Upon consider the previous year, a selection of outstanding feature-length stories stands out. Such pieces probe complex subjects including geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly personal sagas.
A Enigmatic Novelist and the Soul of a Nation
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with sharp commentaries on power. While numerous of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the country, he still sell millions of copies. This raises a pressing query: Has he evolved into an apologist for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his sole route to escape prison was to enlist in the government forces. Following 14 long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers may still get him killed.
The Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The finding of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was hailed as radically changing the narrative of our human race. But, some scholars was in agreement. The resulting intense argument has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
The British Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the appalling scale of exploitation it had perpetrated.
The Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
Numerous voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to human rights. However, the track record over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Shattering a Nation's Myth
A film featuring a repentant con artist as she records corrupt clients with covert recording asks complex questions: Is this person truly a new person, and what are the filmmaker's true motives?
The Person Who Remediates Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – it all. In their darkest hours, people rely on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Iconic Museum Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, difficult funding and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's leading cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it restore its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an reliable treatment solution – until perhaps now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A militant fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas influence the highest echelons of government.
The British Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his keen intellect and impeccable background, it's no surprise that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become suspicious.
A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Center
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a key force on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most intractable disputes. What are driving this unprecedented endeavor?
An Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader relishes the international arena, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their newborn baby?
The End of a Global Development Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was far from unexpected.
The Shocking Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women
When details about a scientific experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was immense anxiety. But the full story of the procedures remains somewhat unclear.
The "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and showered vast amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these videos simply very clever entertainment – or works of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is facing the possibility that their islands may in the near future be submerged. The critical question is: To where are they going to go?
A Tragic Story of Youth Destitution
As I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still thought his situation could improve. I was tragically mistaken.
The International AI Competition and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he might possess the secret to which nation wins the global AI race.
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