As we consider the year gone by, a curated list of exceptional feature-length pieces stands out. Such pieces probe multifaceted subjects from geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly human sagas.
A Mysterious Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
An author rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with sharp critiques on authoritarianism. While numerous of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or left the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. It raises a pertinent question: Has he turned into an defender for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his only way to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. Following fourteen years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could now get him killed.
A Fierce Argument Over Our Earliest Origins
The finding of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as completely re-writing the narrative of our species. However, not everyone was in agreement. The resulting heated argument has dominated the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Religious Group That Operated in the Open
One woman was only a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped reveal the appalling breadth of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Curious Record on International Law
A great many followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's dedication to international law. Yet, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly inconsistent.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A documentary tracking a repentant master criminal as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras asks thorny questions: Is this person truly a new person, and what are the director's own intentions?
The Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and restored – it all. In their darkest hours, people depend on him to bring back peace.
Can an Iconic Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, difficult finances and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's leading museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Severe Condition
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long lacked an consistent treatment solution – up until possibly now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas influence the uppermost levels of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his keen mind and sterling background, it's understandable that affluent individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to become wary.
The Tiny Nation That Became the World's Mediation Center
An incredibly rich Gulf state has risen as a significant actor on the international scene, working to solve some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are behind this ambitious project?
An Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely disliked at home, President Macron enjoys the international arena, where he presents himself as the leader most equipped to handle a certain sitting US president. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Major Aid Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unexpected.
The Shocking Mid-Century Study on Indian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s became public, there was widespread outrage. But the precise nature of what happened remains partially contested.
A "Master" of the Online Age
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and showered vast sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is grappling with the reality that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Sorrowful Story of Childhood Homelessness
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then hoped his life could change for the better. I was sadly wrong.
The International AI Race and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he could possess the answers to who wins the global AI race.
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