As we reflect on the year gone by, a curated list of outstanding feature-length stories stands out. Such accounts explore multifaceted topics ranging from political intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply personal journeys.
The Enigmatic Novelist and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the nineties with scathing critiques on power. Although several of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he still move millions of books. It raises a pertinent query: Has he turned into an supporter for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole path out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. Following fourteen long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could still put him in mortal danger.
A Fierce Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally changing the story of our human race. However, a faction was in agreement. The ensuing bitter controversy has dominated the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped expose the shocking breadth of exploitation it had committed.
A Statesman's Unexpected Record on International Law
Numerous voters expected that the prime minister would restore the Britain's commitment to human rights. Yet, the performance over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Shattering a Nation's Identity
A film following a repentant fraudster as she sets up corrupt clients with covert recording asks complex queries: Is she genuinely a new person, and what are the director's true motives?
The Person Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging hours, people turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Iconic Museum Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, difficult finances and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's number one cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment remedy – until perhaps now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology influence the very highest echelons of government.
An English Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his keen mind and impeccable credentials, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their wealth. Until they started to become uneasy.
A Small State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Capital
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has risen as a significant force on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. What are behind this ambitious project?
A Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader relishes the international arena, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to handle a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was far from unforeseen.
The Disturbing 1960s Experiment on Indian Women
When details about a scientific study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact story of what happened remains partially contested.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed vast amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the prospect that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The critical question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
A Tragic Case of Youth Destitution
When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and without a home. Even then hoped his situation could improve. I was sadly mistaken.
The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he might possess the key to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful stories
