While we look back on the year gone by, a assortment of outstanding feature-length stories emerges. These pieces explore multifaceted subjects including political intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply personal journeys.
The Mysterious Writer and the Conscience of a Country
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with sharp commentaries on power. Whereas several of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the country, he continues to move millions of copies. It prompts a pertinent query: Has he become an apologist for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The tale 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. After fourteen long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers might now cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was heralded as completely changing the story of our human race. However, a faction was persuaded. The ensuing heated controversy has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.
A UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was just a child when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the appalling breadth of exploitation it had perpetrated.
The Leader's Curious Stance on International Law
Numerous supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's dedication to international law. But, the performance over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.
Shattering a Country's Myth
A film featuring a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras asks difficult questions: Is she truly changed, and is the filmmaker's true intentions?
The Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and dealt with – everything. In their most challenging hours, people turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Famous Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, strained funding and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it repair its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an effective medical solution – up until potentially now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideas permeate the very highest levels of the state.
The British Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his sharp mind and impeccable background, it's little wonder that wealthy clients trusted him with their assets. Until they started to become suspicious.
The Small State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Capital
An extremely wealthy country has risen as a significant force on the international scene, striving to solve some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious role?
An Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader relishes the international stage, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Case
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?
The End of a Major Aid Organization: Not Universal Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was far from unexpected.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Study on Indian Women
When information about a medical study in the sixties came to light, there was immense shock. But the exact story of the events is still partially shrouded.
The "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed huge sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the possibility that their homeland may in the near future become uninhabitable. The urgent issue is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Sorrowful Story of Youth Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then believed his life could improve. I was sadly misplaced.
A Global AI Race and a Key Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he might possess the answers to who wins the global AI race.
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