Upon look back on the past year, a assortment of remarkable feature-length stories stands out. These narratives explore complex topics from geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to deeply human journeys.
A Enigmatic Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the 1990s with sharp commentaries on autocratic rule. Although many of his writer peers have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. It prompts a pressing query: Has he evolved into an apologist for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only way to escape incarceration was to join the regime military. Following 14 years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could now cost him his life.
A Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally changing the narrative of our human race. But, not everyone was convinced. The resulting bitter controversy has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.
A British Religious Group That Operated in the Open
One woman was only a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped expose the appalling scale of abuse it had committed.
The Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
Numerous voters anticipated that the prime minister would renew the the nation's commitment to international law. However, the performance over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Challenging a Nation's Myth
A film tracking a repentant master criminal as she sets up corrupt clients with covert recording raises complex questions: Is this person truly changed, and is the filmmaker's true intentions?
The Man Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and dealt with – it all. In their stickiest hours, individuals turn to him to restore normalcy.
Can an Iconic Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, difficult finances and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's premier museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it restore its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Extreme Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an reliable treatment solution – until perhaps now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideas permeate the very highest echelons of the state.
An British Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his sharp mind and sterling background, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their wealth. Until they began to become uneasy.
The Small Nation That Became the World's Mediation Hub
An extremely wealthy country has become a key actor on the international scene, striving to solve some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are driving this ambitious role?
An Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron enjoys the world stage, where he projects himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a particular former US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Trial of a Tragic Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their newborn infant?
An End of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was not unexpected.
A Shocking 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a medical study in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense anxiety. But the full story of the procedures is still partially contested.
A "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and given away huge amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic genius?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is facing the possibility that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The critical issue is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Sorrowful Case of Childhood Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still believed his situation might improve. That hope was tragically wrong.
A International AI Competition and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he may hold the key to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.
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