While we look back on the previous year, a assortment of remarkable feature-length pieces shines. Such narratives probe complex topics from geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to deeply personal stories.
The Enigmatic Author and the Soul of a Nation
An author rose to fame in the nineties with sharp satires on authoritarianism. Although numerous of his literary peers have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he still sell millions of books. This prompts a key query: Has the author become an defender for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his only route to escape prison was to join the regime military. Following 14 long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could now get him killed.
A Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally rewriting the narrative of our species. Yet, not everyone was convinced. The resulting bitter scholarly debate has consumed the careers of researchers ever since.
A UK Cult That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the appalling extent of mistreatment it had carried out.
A Prime Minister's Curious Record on Human Rights
Many followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the the nation's dedication to international law. But, the track record over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.
Challenging a Nation's Myth
A documentary tracking a repentant con artist as she ensnares corrupt clients with covert recording raises thorny questions: Is this person really reformed, and what are the filmmaker's own motives?
The Man Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – it all. In their stickiest hours, individuals turn to him to bring back peace.
Can an Renowned Museum Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, strained funding and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's premier cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it restore its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Severe Condition
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an consistent medical end – until possibly now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his teachings permeate the very highest levels of government.
An British Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his keen mind and flawless reputation, it's no surprise that affluent clients entrusted him with their wealth. Then they began to become wary.
A Tiny State That Became the Global Diplomatic Center
An extremely wealthy country has risen as a significant actor on the international scene, striving to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are driving this ambitious role?
A Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader relishes the international arena, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to manage a particular former American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for battle.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Far From Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was far from unforeseen.
A Disturbing 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the sixties were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the full nature of the events is still partially unclear.
The "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and distributed enormous sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the prospect that their homeland may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Destitution
When I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still thought his life might turn around. That hope was tragically mistaken.
The International AI Competition and a Key Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he could hold the secret to who wins the global technological rivalry.
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