As we consider the year gone by, a assortment of outstanding feature-length stories stands out. Such narratives probe complex topics including political machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly human sagas.
A Enigmatic Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country
An author became known in the post-Soviet era with sharp commentaries on power. Although many of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the nation, he continues to move vast numbers of books. This raises a key question: Has the author turned into an defender for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his sole route out of prison was to join the regime forces. After fourteen long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still cost him his life.
The Acrimonious Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was hailed as radically re-writing the story of our human race. But, not everyone was persuaded. The ensuing bitter argument has taken over the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was only a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped expose the appalling breadth of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
Numerous voters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's dedication to international law. But, the record over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Shattering a Nation's Myth
A documentary following a repentant con artist as she records corrupt clients with covert recording raises thorny queries: Is this person truly a new person, and is the director's true methods?
A Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and dealt with – everything. In their stickiest hours, individuals depend on him to restore normalcy.
Can an Famous Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by restitution claims, precarious funding and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's premier museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Extreme Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an effective medical end – until possibly now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideology influence the very highest echelons of government.
The English Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his brilliant mind and sterling reputation, it's no surprise that wealthy clients entrusted him with their assets. Then they began to get suspicious.
A Tiny State That Became the Global Mediation Hub
An extremely rich country has become a key actor on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are behind this ambitious role?
A Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron relishes the world arena, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to manage a particular former American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn infant?
An End of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Widespread 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 far from unexpected.
A Shocking 1960s Study on South Asian Women
When details about a scientific experiment in the sixties came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the precise truth of the events is still partially shrouded.
The "Master" of the Online Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed vast sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the prospect that their homeland may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his life might change for the better. I was devastatingly mistaken.
A Global AI Race and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he could hold the secret to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.
The most impactful stories
