As we reflect on the past year, a curated list of remarkable feature-length stories shines. These accounts probe multifaceted subjects including political machinations and historical revelations to profoundly personal journeys.
The Mysterious Writer and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with scathing critiques on power. Whereas several of his literary peers have encountered censorship or left the country, he continues to sell millions of copies. This prompts a key question: Has he turned into an defender for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his only path out of prison was to enlist in the government forces. Following 14 long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might still get him killed.
A Acrimonious Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The discovery of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally rewriting the history of our human race. Yet, not everyone was in agreement. The subsequent heated controversy has consumed the careers of researchers ever since.
The UK Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was only a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped reveal the shocking scale of abuse it had committed.
The Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
Numerous voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's commitment to international law. Yet, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly mixed.
Shattering a Nation's Identity
A film featuring a remorseful fraudster as she records corrupt individuals with covert recording poses thorny questions: Is this person truly reformed, and is the filmmaker's true methods?
The Person Who Remediates Britain's Darkest Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest hours, individuals depend on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Renowned Museum Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's number one museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it restore its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an effective medical remedy – until possibly now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings influence the very highest levels of government.
The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his keen intellect and impeccable credentials, it's no surprise that affluent clients trusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to get suspicious.
A Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Capital
An extremely wealthy country has risen as a major player on the international scene, attempting to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are fueling this ambitious role?
An Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for International Summitry
Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader thrives on the international arena, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to manage a particular former US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer joined him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was far from unforeseen.
A Shocking Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense anxiety. But the full nature of the events remains somewhat contested.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and given away huge sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is facing the prospect that their home may soon cease to exist. The urgent issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
A Tragic Case of Childhood Homelessness
When I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still believed his situation could improve. That hope was devastatingly wrong.
The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he could possess the secret to who wins the global technological rivalry.
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