While we consider the year gone by, a curated list of outstanding feature-length pieces shines. Such narratives delve into intricate topics ranging from political machinations and historical discoveries to deeply personal stories.
A Enigmatic Author and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin became known in the nineties with sharp satires on autocratic rule. While many of his literary peers have faced censorship or fled the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. This poses a key query: Has the author turned into an defender for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only path out of incarceration was to join the government military. Following fourteen years, his past as one of Assad's fighters could now cost him his life.
The Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally rewriting the narrative of our species. However, not everyone was in agreement. The ensuing bitter scholarly debate has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.
The British Religious Group That Hid in the Open
One woman was only a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped expose the disturbing scale of mistreatment it had carried out.
A Statesman's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
Numerous supporters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's dedication to international law. Yet, the performance over the past year has been notably ambiguous.
Shattering a Nation's Identity
A film tracking a remorseful fraudster as she records unscrupulous individuals with covert recording asks difficult queries: Is this person genuinely a new person, and what are the director's true motives?
The Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and restored – it all. In their most challenging hours, families depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Famous Museum Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, strained funding and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's leading museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Severe Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an consistent medical solution – up until possibly now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his teachings influence the very highest echelons of the state.
The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his keen intellect and impeccable reputation, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to get uneasy.
The Small Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Hub
An extremely rich Gulf state has risen as a key player on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are behind this unprecedented role?
An Inside Look at a President Preparing for Global Summitry
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron thrives on the international arena, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to deal with a particular former US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their newborn infant?
The Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was far from unexpected.
The Shocking Mid-Century Study on Indian Women
When details about a medical study in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread outrage. But the exact story of the procedures remains somewhat shrouded.
A "Master" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and distributed huge amounts of money to selected participants. But are these productions simply very savvy clickbait – or works of artistic genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising 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: To where are they supposed to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Story of Youth Destitution
As I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still thought his life might improve. I was tragically mistaken.
The Global AI Race and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he could hold the secret to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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