Upon reflect on the previous year, a selection of exceptional feature-length stories emerges. Such accounts probe complex themes including political intrigue and scientific discoveries to deeply human stories.
A Mysterious Novelist and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the nineties with sharp critiques on autocratic rule. While several of his writer peers have faced censorship or fled the nation, he still sell millions of books. It raises a pressing query: Has he evolved into an apologist for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his sole path to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government military. After 14 years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters might still get him killed.
A Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The discovery of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally rewriting the history of our species. Yet, not everyone was convinced. The subsequent intense argument has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
The UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the shocking scale of mistreatment it had committed.
A Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
A great many voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the UK's dedication to international law. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been strikingly mixed.
Challenging a Country's Myth
A film tracking a repentant master criminal as she records unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras raises thorny queries: Is this person truly changed, and is the director's true motives?
A Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest hours, individuals rely on him to restore order.
Can an Renowned Museum Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, difficult funding and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's number one museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it restore its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an reliable medical solution – up until possibly now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Modern Politics
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his teachings permeate the very highest levels of government.
An British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp mind and impeccable credentials, it's no surprise that affluent individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to become suspicious.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Capital
An extremely rich Gulf state has transformed into a significant force on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?
An Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader relishes the international arena, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a certain former American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
An End of a Global Aid Agency: Not Universal Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was far from unforeseen.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the full story of the procedures is still somewhat contested.
The "Master" of the Attention Age
He's endured a full day in slime, two days underground – and given away huge sums of money to selected participants. But are these stunts simply very clever clickbait – or acts of avant garde genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the possibility that their islands may soon cease to exist. The pressing issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Sorrowful Case of Youth Homelessness
When I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then believed his situation might turn around. I was tragically wrong.
A International AI Race and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he might hold the key to who wins the global AI race.
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