Upon look back on the year gone by, a selection of remarkable feature-length pieces stands out. Such narratives explore intricate themes including geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to deeply human sagas.
The Enigmatic Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin became known in the 1990s with sharp satires on power. Although several of his literary peers have faced censorship or left the nation, he still sell millions of books. It raises a pertinent query: Has he become an defender for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his sole way out of incarceration was to join the regime military. After fourteen years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could still get him killed.
The Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was hailed as radically changing the history of our species. But, not everyone was in agreement. The subsequent heated scholarly debate has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was just a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the appalling breadth of exploitation it had carried out.
A Statesman's Curious Record on International Law
Numerous followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's commitment to human rights. However, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.
Shattering a Nation's Myth
A film following a remorseful fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras poses difficult queries: Is she truly changed, and what are the director's own methods?
A Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and restored – everything. In their stickiest hours, individuals rely on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Famous Museum Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, difficult funding and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's premier museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has long lacked an effective treatment solution – until possibly now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Now, his teachings shape the very highest levels of government.
An English Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his sharp intellect and sterling credentials, it's no surprise that wealthy individuals trusted him with their wealth. Until they began to get suspicious.
The Small Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Hub
An astonishingly rich country has become a significant player on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are behind this unprecedented endeavor?
A Inside Look at a President Preparing for International Battle
Extremely disliked at home, the French leader 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 writer accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?
The Dismantling of a Major Aid Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was not unforeseen.
The Shocking 1960s Study on South Asian Women
When details about a medical study in the sixties became public, there was widespread shock. But the exact truth of the procedures remains somewhat contested.
A "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and showered vast amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these productions simply very clever clickbait – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is grappling with the reality that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The pressing question is: To where are they going to go?
A Heartbreaking Story of Youth Destitution
As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then hoped his life could change for the better. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he could hold the answers to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful stories
