Upon look back on the past year, a selection of exceptional feature-length stories shines. Such accounts probe complex subjects from political intrigue and historical revelations to deeply human stories.
A Puzzling Writer and the Soul of a Nation
An author became known in the nineties with scathing satires on authoritarianism. While many of his literary peers have faced censorship or fled the nation, he continues to move vast numbers of books. This raises a pertinent query: Has he turned into an defender for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his sole route out of incarceration was to join the regime military. After 14 years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may now get him killed.
The Acrimonious Feud Over Our Earliest Origins
The finding of fossilised bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally re-writing the narrative of our human race. But, some scholars was convinced. The ensuing bitter argument has dominated the careers of researchers ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped expose the appalling extent of abuse it had perpetrated.
The Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
A great many followers hoped that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to international law. But, the performance over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.
Challenging a Nation's Myth
A film featuring a remorseful fraudster as she sets up corrupt individuals with covert recording raises difficult questions: Is she genuinely reformed, and what are the director's own intentions?
A Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest moments, people depend on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Famous Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, precarious finances and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's premier cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an effective medical remedy – until potentially now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideology permeate the highest levels of the state.
The British Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his keen intellect and sterling background, it's little wonder that affluent individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to become suspicious.
A Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Capital
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a significant player on the world stage, attempting to mediate some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are behind this ambitious project?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron relishes the world arena, where he presents himself as the leader most equipped to handle a particular former American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with killing their newborn baby?
An End of a Major Development Agency: Far From Universal Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was not unexpected.
A Shocking 1960s Study on Indian Women
When information about a scientific study in the sixties came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the full story of the events remains partially unclear.
The "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's spent a full day in slime, two days underground – and showered huge sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply very savvy entertainment – or works of daring brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is confronting the reality that their islands may soon be submerged. The critical issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Tragic Story of Childhood Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then hoped his life could turn around. That hope was tragically mistaken.
The International AI Race and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he could possess the secret to who wins the global AI race.
The finest narratives
