Upon look back on the past year, a selection of remarkable feature-length pieces stands out. Such pieces explore complex topics ranging from political machinations and historical revelations to deeply personal sagas.
The Puzzling Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin became known in the post-Soviet era with biting critiques on power. Whereas many of his literary peers have encountered suppression or left the country, he continues to move millions of copies. This raises a pressing question: Has the author turned into an defender for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only way out of incarceration was to enlist in the government military. Following fourteen years, his history as one of Assad's fighters could still cost him his life.
The Acrimonious Argument Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The finding of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was proclaimed as completely changing the story of our human race. But, not everyone was convinced. The resulting heated argument has consumed the careers of researchers ever since.
The British Sect That Operated in the Open
One woman was only a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the appalling extent of abuse it had perpetrated.
The Prime Minister's Curious Record on Human Rights
Numerous followers anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to human rights. Yet, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly mixed.
Shattering a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary following a repentant master criminal as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with covert recording poses difficult questions: Is this person really a new person, and is the filmmaker's true intentions?
The Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and dealt with – everything. In their most challenging hours, families depend on him to bring back peace.
Will an Renowned Museum Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, strained funding and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's number one cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it restore its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an consistent medical end – until perhaps now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideology influence the very highest echelons of government.
The English Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his sharp mind and flawless reputation, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their assets. Until they started to become uneasy.
The Small State That Became the Global Mediation Center
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has risen as a major player on the international scene, working to solve some of the most long-standing disputes. What are driving this ambitious project?
An Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for International Battle
Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader relishes the world arena, where he projects himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Major Aid Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was not unexpected.
The Disturbing 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a scientific study in the 1960s became public, there was widespread shock. But the exact story of the procedures is still partially unclear.
A "Master" of the Online Economy
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and given away enormous sums of money to selected participants. But are these stunts simply very savvy entertainment – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is confronting the reality that their islands may soon be submerged. The critical question is: Where are they going to relocate?
One Tragic Case of Childhood Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still thought his situation could turn around. That hope was sadly wrong.
The Global AI Race and a Key Move
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he could possess the secret to who wins the global technological rivalry.
The most impactful narratives
