Upon look back on the previous year, a curated list of exceptional feature-length pieces shines. Such pieces delve into multifaceted topics ranging from geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly personal stories.
A Enigmatic Writer and the Conscience of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the nineties with biting satires on authoritarianism. Whereas numerous of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. It poses a pertinent query: Has he become an supporter for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole way to escape incarceration was to join the regime forces. Following 14 long years, his past as one of Assad's fighters might now cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally changing the story of our species. But, not everyone was convinced. The subsequent intense argument has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.
A British Cult That Operated in the Open
One woman was only a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped expose the appalling extent of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
A Leader's Puzzling Stance on International Law
A great many followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's dedication to human rights. But, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously mixed.
Breaking a Nation's Myth
A film tracking a remorseful con artist as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras poses difficult queries: Is this person truly changed, and is the filmmaker's own methods?
The Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest times, individuals turn to him to restore order.
Will an Iconic Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by restitution claims, precarious finances and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an reliable treatment end – up until potentially now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideology permeate the very highest echelons of the state.
The English Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his sharp mind and impeccable credentials, it's no surprise that wealthy clients trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to get suspicious.
A Small Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Center
An incredibly wealthy country has transformed into a key actor on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. What are driving this ambitious role?
An Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for International Battle
Extremely disliked at domestically, President Macron relishes the international arena, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to manage a certain former US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for battle.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Case
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn infant?
The End of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest letdown was far from unexpected.
A Disturbing 1960s Study on Indian Mothers
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s became public, there was immense shock. But the exact story of the procedures remains partially shrouded.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered huge sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the possibility that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Tragic Case of Youth Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then believed his situation could improve. I was devastatingly misplaced.
The Global AI Competition and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after living decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he might hold the secret to which nation wins the global AI race.
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