As we reflect on the year gone by, a curated list of remarkable feature-length pieces stands out. These accounts delve into intricate subjects including political machinations and scientific revelations to deeply personal stories.
A Enigmatic Writer and the Conscience of a Country
An author rose to fame in the nineties with biting satires on autocratic rule. While numerous of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or left the country, he continues to move millions of books. This prompts a key question: Has he become an defender for the establishment?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his sole path to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. Following 14 long years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters may still get him killed.
The Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Ancient Origins
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally changing the narrative of our species. Yet, not everyone was convinced. The ensuing bitter scholarly debate has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the appalling scale of exploitation it had perpetrated.
The Prime Minister's Curious Stance on International Law
Many voters hoped that the prime minister would renew the UK's dedication to human rights. However, the performance over the first year in office has been notably ambiguous.
Breaking a Country's Myth
A documentary following a remorseful master criminal as she records unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras poses thorny queries: Is she really changed, and is the director's true motives?
A Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest times, families rely on him to bring back order.
Will an Famous Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's leading museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Severe Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an reliable treatment end – up until perhaps now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his teachings permeate the very highest levels of the state.
The English Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his brilliant mind and flawless credentials, it's no surprise that affluent clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to become uneasy.
A Tiny State That Became the Global Mediation Capital
An extremely rich Gulf state has transformed into a major player on the international scene, striving to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. What are driving this ambitious endeavor?
An Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for International Battle
Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader relishes the international stage, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Case
How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?
An End of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.
A Shocking Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense shock. But the precise truth of the procedures is still partially shrouded.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and distributed enormous sums of money to selected participants. But are these stunts simply very savvy entertainment – or works of daring brilliance?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is confronting the reality that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The critical issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
One Tragic Story of Childhood Homelessness
When I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still believed his situation could turn around. That hope was tragically wrong.
A International AI Competition and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he might hold the secret to who wins the worldwide AI race.
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