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While we consider the past year, a selection of outstanding feature-length pieces shines. These narratives delve into complex topics ranging from geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly personal stories.

A Enigmatic Author and the Soul of a Nation

A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the 1990s with sharp commentaries on authoritarianism. Although many of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or left the nation, he still sell vast numbers of copies. This raises a pertinent question: Has the author become an apologist for the Kremlin?

Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Conflict

The story of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole route out of prison was to enlist in the regime forces. Following fourteen long years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters may still cost him his life.

The Acrimonious Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Origins

The unearthing of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was proclaimed as completely rewriting the story of our species. However, some scholars was in agreement. The resulting heated controversy has consumed the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.

A British Sect That Hid in Plain Sight

Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the appalling breadth of abuse it had committed.

The Statesman's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights

Many supporters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's commitment to international law. Yet, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly mixed.

Shattering a Country's Identity

A documentary tracking a repentant master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with covert recording poses complex queries: Is this person genuinely a new person, and what are the filmmaker's own methods?

The Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Stains

From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest moments, individuals depend on him to restore normalcy.

Can an Iconic Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?

Burdened by restitution claims, difficult finances and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it restore its standing?

More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy

Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an reliable treatment remedy – up until potentially now.

A Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Politics

A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas shape the uppermost echelons of the state.

An British Gentleman With a Crooked Side

With his sharp mind and impeccable credentials, it's understandable that wealthy clients entrusted him with their assets. Then they began to become wary.

A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Hub

An incredibly rich Gulf state has risen as a significant actor on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most intractable disputes. What are driving this ambitious endeavor?

An Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry

Extremely disliked at domestically, President Macron enjoys the world arena, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to handle a certain sitting US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.

Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Case

How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?

The End of a Major Development Agency: Not Widespread Regret

When efforts were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest letdown was not unforeseen.

The Disturbing Mid-Century Study on Indian Mothers

When details about a medical study in the 1960s became public, there was immense anxiety. But the precise story of the procedures remains partially shrouded.

The "Mozart" of the Attention Economy

He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and distributed huge sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply very clever clickbait – or works of avant garde brilliance?

Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas

With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is facing the prospect that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?

One Tragic Story of Youth Homelessness

When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still hoped his life could turn around. I was tragically mistaken.

A Global AI Race and a Pivotal Defection

In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he may possess the key to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.

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