Upon reflect on the previous year, a curated list of remarkable feature-length pieces stands out. Such pieces explore complex topics ranging from geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly personal stories.
The Enigmatic Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the nineties with biting satires on power. Although several of his literary peers have faced censorship or fled the nation, he still sell millions of copies. It prompts a pertinent query: Has he evolved into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his sole path out of incarceration was to join the government military. Following fourteen years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters could now get him killed.
A Bitter Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely re-writing the history of our species. However, a faction was convinced. The resulting heated scholarly debate has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.
A British Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the appalling scale of abuse it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
A great many voters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's dedication to human rights. Yet, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Myth
A documentary tracking a repentant con artist as she sets up corrupt clients with covert recording asks thorny questions: Is this person truly changed, and is the director's true intentions?
The Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and restored – everything. In their darkest times, families rely on him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Famous Museum Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by restitution claims, precarious funding and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's leading museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it restore its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an effective medical remedy – until perhaps now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideas permeate the uppermost levels of government.
An English Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his brilliant mind and flawless credentials, it's no surprise that wealthy clients entrusted him with their wealth. Then they started to get suspicious.
A Tiny Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly rich country has transformed into a key player on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. What are driving this unprecedented role?
An Inside View at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron thrives on the world arena, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their previous encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their newborn infant?
The Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Not Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was not unexpected.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When information about a medical study in the 1960s became public, there was widespread outrage. But the full nature of the procedures remains partially shrouded.
A "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and given away huge amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the reality that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The urgent issue is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Tragic Story of Youth Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still believed his life might turn around. I was sadly mistaken.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he may possess the answers to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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