As we consider the past year, a selection of exceptional feature-length stories stands out. Such narratives probe multifaceted topics including political intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly human sagas.
A Puzzling Novelist and the Conscience of a Country
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with biting critiques on authoritarianism. Whereas numerous of his writer peers have faced suppression or left the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. This raises a pertinent question: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his sole way out of prison was to enlist in the government forces. After 14 long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may still get him killed.
The Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The finding of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as radically re-writing the story of our species. But, some scholars was persuaded. The subsequent bitter scholarly debate has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.
The British Cult That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the shocking scale of abuse it had committed.
A Prime Minister's Curious Record on International Law
Numerous voters expected that the prime minister would renew the Britain's commitment to international law. However, the record over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A film tracking a repentant master criminal as she records corrupt clients with covert recording poses thorny queries: Is she genuinely reformed, and is the filmmaker's true intentions?
A Man Who Remediates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – it all. In their stickiest hours, people rely on him to restore order.
Will an Iconic Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's leading cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it repair its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long lacked an consistent treatment end – up until possibly now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his teachings permeate the uppermost echelons of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his sharp intellect and sterling background, it's little wonder that wealthy clients entrusted him with their assets. Then they began to become uneasy.
The Tiny Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Capital
An incredibly rich Gulf state has become a key actor on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are fueling this ambitious endeavor?
A Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader thrives on the world arena, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was far from unforeseen.
The Disturbing 1960s Study on Indian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s became public, there was immense outrage. But the full truth of the procedures is still somewhat shrouded.
The "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's endured a full day in slime, two days buried alive – and given away enormous sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply very clever clickbait – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the reality that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The critical issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Sorrowful Story of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then believed his life might turn around. I was sadly mistaken.
The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he may possess the key to which nation wins the global AI race.
The finest narratives