While we consider the past year, a assortment of outstanding feature-length stories shines. Such narratives probe complex subjects including political intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly human sagas.
A Enigmatic Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the nineties with scathing commentaries on authoritarianism. Whereas numerous of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the country, he continues to move millions of copies. This prompts a pertinent query: Has he become an supporter for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his sole path to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. Following 14 years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could now cost him his life.
A Fierce Argument Over Our Earliest Origins
The discovery of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as completely re-writing the narrative of our human race. However, a faction was in agreement. The subsequent bitter controversy has consumed the careers of scholars ever since.
A British Religious Group That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the appalling extent of mistreatment it had carried out.
A Leader's Puzzling Stance on International Law
Numerous supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the UK's commitment to international law. However, the record over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Myth
A film tracking a repentant con artist as she records unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras poses complex queries: Is this person genuinely reformed, and is the filmmaker's true intentions?
A Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and restored – everything. In their stickiest moments, families turn to him to restore peace.
Will an Renowned Institution Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's leading museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Severe Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long lacked an consistent treatment remedy – up until possibly now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Modern Politics
A militant fanatic and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas influence the uppermost levels of government.
An English Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his brilliant mind and sterling reputation, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their wealth. Then they began to become suspicious.
The Tiny Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Capital
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has risen as a key player on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are behind this ambitious project?
An Inside View at a President Gearing Up for International Battle
Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader relishes the international stage, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to handle a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was far from unexpected.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the sixties became public, there was widespread shock. But the precise truth of what happened is still somewhat shrouded.
The "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and given away enormous amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply very savvy clickbait – or works of daring brilliance?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the possibility that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Tragic Case of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and without a home. Even then believed his situation might turn around. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.
The International AI Competition and a Key Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he could possess the secret to who wins the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful narratives