While we reflect on the past year, a selection of exceptional feature-length stories stands out. Such pieces probe multifaceted topics including political intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly personal stories.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Conscience of a Country
An author gained prominence in the 1990s with sharp critiques on authoritarianism. While numerous of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. It prompts a key query: Has he become an defender for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his sole path out of prison was to join the regime military. After fourteen years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could still get him killed.
A Fierce Feud Over Our Ancient Origins
The finding of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally rewriting the story of our species. However, some scholars was convinced. The subsequent intense controversy has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
The British Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was only a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the appalling extent of exploitation it had committed.
The Statesman's Curious Record on Human Rights
A great many voters anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to human rights. However, the record over the first year in office has been notably inconsistent.
Shattering a Nation's Myth
A film tracking a remorseful master criminal as she ensnares corrupt clients with covert recording asks thorny questions: Is this person genuinely changed, and what are the director's own methods?
A Man Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and restored – it all. In their darkest moments, people depend on him to bring back peace.
Will an Renowned Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an effective treatment solution – up until potentially now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his teachings shape the highest echelons of the state.
The British Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his brilliant intellect and sterling reputation, it's understandable that affluent individuals entrusted him with their assets. Then they began to get uneasy.
A Tiny State That Became the Global Mediation Capital
An incredibly wealthy country has risen as a significant force on the international scene, striving to solve some of the most complex disputes. What are fueling this ambitious endeavor?
A Inside View at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader enjoys the international stage, where he presents himself as the leader most equipped to handle a particular former US president. Seven years after their previous encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Trial of a Tragic Story
How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was not unforeseen.
The Shocking 1960s Study on Indian Women
When details about a scientific experiment in the sixties became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the precise truth of what happened remains partially contested.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and given away huge amounts of money to selected participants. But are these videos simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's people is confronting the reality that their islands may soon cease to exist. The critical issue is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Tragic Story of Youth Homelessness
When I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then believed his situation might turn around. I was tragically wrong.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he could possess the secret to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
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