While we reflect on the year gone by, a selection of outstanding feature-length pieces emerges. Such pieces probe intricate topics from political intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal stories.
A Mysterious Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country
An author gained prominence in the 1990s with biting critiques on authoritarianism. While several of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or left the nation, he still sell vast numbers of books. This poses a pertinent question: Has the author evolved into an defender for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The story of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his only path to escape prison was to enlist in the regime forces. After fourteen long years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers may still put him in mortal danger.
The Fierce Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The finding of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally re-writing the history of our human race. However, not everyone was convinced. The resulting heated argument has consumed the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped reveal the disturbing extent of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
The Leader's Unexpected Stance on International Law
Many supporters expected that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to international law. But, the record over the past year has been notably inconsistent.
Shattering a Nation's Identity
A documentary featuring a repentant con artist as she sets up corrupt individuals with hidden cameras raises complex queries: Is she really a new person, and what are the filmmaker's own motives?
The Man Who Remediates Britain's Darkest Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – it all. In their most challenging hours, families depend on him to bring back peace.
Can an Renowned Museum Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, strained funding and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Severe Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an effective medical remedy – up until perhaps now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideology shape the very highest levels of government.
An English Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his brilliant intellect and sterling credentials, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Until they started to get suspicious.
A Tiny Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Hub
An extremely rich country has transformed into a major force on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most intractable disputes. What are behind this ambitious role?
A Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world stage, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer joined him as he prepared for battle.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was not unexpected.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women
When details about a scientific experiment in the sixties became public, there was immense anxiety. But the full nature of what happened remains partially unclear.
The "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's endured a full day in slime, two days underground – and showered enormous amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of daring genius?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is confronting the possibility that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
One Sorrowful Case of Youth Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still hoped his life could turn around. That hope was tragically wrong.
The International AI Competition and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he may possess the secret to who prevails in the global AI race.
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