As we look back on the past year, a selection of remarkable feature-length stories emerges. Such narratives explore complex subjects including political intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly personal stories.
A Puzzling Author and the Soul of a Nation
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the 1990s with scathing commentaries on authoritarianism. Whereas many of his writer peers have encountered censorship or left the country, he continues to move millions of books. This prompts a pressing query: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only path to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government military. After 14 years, his history as one of Assad's fighters might now get him killed.
The Acrimonious Feud Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The finding of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely re-writing the history of our species. But, some scholars was in agreement. The subsequent intense controversy has dominated the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped reveal the appalling breadth of mistreatment it had carried out.
The Leader's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
Many followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's commitment to international law. However, the track record over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.
Challenging a Nation's Myth
A documentary following a repentant con artist as she records unscrupulous individuals with covert recording asks thorny questions: Is this person truly changed, and is the director's own methods?
The Person Who Cleans Britain's Darkest Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging hours, families depend on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Famous Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an effective treatment solution – up until perhaps now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his teachings permeate the uppermost levels of the state.
The British Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his keen intellect and flawless background, it's little wonder that affluent individuals trusted him with their wealth. Then they began to become wary.
A Small Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Center
An incredibly rich Gulf state has transformed into a major force on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. What are driving this ambitious role?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron thrives on the international stage, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to manage a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for battle.
Inside 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, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
An End of a Major Development Organization: Far From Widespread Regret
When actions were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was not unforeseen.
A Shocking 1960s Study on Indian Mothers
When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s became public, there was immense outrage. But the precise truth of the events remains partially unclear.
A "Genius" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and given away vast sums of money to lucky participants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the possibility that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The pressing issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
A Tragic Case of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still believed his situation could improve. I was sadly mistaken.
The International AI Race and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he might possess the key to who wins the worldwide AI race.
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