As we look back on the past year, a assortment of exceptional feature-length stories stands out. Such pieces delve into complex themes from geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly human sagas.
A Enigmatic Writer and the Soul of a Nation
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with biting critiques on power. Although many of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or left the country, he still sell millions of copies. This prompts a key question: Has he become an defender for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his only way out of prison was to enlist in the regime military. After 14 years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers might still get him killed.
A Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally changing the history of our human race. However, a faction was in agreement. The ensuing intense controversy has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.
A British Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the shocking extent of abuse it had perpetrated.
The Leader's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Many voters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's commitment to international law. However, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Challenging a Nation's Identity
A documentary tracking a remorseful fraudster as she records unscrupulous individuals with covert recording raises complex questions: Is she truly reformed, and is the filmmaker's own intentions?
The Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest times, families turn to him to bring back peace.
Will an Iconic Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, strained funding and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's number one cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it repair its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Extreme Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has long lacked an consistent treatment remedy – up until potentially now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideology influence the very highest echelons of the state.
An English Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp intellect and impeccable reputation, it's little wonder that affluent clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to get wary.
The Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Hub
An astonishingly wealthy country has transformed into a significant actor on the international scene, working to mediate some of the most long-standing disputes. What are driving this unprecedented role?
An Inside View at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to handle a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Global Development Agency: Far From Universal Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was far from unforeseen.
The Disturbing 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the full story of the events is still partially unclear.
The "Master" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and distributed vast amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply very savvy clickbait – or works of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the prospect that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The critical question is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his life might change for the better. I was devastatingly wrong.
The International AI Race and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he might hold the secret to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.
The most impactful narratives
