Upon reflect on the past year, a curated list of outstanding feature-length stories shines. Such pieces explore complex themes ranging from political intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly personal sagas.
The Enigmatic Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country
A certain Russian novelist became known in the 1990s with scathing critiques on authoritarianism. While many of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the country, he continues to sell millions of copies. This prompts a pertinent query: Has he become an supporter for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only way to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. Following 14 long years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers may now put him in mortal danger.
A Fierce Dispute Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was hailed as completely rewriting the narrative of our species. But, some scholars was in agreement. The resulting heated scholarly debate has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.
The UK Sect That Operated in the Open
One woman was just a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped uncover the shocking extent of exploitation it had perpetrated.
The Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on International Law
A great many supporters expected that the prime minister would restore the the nation's commitment to human rights. However, the track record over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A film following a repentant fraudster as she records corrupt clients with hidden cameras poses complex questions: Is she really reformed, and what are the director's own motives?
The Man Who Remediates the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – everything. In their stickiest times, individuals turn to him to restore peace.
Will an Famous Institution Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, difficult finances and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it repair its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an reliable treatment remedy – up until possibly now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his teachings shape the highest echelons of the state.
An British Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his keen mind and flawless credentials, it's understandable that affluent clients entrusted him with their assets. Until they started to become uneasy.
The Tiny State That Became the World's Mediation Center
An incredibly rich Gulf state has transformed into a key force on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are driving this ambitious role?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron relishes the world stage, where he presents himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to handle a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn infant?
An End of a Major Development Agency: Not Universal Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was far from unforeseen.
The Unethical 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the precise truth of the procedures remains somewhat unclear.
The "Genius" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and showered huge amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of artistic genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's people is confronting the reality that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent issue is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Tragic Case of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still thought his life could improve. That hope was devastatingly wrong.
The International AI Race and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he may hold the answers to who wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
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