of Youth Homelessness
As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still thought his life might improve. That hope was tragically misplaced.
A International AI Competition and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he could hold the key to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
The finest narratives
