As we look back on the past year, a selection of outstanding feature-length stories stands out. These pieces probe multifaceted themes including political machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal stories.
The Mysterious Novelist and the Soul of a Country
A certain Russian novelist became known in the post-Soviet era with scathing satires on autocratic rule. While several of his writer peers have faced suppression or fled the country, he still move millions of books. This prompts a pressing query: Has he evolved into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only way out of incarceration was to join the government forces. Following fourteen years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may now get him killed.
The Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was hailed as radically re-writing the history of our species. But, some scholars was convinced. The ensuing intense scholarly debate has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Operated in the Open
One woman was only a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the disturbing breadth of abuse it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
A great many voters anticipated that the prime minister would renew the the nation's dedication to international law. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A film following a repentant con artist as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras raises difficult queries: Is this person really changed, and what are the director's true motives?
A Man Who Cleans Britain's Darkest Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging moments, people rely on him to restore normalcy.
Can an Iconic Museum Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, strained funding and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's leading cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment end – until potentially now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. Today, his teachings permeate the highest levels of the state.
An British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen mind and sterling background, it's understandable that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to become wary.
The Small Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Capital
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has become a major actor on the international scene, attempting to mediate some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented project?
An Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely disliked at home, President Macron enjoys the world stage, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to deal with a particular former American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was not unexpected.
The Unethical Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread outrage. But the exact nature of the procedures remains partially unclear.
A "Genius" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and showered huge amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the prospect that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The pressing issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
One Tragic Case of Childhood Homelessness
When I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then hoped his situation might turn around. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.
A International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he may possess the key to who wins the global AI race.
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