As we consider the past year, a assortment of remarkable feature-length pieces stands out. Such accounts delve into multifaceted topics ranging from geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal journeys.
A Mysterious Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the 1990s with sharp critiques on authoritarianism. While several of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or left the nation, he still sell vast numbers of copies. This prompts a key question: Has the author turned into an apologist for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The account of a young man, who at 18 was told that his sole route to escape prison was to enlist in the government forces. After fourteen years, his history as one of Assad's fighters may still get him killed.
A Acrimonious Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was hailed as completely re-writing the narrative of our human race. But, a faction was in agreement. The ensuing heated scholarly debate has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Cult That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the appalling extent of exploitation it had committed.
A Statesman's Curious Stance on Human Rights
Numerous voters hoped that the prime minister would restore the Britain's dedication to human rights. Yet, the record over the past year has been notably ambiguous.
Breaking a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary following a repentant fraudster as she sets up corrupt individuals with covert recording raises difficult questions: Is she truly reformed, and is the director's own methods?
A Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Darkest Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest times, families depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Iconic Institution Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by restitution claims, strained finances and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it repair its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Extreme Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an effective treatment end – up until perhaps now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his teachings shape the uppermost echelons of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his sharp mind and impeccable credentials, it's little wonder that affluent clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to get uneasy.
A Small State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Hub
An incredibly rich Gulf state has transformed into a key player on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most long-standing disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?
A Inside Look at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron relishes the international arena, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a particular former US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Case
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was far from unexpected.
A Shocking 1960s Study on Indian Mothers
When information about a scientific experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was immense outrage. But the precise truth of the procedures is still partially unclear.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and distributed vast amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the prospect that their home may in the near future be submerged. The urgent question is: Where are they going to relocate?
One Sorrowful Story of Childhood Destitution
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still believed his situation might turn around. I was tragically wrong.
The International AI Competition and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he may hold the answers to who wins the worldwide AI race.
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