While we look back on the year gone by, a selection of exceptional feature-length pieces stands out. Such accounts probe complex subjects from geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply personal stories.
A Enigmatic Author and the Soul of a Nation
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with sharp satires on power. Whereas several of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the nation, he continues to sell millions of copies. It prompts a pertinent question: Has he evolved into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only route out of incarceration was to join the regime forces. After 14 long years, his history as one of Assad's fighters could still get him killed.
The Bitter Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally changing the narrative of our human race. Yet, some scholars was persuaded. The resulting intense scholarly debate has dominated the lives of researchers ever since.
The UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped uncover the appalling breadth of exploitation it had committed.
The Leader's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
Many supporters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to human rights. Yet, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly mixed.
Challenging a Nation's Identity
A film tracking a remorseful master criminal as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras poses difficult queries: Is this person really reformed, and is the director's true intentions?
The Person Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their stickiest moments, individuals turn to him to restore peace.
Will an Renowned Institution Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by restitution claims, precarious finances and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an consistent medical remedy – up until potentially now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas influence the uppermost levels of government.
The British Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp mind and sterling background, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to become suspicious.
The Tiny Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Hub
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has risen as a key player on the international scene, striving to mediate some of the most complex conflicts. What are behind this ambitious project?
An Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, President Macron relishes the world arena, where he positions himself as the leader most equipped to deal with a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
An End of a Major Development Organization: Far From Universal Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was far from unforeseen.
The Unethical 1960s Study on South Asian Women
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s became public, there was immense shock. But the precise truth of what happened is still partially shrouded.
A "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's spent a full day in slime, two days buried alive – and showered vast amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of avant garde genius?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's population is grappling with the prospect that their homeland may soon be submerged. The urgent issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Sorrowful Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still believed his situation might turn around. That hope was tragically misplaced.
The Global AI Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he could hold the key to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.
The most impactful narratives