Upon reflect on the year gone by, a curated list of remarkable feature-length pieces emerges. Such narratives delve into intricate themes ranging from geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal stories.
The Enigmatic Novelist and the Soul of a Country
A certain Russian novelist became known in the nineties with biting satires on authoritarianism. Although many of his literary peers have faced censorship or fled the nation, he still sell vast numbers of copies. It poses a key question: Has the author turned into an apologist for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The story of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole path out of prison was to join the government military. Following fourteen long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still get him killed.
The Fierce Feud Over Our Ancient Origins
The discovery of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was heralded as completely re-writing the history of our human race. However, not everyone was persuaded. The resulting heated controversy has dominated the careers of researchers ever since.
A British Religious Group That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the appalling extent of exploitation it had carried out.
The Statesman's Curious Stance on International Law
A great many voters hoped that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's dedication to international law. However, the track record over the past year has been curiously mixed.
Shattering a Country's Self-Image
A film featuring a repentant fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras asks thorny questions: Is this person genuinely changed, and is the director's true methods?
A Person Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – it all. In their most challenging hours, people turn to him to bring back peace.
Will an Iconic Institution Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, strained finances and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Severe Condition
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an consistent treatment end – until perhaps now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. Now, his teachings shape the uppermost levels of the state.
An British Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp intellect and impeccable background, it's no surprise that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to get suspicious.
A Small State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly rich country has become a key player on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. What are fueling this ambitious project?
An Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader thrives on the international arena, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to handle a certain former US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was far from unexpected.
A Unethical 1960s Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a scientific experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread shock. But the exact story of the events remains partially unclear.
The "Master" of the Online Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and distributed vast sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these productions simply very clever entertainment – or acts of artistic genius?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the prospect that their home may soon be submerged. The critical question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
One Sorrowful Case of Youth Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still hoped his life might improve. That hope was tragically misplaced.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he may possess the key to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.
The most impactful narratives
