Upon look back on the previous year, a assortment of exceptional feature-length stories emerges. Such pieces explore multifaceted topics including geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to deeply human stories.
The Puzzling Writer and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the nineties with biting satires on power. Although numerous of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. It poses a pressing query: Has he become an defender for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only path to escape prison was to enlist in the regime forces. Following 14 years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may still cost him his life.
The Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The finding of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was heralded as completely changing the narrative of our species. But, some scholars was persuaded. The resulting intense argument has consumed the lives of scholars ever since.
The British Cult That Operated in the Open
One woman was only a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped uncover the disturbing extent of mistreatment it had committed.
The Leader's Unexpected Record on International Law
Many voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's commitment to international law. However, the record over the first year in office has been curiously mixed.
Breaking a Country's Myth
A film tracking a repentant master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras poses thorny questions: Is she truly reformed, and what are the director's true methods?
A Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their most challenging hours, families turn to him to bring back peace.
Will an Renowned Institution Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, strained funding and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's premier cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it repair its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Severe Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an reliable medical end – until perhaps now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Now, his ideology permeate the highest levels of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his keen mind and impeccable reputation, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their assets. Then they started to get suspicious.
The Tiny Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Hub
An incredibly wealthy country has become a key actor on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are driving this unprecedented endeavor?
An Inside Look at a President Preparing for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader enjoys the world arena, where he presents himself as the leader most equipped to manage a certain former US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Not Universal Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest letdown was not unforeseen.
The Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the sixties were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the precise story of the procedures is still partially contested.
The "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and given away huge sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the reality that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The critical issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Destitution
As I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then hoped his situation might change for the better. That hope was tragically wrong.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after living decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he might hold the key to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful stories
