Upon reflect on the past year, a curated list of exceptional feature-length stories shines. Such narratives explore complex themes ranging from geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly personal stories.
A Enigmatic Author and the Conscience of a Nation
An author gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with sharp critiques on power. While several of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the country, he still move vast numbers of books. This raises a key question: Has he become an supporter for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The story of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his sole path out of prison was to enlist in the regime military. After 14 years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may now get him killed.
The Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was heralded as radically rewriting the story of our human race. But, a faction was in agreement. The resulting bitter argument has consumed the careers of scholars ever since.
A UK Sect That Hid in the Open
One woman was only a child when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the appalling scale of abuse it had committed.
A Prime Minister's Curious Stance on International Law
Many followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to international law. But, the performance over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Breaking a Nation's Self-Image
A film following a repentant fraudster as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras poses thorny questions: Is she truly changed, and what are the director's own methods?
The Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – it all. In their most challenging moments, families turn to him to bring back peace.
Can an Iconic Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by restitution claims, precarious finances and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it restore its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an effective treatment solution – until possibly now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings influence the uppermost levels of government.
The English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen intellect and impeccable reputation, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to become uneasy.
The Small Nation That Became the World's Mediation Capital
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has become a major force on the international scene, striving to solve some of the most complex conflicts. What are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world arena, where he positions himself as the leader most equipped to deal with a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?
The End of a Global Development Agency: Far From Universal Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was not unexpected.
The Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact truth of the events is still somewhat contested.
A "Master" of the Online Economy
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and distributed huge amounts of money to selected participants. But are these videos simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's people is confronting the possibility that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Tragic Story of Youth Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still thought his life might change for the better. That hope was sadly wrong.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he could possess the key to who wins the global technological rivalry.
The most impactful stories
