Upon look back on the previous year, a curated list of outstanding feature-length pieces shines. These narratives delve into complex topics including political machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly human journeys.
A Mysterious Writer and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the nineties with scathing satires on authoritarianism. While many of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the country, he still sell millions of books. It poses a key question: Has the author evolved into an defender for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The account of a young man, who at 18 was told that his sole route to escape incarceration was to join the government forces. Following 14 years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may still get him killed.
A Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was hailed as completely re-writing the narrative of our species. Yet, not everyone was persuaded. The resulting heated scholarly debate has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.
The British Cult That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the disturbing extent of exploitation it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on International Law
A great many followers expected 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 Nation's Self-Image
A film following a repentant fraudster as she ensnares corrupt clients with covert recording poses difficult queries: Is she genuinely changed, and what are the director's own methods?
The Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – everything. In their stickiest hours, people depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Renowned Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by restitution claims, difficult finances and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long lacked an reliable treatment remedy – up until potentially now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his teachings permeate the uppermost levels of government.
The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen mind and sterling background, it's no surprise that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Until they started to become suspicious.
A Small State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Capital
An incredibly wealthy country has transformed into a major force on the world stage, attempting to mediate some of the most intractable disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented project?
A Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry
Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader enjoys the international stage, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to manage a particular former US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was far from unforeseen.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the sixties became public, there was immense outrage. But the full story of the procedures remains somewhat unclear.
A "Master" of the Online Age
He's endured a full day in slime, two days buried alive – and showered enormous amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is facing the prospect that their islands may soon be submerged. The pressing question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Tragic Story of Youth Homelessness
As I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still thought his situation might change for the better. I was tragically wrong.
A International AI Competition and a Key Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he might hold the answers to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
The most impactful stories
