While we look back on the past year, a selection of exceptional feature-length stories shines. Such narratives probe complex themes including geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply human stories.
A Mysterious Author and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with sharp satires on power. Although numerous of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the country, he continues to sell millions of copies. This raises a pressing question: Has the author become an apologist for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole path to escape prison was to join the government military. Following 14 years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might still get him killed.
The Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally rewriting the history of our human race. However, a faction was persuaded. The ensuing bitter controversy has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
The British Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was only a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the appalling breadth of mistreatment it had carried out.
A Statesman's Curious Stance on Human Rights
Numerous supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's commitment to human rights. Yet, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A documentary following a remorseful master criminal as she records unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras asks difficult questions: Is this person really a new person, and is the director's own methods?
The Man Who Cleans Britain's Darkest Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and restored – everything. In their stickiest times, individuals depend on him to bring back order.
Will an Famous Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's premier museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Severe Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an consistent treatment solution – up until perhaps now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Modern Politics
A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology permeate the highest echelons of the state.
An English Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his sharp mind and flawless reputation, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their assets. Until they began to get uneasy.
A Tiny State That Became the World's Mediation Hub
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a key player on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are behind this ambitious project?
An Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader thrives on the international arena, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a certain former American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Trial of a Tragic Case
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Organization: Not Universal Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was far from unexpected.
The Unethical 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties became public, there was immense outrage. But the full truth of the procedures is still partially shrouded.
The "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and given away vast sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply very clever clickbait – or acts of artistic genius?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is confronting the reality that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The critical issue is: To where are they going to go?
A Sorrowful Story of Youth Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still believed his situation might improve. I was tragically misplaced.
The International AI Competition and a Key Move
In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he might possess the answers to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
The most impactful narratives
