As we consider the past year, a assortment of outstanding feature-length pieces emerges. Such narratives explore complex subjects including political intrigue and scientific discoveries to deeply human sagas.
A Enigmatic Author and the Conscience of a Nation
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the 1990s with sharp commentaries on authoritarianism. While many of his literary peers have faced suppression or left the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. It raises a pertinent query: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only way out of prison was to enlist in the regime forces. Following fourteen years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might now cost him his life.
A Bitter Feud Over Our Ancient Origins
The discovery of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally rewriting the story of our human race. However, not everyone was persuaded. The resulting bitter controversy has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Cult That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped expose the shocking extent of mistreatment it had carried out.
The Leader's Curious Record on Human Rights
Many supporters anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the UK's dedication to human rights. Yet, the record over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Shattering a Nation's Identity
A film tracking a remorseful con artist as she records corrupt clients with covert recording raises difficult queries: Is this person really a new person, and what are the director's true intentions?
A Person Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest times, people rely on him to restore peace.
Can an Renowned Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, difficult finances and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it repair its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an reliable treatment end – up until perhaps now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas influence the uppermost levels of government.
The British Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his sharp mind and sterling credentials, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their assets. Then they started to become suspicious.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Center
An extremely rich Gulf state has transformed into a significant actor on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most intractable conflicts. What are behind this ambitious project?
A Inside View at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world arena, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to handle a certain former US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?
The End of a Global Development Organization: Far From Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was far from unforeseen.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the 1960s became public, there was immense anxiety. But the precise nature of the events remains somewhat shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed enormous sums of cash to selected participants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the possibility that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The critical issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Sorrowful Case of Childhood Homelessness
As I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still thought his life might improve. That hope was sadly misplaced.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Today, he could possess the secret to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
The most impactful stories
