As we reflect on the previous year, a assortment of remarkable feature-length stories shines. Such narratives probe intricate themes ranging from political machinations and historical discoveries to deeply personal sagas.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country
An author gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with scathing satires on authoritarianism. While several of his literary peers have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he continues to move millions of books. This raises a key question: Has he turned into an defender for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his only way to escape prison was to enlist in the government forces. Following fourteen long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may now put him in mortal danger.
A Acrimonious Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was heralded as radically rewriting the narrative of our species. But, not everyone was in agreement. The subsequent intense argument has dominated the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was only a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the appalling extent of exploitation it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Many supporters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to human rights. Yet, the track record over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Breaking a Country's Identity
A film following a repentant con artist as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with covert recording poses difficult queries: Is she really changed, and is the filmmaker's true methods?
A Man Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – it all. In their stickiest times, families rely on him to restore order.
Will an Famous Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's number one museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment remedy – until perhaps now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings shape the highest echelons of the state.
An English Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his keen mind and flawless credentials, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their assets. Until they began to get wary.
A Tiny Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Center
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has become a key actor on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are behind this ambitious project?
An Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron enjoys the international stage, where he projects himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Trial of a Tragic Case
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?
The End of a Global Development Agency: Not Universal Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was far from unforeseen.
The Unethical Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women
When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the full nature of what happened is still somewhat shrouded.
A "Master" of the Online Age
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and showered enormous amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of artistic genius?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the possibility that their home may soon be submerged. The critical issue is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Tragic Story of Youth Destitution
When I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then hoped his situation might turn around. I was tragically misplaced.
A Global AI Competition and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he may hold the answers to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
The finest narratives
