Upon look back on the previous year, a assortment of exceptional feature-length stories shines. Such narratives probe multifaceted subjects from geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to deeply human sagas.
A Enigmatic Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the nineties with sharp critiques on power. Whereas many of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the nation, he continues to move vast numbers of copies. It prompts a pertinent question: Has he turned into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole way out of incarceration was to enlist in the government military. Following 14 years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers may still put him in mortal danger.
The Acrimonious Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The finding of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally re-writing the narrative of our human race. But, not everyone was convinced. The subsequent intense argument has consumed the careers of researchers ever since.
A UK Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was just a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped expose the disturbing extent of exploitation it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Curious Record on International Law
A great many voters expected that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to international law. However, the track record over the first year in office has been notably ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Myth
A documentary featuring a repentant fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras raises complex queries: Is this person truly a new person, and is the filmmaker's true motives?
The Person Who Remediates Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their stickiest moments, people depend on him to restore normalcy.
Can an Renowned Institution Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by restitution claims, precarious funding and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's number one cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an reliable medical remedy – until potentially now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his teachings influence the highest levels of government.
The English Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his brilliant intellect and sterling reputation, it's understandable that wealthy clients entrusted him with their wealth. Until they began to get uneasy.
The Tiny Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Center
An incredibly rich Gulf state has risen as a key player on the world stage, working to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are behind this ambitious project?
An Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Extremely disliked at home, President Macron relishes the international arena, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
The End of a Major Development Agency: Far From Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was not unforeseen.
The Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the sixties were revealed, there was immense shock. But the full truth of the procedures remains somewhat shrouded.
The "Master" of the Online Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and given away huge sums of money to lucky participants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of avant garde genius?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the possibility that their home may soon cease to exist. The urgent question is: To where are they going to go?
One Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then believed his life might change for the better. That hope was tragically mistaken.
A Global AI Race and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he may possess the answers to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
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