Upon look back on the previous year, a assortment of exceptional feature-length pieces emerges. These accounts probe complex subjects ranging from geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to deeply personal stories.
A Puzzling Author and the Soul of a Nation
An author became known in the post-Soviet era with scathing critiques on authoritarianism. Although several of his literary peers have encountered suppression or fled the country, he continues to move vast numbers of books. It raises a pressing query: Has he turned into an apologist for the establishment?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only path to escape prison was to enlist in the government forces. After fourteen long years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers may still cost him his life.
A Bitter Argument Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally re-writing the narrative of our species. Yet, a faction was in agreement. The ensuing intense argument has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the appalling breadth of abuse it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Unexpected Stance on International Law
A great many supporters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to human rights. But, the performance over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.
Breaking a Country's Identity
A film featuring a remorseful fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with covert recording poses complex queries: Is this person truly a new person, and what are the director's own motives?
A Person Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their most challenging hours, families depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Famous Museum Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, strained funding and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's number one museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Extreme Condition
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an reliable medical remedy – until perhaps now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideology influence the very highest levels of government.
The British Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his sharp intellect and sterling credentials, it's understandable that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Then they began to get suspicious.
A Small State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Capital
An incredibly rich country has risen as a significant player on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. What are driving this ambitious endeavor?
An Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron thrives on the international stage, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to deal with a particular former US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was far from unforeseen.
The Disturbing 1960s Study on Indian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the sixties became public, there was widespread outrage. But the precise truth of what happened remains partially shrouded.
A "Master" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and given away enormous sums of cash to selected participants. But are these productions simply very clever clickbait – or works of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the reality that their islands may in the near future be submerged. The urgent question is: Where are they going to go?
One Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still thought his situation could change for the better. I was tragically wrong.
The Global AI Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he might hold the key to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful stories
