While we look back on the previous year, a assortment of outstanding feature-length stories stands out. Such pieces delve into complex themes ranging from political intrigue and historical revelations to deeply personal sagas.
The Puzzling Writer and the Conscience of a Country
An author rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with scathing commentaries on autocratic rule. Although many of his literary peers have faced suppression or left the country, he still move millions of books. This poses a pressing query: Has he become an supporter for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only route out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. After 14 long years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers might still get him killed.
A Fierce Dispute Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was proclaimed as radically rewriting the narrative of our human race. However, not everyone was convinced. The resulting heated argument has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.
A UK Sect That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped reveal the appalling extent of exploitation it had committed.
The Statesman's Curious Record on Human Rights
Numerous followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's commitment to international law. But, the track record over the past year has been notably inconsistent.
Breaking a Nation's Identity
A film featuring a repentant fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises difficult queries: Is she genuinely changed, and what are the filmmaker's true methods?
A Person Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and restored – everything. In their darkest times, individuals depend on him to bring back order.
Can an Iconic Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, strained finances and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an reliable treatment remedy – until perhaps now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant fanatic and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his teachings shape the uppermost echelons of the state.
An English Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his brilliant mind and impeccable credentials, it's little wonder that wealthy clients trusted him with their assets. Then they started to become wary.
The Small State That Became the World's Diplomatic Capital
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has become a significant player on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. What are behind this ambitious project?
An Inside Look at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader enjoys the international arena, where he projects himself as the statesman most equipped to manage a particular former American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with killing their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Organization: Not Universal Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was far from unexpected.
A Disturbing 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the full truth of what happened is still somewhat unclear.
The "Master" of the Attention Age
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and showered huge sums of money to selected participants. But are these productions simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is grappling with the prospect that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Tragic Story of Childhood Destitution
When I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still hoped his life might turn around. That hope was devastatingly wrong.
The Global AI Race and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he could possess the key to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
The finest narratives
