While we reflect on the past year, a selection of exceptional feature-length stories stands out. These accounts probe intricate themes ranging from political intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply personal sagas.
A Enigmatic Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country
An author rose to fame in the nineties with biting commentaries on autocratic rule. Whereas several of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the country, he continues to sell millions of books. This raises a key question: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The story of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his only way to escape prison was to enlist in the government forces. Following 14 years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers could now put him in mortal danger.
The Bitter Dispute Over Our Ancient Origins
The discovery of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally changing the story of our human race. But, some scholars was persuaded. The ensuing bitter scholarly debate has dominated the careers of researchers ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the appalling extent of exploitation it had carried out.
The Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on International Law
A great many voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's commitment to human rights. However, the record over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A documentary tracking a remorseful master criminal as she sets up corrupt individuals with hidden cameras asks difficult queries: Is she really a new person, and what are the director's true intentions?
A Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Darkest Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest times, people depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Iconic Museum Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's number one museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it repair its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an reliable treatment remedy – up until potentially now.
The Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Now, his teachings influence the very highest echelons of government.
An British Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his sharp mind and impeccable credentials, it's no surprise that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to get suspicious.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Center
An extremely wealthy country has risen as a major force on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are behind this unprecedented role?
An Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader enjoys the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Major Aid Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s became public, there was immense shock. But the precise nature of the procedures remains partially unclear.
A "Master" of the Online Age
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and given away huge amounts of cash to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply very clever entertainment – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the possibility that their home may soon cease to exist. The pressing issue is: Where are they going to go?
A Tragic Case of Youth Homelessness
As I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still hoped his life could improve. I was sadly mistaken.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Defection
In 2020, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he might hold the key to who wins the global technological rivalry.
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