As we reflect on the year gone by, a selection of remarkable feature-length pieces emerges. Such pieces delve into multifaceted themes ranging from geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly personal stories.
The Enigmatic Novelist and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the nineties with scathing satires on autocratic rule. Although numerous of his literary peers have encountered suppression or fled the country, he still sell millions of books. It raises a pressing query: Has he evolved into an apologist for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his sole way out of incarceration was to enlist in the government military. After 14 years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers might now cost him his life.
The Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The finding of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was heralded as radically re-writing the story of our human race. But, a faction was convinced. The subsequent heated scholarly debate has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.
A British Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was only a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the disturbing breadth of exploitation it had committed.
A Leader's Puzzling Stance on International Law
Numerous supporters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's dedication to human rights. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.
Breaking a Country's Myth
A film following a remorseful con artist as she records corrupt clients with covert recording raises complex queries: Is she genuinely reformed, and what are the director's true methods?
The Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest moments, individuals rely on him to restore order.
Can an Famous Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, strained finances and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's number one cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it restore its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Severe Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an consistent medical remedy – up until potentially now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideology shape the very highest levels of government.
An British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his brilliant intellect and impeccable background, it's little wonder that affluent clients trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become suspicious.
The Small Nation That Became the Global Mediation Hub
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has become a major player on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are behind this ambitious endeavor?
An Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron enjoys the world stage, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to handle a certain former US president. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn baby?
The End of a Global Development Agency: Not Universal Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was far from unexpected.
The Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women
When details about a scientific experiment in the sixties came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the exact truth of the procedures remains somewhat contested.
A "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and given away vast amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these videos simply very clever entertainment – or acts of avant garde genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the prospect that their islands may soon cease to exist. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Case of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still believed his situation might improve. I was tragically mistaken.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he may hold the key to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
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