While we consider the past year, a curated list of outstanding feature-length stories shines. These narratives explore intricate themes from political intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly personal sagas.
The Mysterious Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the nineties with biting commentaries on autocratic rule. While several of his writer peers have encountered suppression or left the nation, he continues to move vast numbers of copies. It poses a pressing question: Has he evolved into an defender for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his sole path out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. Following 14 years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers may now put him in mortal danger.
The Fierce Feud Over Our Ancient Origins
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was proclaimed as radically re-writing the story of our human race. But, a faction was in agreement. The resulting intense scholarly debate has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.
The UK Sect That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the appalling extent of mistreatment it had committed.
A Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
A great many voters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to international law. But, the track record over the past year has been notably inconsistent.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A film featuring a repentant fraudster as she records unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras poses complex queries: Is this person really changed, and what are the filmmaker's own intentions?
The Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – it all. In their darkest times, individuals depend on him to bring back peace.
Can an Renowned Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, difficult funding and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's leading museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an reliable treatment remedy – up until potentially now.
The Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideas shape the uppermost echelons of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his brilliant mind and impeccable credentials, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their assets. Then they began to become suspicious.
The Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Capital
An astonishingly wealthy country has transformed into a key player on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are driving this unprecedented role?
A Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron thrives on the international arena, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to handle a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?
The End of a Major Development Agency: Not Universal Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was not unexpected.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Study on Indian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the sixties became public, there was widespread outrage. But the full nature of what happened is still somewhat contested.
The "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered enormous sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these videos simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is grappling with the prospect that their islands may soon be submerged. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Sorrowful Story of Childhood Homelessness
When I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then thought his life could change for the better. That hope was devastatingly wrong.
The International AI Competition and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he may possess the key to who wins the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful stories
