Upon look back on the previous year, a curated list of exceptional feature-length pieces emerges. These accounts explore intricate topics from political intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly human stories.
A Puzzling Author and the Conscience of a Country
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with sharp satires on autocratic rule. While many of his literary peers have faced censorship or left the country, he still sell millions of copies. This raises a key question: Has he turned into an supporter for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The account of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only path out of incarceration was to join the regime forces. Following fourteen years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may still get him killed.
A Bitter Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The finding of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was hailed as radically rewriting the narrative of our species. But, a faction was convinced. The ensuing intense controversy has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the disturbing extent of mistreatment it had committed.
A Statesman's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Numerous voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's commitment to international law. But, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly mixed.
Challenging a Country's Myth
A film following a repentant fraudster as she ensnares corrupt individuals with covert recording raises difficult queries: Is this person really reformed, and what are the filmmaker's own methods?
A Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – it all. In their most challenging moments, families depend on him to bring back order.
Can an Famous Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's number one museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Extreme Condition
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an reliable medical remedy – up until potentially now.
The Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideas shape the very highest echelons of the state.
An English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his sharp mind and sterling background, it's little wonder that affluent individuals trusted him with their wealth. Until they started to become suspicious.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Capital
An astonishingly wealthy country has risen as a key player on the international scene, striving to solve some of the most complex conflicts. What are behind this ambitious project?
An Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Extremely disliked at home, President Macron enjoys the world arena, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to manage a certain sitting US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The Dismantling of a Global Aid Organization: Not Universal Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was far from unforeseen.
A Disturbing 1960s Study on Indian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was immense anxiety. But the full truth of the events is still somewhat contested.
A "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and given away vast sums of cash to selected participants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of daring brilliance?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is confronting the reality that their home may soon cease to exist. The urgent question is: To where are they going to go?
A Tragic Story of Youth Homelessness
As I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still thought his situation might change for the better. I was sadly wrong.
A International AI Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he could hold the answers to which nation wins the global AI race.
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