While we look back on the past year, a assortment of remarkable feature-length stories emerges. These narratives probe complex themes from geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to deeply personal sagas.
The Mysterious Writer and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin became known in the 1990s with sharp critiques on authoritarianism. While several of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he still sell vast numbers of books. It raises a key query: Has he become an supporter for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his only way to escape incarceration was to join the government military. After 14 long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might still cost him his life.
The Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The finding of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as radically changing the narrative of our human race. But, not everyone was in agreement. The subsequent heated argument has consumed the careers of researchers ever since.
A British Religious Group That Hid in the Open
One woman was only a child when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped uncover the appalling scale of abuse it had perpetrated.
The Leader's Puzzling Stance on International Law
Numerous followers anticipated that the prime minister would restore the UK's commitment to international law. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been notably ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A film featuring a remorseful con artist as she records unscrupulous clients with covert recording poses difficult questions: Is she truly a new person, and is the director's true intentions?
A Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest hours, individuals rely on him to bring back peace.
Will an Famous Museum Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it repair its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Extreme Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent medical solution – up until possibly now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. Now, his teachings influence the uppermost levels of government.
An English Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his sharp intellect and sterling credentials, it's little wonder that affluent clients trusted him with their assets. Until they started to become suspicious.
A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Mediation Capital
An incredibly rich Gulf state has transformed into a significant player on the world stage, attempting to mediate some of the most intractable conflicts. What are fueling this unprecedented project?
A Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron relishes the world stage, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to deal with a certain former US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn infant?
The Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was far from unforeseen.
A Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a medical study in the sixties came to light, there was immense outrage. But the precise story of the events is still somewhat unclear.
The "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed huge sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these productions simply very savvy entertainment – or works of daring genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the possibility that their home may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent question is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Tragic Case of Childhood Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then believed his life might improve. I was sadly mistaken.
A Global AI Competition and a Key Defection
In 2020, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he could hold the secret to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.
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