Upon look back on the previous year, a curated list of remarkable feature-length pieces emerges. Such accounts explore intricate topics including political intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal sagas.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Soul of a Nation
An author gained prominence in the nineties with biting satires on authoritarianism. Whereas numerous of his literary peers have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. This poses a pressing query: Has he become an supporter for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his only route to escape incarceration was to join the government military. Following fourteen years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may now put him in mortal danger.
The Acrimonious Feud Over Our Earliest Origins
The discovery of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was heralded as completely changing the story of our species. However, some scholars was persuaded. The ensuing bitter argument has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.
The UK Cult That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped reveal the disturbing breadth of mistreatment it had carried out.
The Leader's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
Many voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's commitment to international law. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly mixed.
Breaking a Nation's Identity
A film tracking a remorseful fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras poses complex queries: Is this person genuinely a new person, and is the director's own intentions?
A Man Who Cleans Britain's Darkest Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and restored – everything. In their stickiest moments, individuals depend on him to bring back order.
Will an Famous Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, strained funding and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's number one cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an effective medical end – up until possibly now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas permeate the very highest echelons of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen intellect and flawless background, it's understandable that affluent individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to get suspicious.
The Small Nation That Became the Global Mediation Hub
An extremely rich country has become a major player on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most intractable disputes. What are driving this unprecedented project?
An Inside View at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at home, President Macron thrives on the world arena, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to deal with a certain former American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Major Development Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions 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 latest disappointment was not unexpected.
The Disturbing 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was immense shock. But the full story of what happened remains partially unclear.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and showered vast sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of avant garde genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is grappling with the possibility that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The critical question is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Tragic Story of Youth Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then thought his situation could improve. I was devastatingly wrong.
A International AI Competition and a Key Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he might possess the key to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
The most impactful stories
