Upon consider the past year, a assortment of exceptional feature-length pieces stands out. Such pieces delve into intricate subjects from geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to deeply personal sagas.
The Mysterious Author and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with biting satires on autocratic rule. Although numerous of his writer peers have encountered censorship or left the nation, he continues to move vast numbers of copies. This prompts a pertinent query: Has the author become an apologist for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only route to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government military. After 14 years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers could now put him in mortal danger.
A Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as completely rewriting the narrative of our human race. However, a faction was convinced. The resulting intense argument has dominated the lives of researchers ever since.
A British Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the appalling extent of abuse it had committed.
The Prime Minister's Curious Record on Human Rights
Numerous supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the UK's commitment to international law. But, the track record over the first year in office has been notably mixed.
Shattering a Country's Self-Image
A film featuring a repentant con artist as she sets up corrupt clients with covert recording asks thorny queries: Is she really changed, and what are the director's own motives?
A Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Darkest Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their most challenging hours, individuals depend on him to restore order.
Can an Famous Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by debates over its collection, strained finances and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's premier museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it restore its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Extreme Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an effective treatment solution – until possibly now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas shape the very highest echelons of the state.
An British Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his keen mind and flawless background, it's understandable that affluent individuals entrusted him with their assets. Until they started to become uneasy.
A Small Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Center
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a key force on the international scene, attempting to mediate some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are driving this unprecedented endeavor?
An Close-Up View at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron thrives on the world stage, where he projects himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Major Aid Agency: Far From Universal Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest letdown was far from unexpected.
The Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties became public, there was immense shock. But the exact story of the procedures remains somewhat contested.
The "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed huge amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these productions simply very clever clickbait – or acts of daring genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the prospect that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Case of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then hoped his life could improve. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.
A Global AI Race and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he might possess the key to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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