While we consider the past year, a selection of outstanding feature-length stories stands out. Such accounts probe complex subjects from political intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly personal sagas.
A Enigmatic Novelist and the Soul of a Nation
Victor Pelevin became known in the 1990s with scathing commentaries on autocratic rule. Although many of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the country, he continues to move millions of books. This prompts a pressing query: Has the author turned into an supporter for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his sole way to escape prison was to enlist in the government military. Following 14 long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may now get him killed.
The Fierce Feud Over Our Earliest Origins
The finding of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as completely changing the story of our species. Yet, not everyone was in agreement. The subsequent heated controversy has dominated the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Sect That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped expose the appalling extent of exploitation it had carried out.
A Leader's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
A great many followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's dedication to international law. However, the performance over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A documentary following a repentant master criminal as she records corrupt clients with covert recording raises difficult queries: Is this person truly reformed, and is the filmmaker's own intentions?
The Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – everything. In their most challenging moments, individuals depend on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Famous Museum Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's premier museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Extreme Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an consistent medical end – until possibly now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his teachings influence the highest levels of government.
An English Professional With a Crooked Side
With his keen intellect and sterling credentials, it's understandable that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Then they started to get uneasy.
A Tiny Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Capital
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has become a significant actor on the international scene, striving to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are fueling this unprecedented role?
A Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Extremely disliked at home, President Macron thrives on the world arena, where he projects himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a certain former US president. Seven years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case
What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.
A Unethical 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a medical study in the 1960s became public, there was widespread shock. But the exact truth of the events is still somewhat shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and showered vast amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these videos simply very clever entertainment – or acts of daring genius?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the reality that their home may in the near future become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Destitution
When I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still believed his situation could improve. I was sadly wrong.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he may hold the key to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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