As we look back on the year gone by, a assortment of exceptional feature-length stories emerges. These narratives probe intricate topics ranging from geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly personal stories.
A Mysterious Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country
An author rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with biting commentaries on authoritarianism. Although several of his literary peers have encountered suppression or fled the country, he still sell vast numbers of books. It prompts a pertinent question: Has he evolved into an apologist for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his sole route to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. After 14 years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might now get him killed.
The Bitter Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was heralded as completely re-writing the story of our human race. Yet, some scholars was convinced. The resulting intense scholarly debate has consumed the careers of researchers ever since.
A UK Cult That Operated in the Open
One woman was just a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped uncover the shocking extent of abuse it had carried out.
The Statesman's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
Many followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to human rights. However, the record over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.
Shattering a Nation's Myth
A documentary tracking a remorseful fraudster as she sets up corrupt clients with covert recording asks thorny questions: Is she genuinely a new person, and is the filmmaker's true methods?
The Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Darkest Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest times, families depend on him to restore normalcy.
Can an Iconic Museum Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's leading cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an effective treatment end – until potentially now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideology permeate the highest levels of government.
The English Professional With a Crooked Side
With his keen mind and sterling background, it's little wonder that wealthy clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to get suspicious.
A Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Capital
An extremely wealthy country has become a major actor on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most long-standing disputes. What are fueling this ambitious project?
An Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, President Macron relishes the world arena, where he presents himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to handle a particular former American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for battle.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Case
What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their newborn infant?
The End of a Major Aid Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was far from unexpected.
The Disturbing 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties came to light, there was immense shock. But the full story of the events is still somewhat contested.
A "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and showered huge amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of avant garde genius?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's population is facing the reality that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Homelessness
When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still thought his situation could change for the better. I was tragically misplaced.
A Global AI Competition and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he might possess the key to who wins the global technological rivalry.
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