Upon reflect on the previous year, a curated list of outstanding feature-length stories stands out. Such pieces probe intricate subjects ranging from political intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal sagas.
The Enigmatic Novelist and the Soul of a Nation
An author rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with biting satires on authoritarianism. Whereas many of his writer peers have encountered suppression or left the country, he continues to move vast numbers of copies. It prompts a key query: Has he become an supporter for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The story of a young man, who at 18 was told that his only way out of prison was to enlist in the regime forces. After fourteen long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers might still get him killed.
A Acrimonious Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally changing the story of our human race. But, a faction was in agreement. The ensuing bitter argument has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.
A British Sect That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the shocking scale of mistreatment it had committed.
A Leader's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
Numerous voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the the nation's dedication to human rights. But, the performance over the first year in office has been curiously mixed.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A film tracking a remorseful con artist as she records corrupt individuals with covert recording poses difficult queries: Is this person really changed, and what are the director's true methods?
The Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their stickiest times, families rely on him to bring back peace.
Can an Renowned Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an consistent treatment solution – up until potentially now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideology influence the uppermost levels of the state.
The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his brilliant intellect and sterling background, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to become wary.
The Tiny Nation That Became the World's Mediation Hub
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has become a significant force on the international scene, working to solve some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented project?
An Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader relishes the international stage, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a particular former American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Trial of a Tragic Case
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?
The End of a Global Aid Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest letdown was not unforeseen.
The Shocking 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a medical study in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact nature of what happened remains partially unclear.
A "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's endured a full day in slime, two days buried alive – and given away enormous sums of money to selected participants. But are these stunts simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is facing the reality that their islands may in the near future be submerged. The critical question is: Where are they going to go?
One Tragic Story of Youth Destitution
As I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still believed his life could turn around. I was devastatingly wrong.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he may possess the secret to who wins the worldwide AI race.
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