As we look back on the previous year, a selection of remarkable feature-length pieces shines. Such narratives explore multifaceted topics ranging from political machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply personal stories.
The Puzzling Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the 1990s with sharp commentaries on autocratic rule. Although many of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or left the nation, he still sell vast numbers of books. This poses a pertinent question: Has he evolved into an supporter for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his only path out of prison was to join the government forces. After fourteen long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might still cost him his life.
The Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was hailed as completely rewriting the narrative of our species. However, some scholars was in agreement. The ensuing bitter scholarly debate has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
A British Sect That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the disturbing breadth of mistreatment it had carried out.
The Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Many followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's commitment to international law. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A documentary featuring a repentant con artist as she records unscrupulous individuals with covert recording poses thorny questions: Is this person genuinely a new person, and what are the director's true motives?
A Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Darkest Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest moments, people depend on him to bring back peace.
Can an Famous Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's premier cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Severe Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long lacked an consistent treatment remedy – up until potentially now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Modern Politics
A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideas shape the uppermost levels of the state.
An English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his brilliant intellect and sterling background, it's understandable that affluent individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Until they started to get uneasy.
A Small Nation That Became the World's Mediation Hub
An extremely rich country has transformed into a key actor on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most complex disputes. What are driving this unprecedented endeavor?
An Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for International Battle
Extremely disliked at home, the French leader relishes the international arena, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
During the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Global Aid Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was not unforeseen.
A Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the 1960s became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact truth of the events is still somewhat unclear.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed vast amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of avant garde genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's population is confronting the possibility that their islands may soon be submerged. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Tragic Case of Youth Destitution
When I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then thought his situation could turn around. That hope was sadly mistaken.
The International AI Competition and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he may hold the key to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.
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