As we look back on the year gone by, a curated list of outstanding feature-length stories stands out. Such narratives explore complex themes including political machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly personal stories.
A Mysterious Writer and the Soul of a Country
An author rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with scathing critiques on power. While many of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. It prompts a pressing query: Has he turned into an defender for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his sole route out of incarceration was to join the regime military. After fourteen years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters might still put him in mortal danger.
The Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was hailed as radically re-writing the narrative of our human race. But, not everyone was convinced. The ensuing bitter argument has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.
A British Sect That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped expose the shocking breadth of exploitation it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
Numerous supporters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's dedication to human rights. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been strikingly inconsistent.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A documentary tracking a repentant con artist as she records corrupt individuals with covert recording poses thorny queries: Is she really changed, and is the filmmaker's own intentions?
The Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and restored – everything. In their most challenging times, individuals rely on him to bring back order.
Will an Renowned Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it restore its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Extreme Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an effective medical end – up until possibly now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his teachings influence the very highest levels of the state.
The British Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his brilliant intellect and sterling reputation, it's no surprise that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to become wary.
The Small State That Became the Global Mediation Center
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a significant actor on the international scene, working to solve some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are behind this ambitious endeavor?
A Inside View at a President Preparing for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader relishes the world arena, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to manage a certain former US president. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
The End of a Major Aid Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was far from unforeseen.
The Shocking Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women
When details about a scientific study in the 1960s became public, there was immense anxiety. But the exact truth of what happened remains partially contested.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's endured a full day in slime, two days buried alive – and showered vast amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these videos simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the reality that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Sorrowful Case of Childhood Destitution
As I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then thought his situation could change for the better. That hope was sadly mistaken.
A Global 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 might hold the answers to who wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
The finest narratives
