Upon consider the past year, a selection of remarkable feature-length pieces emerges. These pieces explore intricate themes including geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal journeys.
A Mysterious Novelist and the Soul of a Country
An author became known in the post-Soviet era with scathing commentaries on power. While several of his literary peers have encountered censorship or fled the country, he still move vast numbers of books. It poses a pressing query: Has he become an defender for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his only way to escape prison was to join the regime forces. Following fourteen years, his past as one of Assad's fighters could still get him killed.
A Bitter Dispute Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as radically re-writing the narrative of our human race. Yet, not everyone was convinced. The resulting bitter argument has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.
A UK Cult That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped expose the appalling scale of mistreatment it had committed.
The Statesman's Curious Record on International Law
Numerous supporters anticipated that the prime minister would restore the the nation's commitment to human rights. Yet, the performance over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary featuring a remorseful fraudster as she records unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises complex questions: Is this person genuinely a new person, and what are the filmmaker's own intentions?
The Person Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest hours, individuals depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Renowned Institution Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Extreme Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an reliable medical solution – until perhaps now.
The Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings influence the very highest levels of government.
An British Professional With a Crooked Side
With his brilliant mind and flawless reputation, it's little wonder that affluent clients entrusted him with their wealth. Until they began to become suspicious.
A Tiny State That Became the Global Mediation Capital
An extremely wealthy country has become a significant force on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are driving this unprecedented project?
A Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader relishes the international stage, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to deal with a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
During the Trial of a Tragic Story
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn infant?
An End of a Major Development Organization: Far From Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unexpected.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the precise nature of the procedures is still somewhat contested.
A "Master" of the Online Age
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and showered enormous sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these videos simply very savvy clickbait – or works of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the possibility that their homeland may soon be submerged. The urgent question is: Where are they going to go?
A Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Homelessness
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then thought his life could change for the better. I was devastatingly wrong.
The Global AI Race and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he may possess the secret to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
The finest narratives
