Upon look back on the past year, a selection of exceptional feature-length pieces shines. These pieces probe intricate subjects from geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to deeply human stories.
The Enigmatic Novelist and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin became known in the post-Soviet era with scathing critiques on power. While several of his writer peers have encountered censorship or left the nation, he continues to sell millions of copies. This raises a pressing question: Has the author turned into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his sole way to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. Following 14 long years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers may still cost him his life.
A Bitter Feud Over Our Ancient Origins
The finding of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was proclaimed as radically rewriting the story of our species. However, a faction was persuaded. The resulting intense argument has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.
The British Cult That Operated in the Open
One woman was only a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the disturbing scale of exploitation it had committed.
The Leader's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
A great many voters anticipated that the prime minister would renew the Britain's commitment to international law. However, the performance over the past year has been notably inconsistent.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A film following a remorseful con artist as she sets up corrupt individuals with covert recording poses difficult queries: Is she really changed, and is the director's own methods?
A Man Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest hours, people depend on him to bring back order.
Will an Iconic Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, strained funding and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's leading cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it salvage its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Extreme Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an reliable treatment solution – until possibly now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. Now, his teachings influence the highest echelons of government.
The English Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his keen intellect and sterling reputation, it's understandable that wealthy individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to get uneasy.
A Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Hub
An extremely rich Gulf state has risen as a major actor on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?
A Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for International Battle
Extremely disliked at domestically, President Macron relishes the international stage, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to deal with a certain sitting US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Far From Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was not unexpected.
A Shocking 1960s Study on South Asian Women
When details about a scientific study in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread shock. But the full story of the events remains partially shrouded.
The "Master" of the Online Economy
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and given away vast amounts of money to selected participants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the reality that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The critical question is: Where are they going to go?
One Sorrowful Story of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still thought his life might change for the better. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.
The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he may hold the key to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.
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