While we reflect on the previous year, a assortment of remarkable feature-length stories shines. These narratives probe complex subjects from geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to deeply personal sagas.
The Puzzling Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with scathing commentaries on autocratic rule. While many of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or left the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. It poses a key question: Has he turned into an supporter for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his sole route out of incarceration was to enlist in the government military. After 14 long years, his history as one of Assad's fighters could still put him in mortal danger.
The Fierce Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The finding of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as radically re-writing the narrative of our species. But, not everyone was persuaded. The ensuing bitter scholarly debate has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.
A UK Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was just a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the appalling extent of exploitation it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
A great many followers anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to international law. But, the record over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A documentary tracking a repentant con artist as she sets up unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras asks thorny queries: Is she really a new person, and is the director's own motives?
A Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest hours, individuals depend on him to restore order.
Can an Renowned Museum Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, strained finances and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's leading museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an consistent medical solution – up until perhaps now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas shape the uppermost levels of the state.
The English Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his sharp intellect and sterling credentials, it's no surprise that affluent individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to get wary.
A Tiny Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a significant player on the international scene, striving to mediate some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are driving this ambitious role?
A Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron relishes the international stage, where he projects himself as the statesman most equipped to handle a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their previous 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 a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn infant?
The End of a Global Aid Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was far from unforeseen.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread shock. But the exact story of the events remains somewhat unclear.
The "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and given away enormous amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is facing the reality that their home may soon be submerged. The urgent question is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Destitution
As I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then believed his situation might turn around. I was sadly misplaced.
The International AI Race and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he may possess the secret to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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