As we consider the year gone by, a curated list of exceptional feature-length stories shines. These narratives delve into complex subjects including geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal stories.
The Mysterious Writer and the Soul of a Nation
An author rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with scathing commentaries on autocratic rule. While many of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the nation, he still sell vast numbers of copies. It poses a pressing query: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his sole way out of prison was to join the government forces. Following 14 long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers might still get him killed.
The Acrimonious Argument Over Our Earliest Origins
The finding of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was hailed as completely changing the history of our species. Yet, a faction was in agreement. The resulting intense argument has dominated the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Cult That Operated in the Open
One woman was just a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the disturbing extent of exploitation it had carried out.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on International Law
Numerous followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's commitment to human rights. But, the record over the first year in office has been notably ambiguous.
Challenging a Nation's Myth
A film featuring a repentant fraudster as she sets up corrupt individuals with hidden cameras asks thorny questions: Is she really changed, and is the director's own motives?
A Person Who Remediates Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their most challenging moments, families turn to him to restore normalcy.
Can an Renowned Institution Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's number one cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Severe Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an effective medical remedy – until possibly now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideas shape the highest echelons of the state.
The English Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen intellect and impeccable credentials, it's little wonder that affluent individuals trusted him with their assets. Until they began to get suspicious.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Capital
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has become a key force on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are driving this unprecedented role?
An Inside View at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader relishes the international stage, where he projects himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a particular former American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Not Widespread Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was far from unforeseen.
A Unethical Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the precise nature of what happened remains somewhat contested.
The "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and showered enormous sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the possibility that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The urgent issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
One Sorrowful Case of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then hoped his life could improve. I was devastatingly misplaced.
A International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he may possess the key to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.
The finest narratives
