Upon consider the year gone by, a curated list of outstanding feature-length pieces emerges. These narratives probe intricate topics ranging from political machinations and historical discoveries to deeply personal journeys.
A Mysterious Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the nineties with biting commentaries on authoritarianism. While many of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or left the country, he continues to move vast numbers of books. This raises a key question: Has he evolved into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The account of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his sole path to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. Following 14 years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still put him in mortal danger.
The Bitter Dispute Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The finding of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was heralded as radically changing the narrative of our human race. But, not everyone was in agreement. The resulting bitter argument has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was just a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the shocking breadth of abuse it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
Many supporters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's dedication to international law. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A documentary following a remorseful fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras asks difficult queries: Is this person really changed, and what are the filmmaker's own methods?
The Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest moments, families depend on him to restore order.
Can an Famous Institution Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's number one museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an effective medical solution – up until potentially now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. Today, his teachings shape the highest echelons of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen intellect and flawless background, it's no surprise that wealthy clients entrusted him with their wealth. Then they began to become wary.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Hub
An astonishingly wealthy country has become a key force on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are driving this ambitious project?
A Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for International Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron thrives on the international arena, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to handle a certain former US president. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Trial of a Tragic Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Not Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was far from unexpected.
The Unethical 1960s Experiment on Indian Women
When details about a scientific experiment in the sixties became public, there was widespread shock. But the precise truth of what happened is still partially shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and distributed huge sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of artistic genius?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is confronting the reality that their islands may soon be submerged. The urgent issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Story of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still believed his life could improve. That hope was sadly misplaced.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he could hold the answers to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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