While we look back on the past year, a curated list of remarkable feature-length stories stands out. These pieces probe intricate themes ranging from political machinations and scientific revelations to deeply personal stories.
A Mysterious Writer and the Conscience of a Country
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the nineties with scathing satires on autocratic rule. Whereas many of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the country, he still move millions of copies. It prompts a pressing question: Has he evolved into an supporter for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole way out of prison was to enlist in the government forces. After fourteen years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might now get him killed.
The Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was heralded as completely re-writing the history of our species. However, some scholars was convinced. The resulting intense controversy has consumed the careers of scholars ever since.
The British Religious Group That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the disturbing breadth of abuse it had carried out.
The Leader's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
A great many voters expected that the prime minister would reaffirm the UK's commitment to international law. But, the track record over the past year has been notably ambiguous.
Breaking a Nation's Identity
A film featuring a repentant fraudster as she ensnares corrupt clients with hidden cameras asks thorny questions: Is this person genuinely a new person, and is the filmmaker's own methods?
A Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest hours, people rely on him to restore order.
Will an Renowned Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, strained finances and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's number one museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it salvage its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an effective treatment solution – until potentially now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideas shape the very highest levels of the state.
An English Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his brilliant intellect and impeccable reputation, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their assets. Then they began to get uneasy.
A Small State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a significant player on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are driving this ambitious endeavor?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely disliked at home, President Macron enjoys the international arena, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to deal with a certain sitting US president. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn baby?
An End of a Global Development Organization: Not Universal Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was not unexpected.
The Shocking Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women
When details about a scientific study in the 1960s came to light, there was immense shock. But the exact truth of the events remains somewhat unclear.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and showered huge amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these videos simply very clever entertainment – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is confronting the possibility that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
One Sorrowful Case of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still believed his life could change for the better. I was sadly mistaken.
The Global AI Competition and a Key Move
In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he could possess the secret to who wins the worldwide AI race.
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