While we look back on the past year, a selection of outstanding feature-length stories shines. Such narratives probe intricate themes including geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to deeply personal stories.
The Mysterious Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the 1990s with sharp critiques on power. Whereas many of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or left the nation, he continues to move millions of copies. It prompts a pressing question: Has the author turned into an defender for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only path to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. Following fourteen long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers could still cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Argument Over Our Earliest Origins
The finding of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was proclaimed as completely rewriting the narrative of our human race. However, a faction was convinced. The subsequent heated scholarly debate has consumed the careers of scholars ever since.
The British Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was just a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped reveal the shocking scale of exploitation it had carried out.
A Statesman's Curious Stance on Human Rights
A great many voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's dedication to human rights. However, the record over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Breaking a Country's Self-Image
A documentary featuring a repentant con artist as she records corrupt individuals with covert recording poses complex questions: Is she genuinely a new person, and is the filmmaker's own motives?
A Man Who Remediates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging times, individuals depend on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Iconic Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, strained finances and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's number one cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it salvage its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an consistent treatment remedy – up until possibly now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings influence the highest echelons of the state.
An British Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his keen mind and flawless credentials, it's no surprise that wealthy clients trusted him with their wealth. Then they started to become suspicious.
The Tiny Nation That Became the World's Mediation Hub
An extremely rich Gulf state has transformed into a major player on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. What are driving this unprecedented project?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry
Extremely disliked at domestically, President Macron relishes the world arena, where he positions himself as the leader most equipped to manage a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Universal Regret
When actions were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was far from unforeseen.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a medical study in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the full truth of the procedures is still somewhat unclear.
The "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and distributed huge sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply very clever clickbait – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is confronting the reality that their home may in the near future become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Sorrowful Story of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his life might turn around. That hope was sadly misplaced.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after living decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he may possess the answers to who wins the worldwide AI race.
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