While we reflect on the past year, a selection of exceptional feature-length pieces stands out. These pieces probe intricate subjects from political machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply human stories.
The Enigmatic Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with biting commentaries on autocratic rule. Although many of his writer peers have encountered suppression or fled the country, he continues to move millions of books. This poses a key query: Has he become an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole path to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. Following 14 long years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers might still cost him his life.
The Bitter Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was heralded as completely changing the history of our human race. Yet, a faction was persuaded. The resulting intense argument has consumed the careers of researchers ever since.
The British Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was just a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the appalling breadth of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
The Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Many voters anticipated that the prime minister would renew the UK's dedication to human rights. Yet, the record over the past year has been notably ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Myth
A film featuring a repentant fraudster as she ensnares corrupt individuals with covert recording asks complex queries: Is this person really a new person, and what are the filmmaker's own intentions?
The Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their most challenging hours, people turn to him to bring back order.
Can an Renowned Museum Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, difficult funding and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's leading museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long lacked an consistent treatment remedy – until possibly now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideology permeate the very highest levels of government.
The English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his brilliant mind and flawless reputation, it's no surprise that affluent individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to get uneasy.
The Tiny Nation That Became the World's Mediation Hub
An extremely wealthy country has become a significant force on the international scene, striving to solve some of the most intractable disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented role?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader enjoys the international arena, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?
The End of a Major Aid Organization: Not Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was not unforeseen.
A Unethical 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact truth of the procedures remains somewhat contested.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and distributed huge sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the reality that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The urgent question is: To where are they going to go?
A Heartbreaking Story of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still thought his life could improve. I was tragically misplaced.
The International AI Race and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he may hold the key to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.
The finest narratives
