As we look back on the year gone by, a selection of remarkable feature-length stories stands out. Such accounts explore intricate themes including geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to deeply human stories.
A Mysterious Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the nineties with scathing satires on power. Whereas many of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or left the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. It raises a key question: Has he evolved into an apologist for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his sole path out of incarceration was to join the government forces. After 14 years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins
The finding of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was hailed as completely rewriting the history of our species. Yet, a faction was convinced. The resulting bitter controversy has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
The UK Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the shocking extent of abuse it had committed.
A Statesman's Curious Stance on Human Rights
Many voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's dedication to international law. But, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously mixed.
Shattering a Country's Self-Image
A documentary following a remorseful fraudster as she sets up corrupt individuals with hidden cameras poses complex questions: Is she genuinely reformed, and what are the filmmaker's true intentions?
A Person Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest hours, families depend on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Iconic Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, strained funding and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it repair its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an reliable treatment end – up until possibly now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideas shape the highest echelons of government.
An English Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp mind and flawless reputation, it's little wonder that wealthy clients trusted him with their wealth. Until they began to become wary.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Center
An extremely rich Gulf state has become a major actor on the international scene, working to mediate some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are driving this unprecedented endeavor?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader thrives on the world arena, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a particular former US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Case
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Universal Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was far from unexpected.
The Shocking 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the sixties became public, there was widespread outrage. But the precise story of what happened remains somewhat shrouded.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and showered vast sums of cash to selected participants. But are these stunts simply very clever clickbait – or acts of artistic genius?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is facing the prospect that their home may soon cease to exist. The urgent question is: Where are they going to go?
One Sorrowful Case of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still hoped his situation could turn around. I was tragically misplaced.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he may hold the secret to who prevails in the global AI race.
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