Upon look back on the year gone by, a curated list of remarkable feature-length stories shines. Such pieces probe intricate topics from geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly personal sagas.
The Puzzling Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
Victor Pelevin became known in the nineties with sharp critiques on autocratic rule. Whereas numerous of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the country, he still sell vast numbers of copies. This poses a pressing query: Has the author become an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole way to escape prison was to enlist in the regime forces. Following 14 years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may now get him killed.
The Bitter Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The finding of fossilised bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was hailed as completely rewriting the story of our human race. Yet, a faction was persuaded. The ensuing heated argument has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the appalling scale of abuse it had carried out.
A Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
A great many supporters anticipated that the prime minister would restore the Britain's dedication to human rights. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A documentary featuring a repentant master criminal as she records corrupt individuals with hidden cameras poses difficult questions: Is she truly changed, and is the director's own methods?
A Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Darkest Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest moments, families depend on him to restore order.
Can an Iconic Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by restitution claims, strained finances and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's number one museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it repair its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Severe Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long lacked an reliable treatment remedy – until potentially now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideology permeate the uppermost echelons of government.
The British Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his keen intellect and impeccable credentials, it's little wonder that affluent individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Until they started to get uneasy.
A Small Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Hub
An extremely rich country has risen as a major force on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most complex conflicts. What are fueling this ambitious project?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely disliked at home, the French leader relishes the world arena, where he projects himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Major Development Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was far from unforeseen.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the sixties became public, there was widespread outrage. But the precise truth of what happened remains partially unclear.
The "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and distributed enormous amounts of cash to selected contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of daring genius?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's population is facing the reality that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The critical question is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Sorrowful Story of Youth Homelessness
When I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still believed his situation could change for the better. I was sadly misplaced.
A International AI Race and a Key Move
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he may hold the key to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.
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