As we look back on the past year, a selection of exceptional feature-length pieces shines. Such pieces delve into intricate topics including political machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly human stories.
A Mysterious Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin became known in the 1990s with biting satires on autocratic rule. Whereas numerous of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the country, he still sell millions of copies. It poses a key question: Has he turned into an apologist for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his sole way to escape prison was to join the regime military. After 14 years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might now put him in mortal danger.
A Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was proclaimed as completely rewriting the story of our species. However, a faction was persuaded. The subsequent intense scholarly debate has consumed the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was only a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped uncover the shocking scale of abuse it had carried out.
A Prime Minister's Curious Stance on Human Rights
Numerous followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would renew the the nation's commitment to human rights. However, the track record over the past year has been notably mixed.
Breaking a Nation's Identity
A documentary tracking a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares corrupt individuals with hidden cameras poses thorny questions: Is she truly a new person, and is the filmmaker's own methods?
The Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest moments, individuals turn to him to restore normalcy.
Will an Renowned Institution Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, strained finances and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's leading museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it salvage its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Extreme Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an effective treatment remedy – until perhaps now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his teachings influence the highest levels of government.
The British Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his sharp mind and impeccable credentials, it's no surprise that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become suspicious.
The Small Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Center
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a key actor on the international scene, striving to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are driving this ambitious project?
A Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world arena, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to manage a particular former American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?
The End of a Global Development Agency: Far From Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest letdown was not unforeseen.
A Shocking 1960s Study on South Asian Women
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact truth of the events is still somewhat shrouded.
The "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and given away vast amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the possibility that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The pressing question is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Case of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still believed his situation could change for the better. I was tragically wrong.
A Global AI Competition and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he might hold the answers to who wins the worldwide AI race.
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