As we consider the past year, a curated list of outstanding feature-length pieces shines. These narratives delve into multifaceted themes including geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly human sagas.
A Puzzling Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the nineties with scathing critiques on authoritarianism. Whereas numerous of his writer peers have encountered suppression or fled the country, he continues to move vast numbers of copies. It poses a key query: 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 told that his only route to escape prison was to join the regime forces. After 14 long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could now cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Ancient Origins
The finding of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally re-writing the story of our human race. However, a faction was in agreement. The ensuing heated argument has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.
The British Religious Group That Hid in the Open
One woman was only a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped expose the appalling scale of abuse it had perpetrated.
The Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on International Law
Numerous supporters expected that the prime minister would renew the Britain's commitment to human rights. Yet, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Shattering a Nation's Myth
A film featuring a remorseful master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous clients with covert recording asks complex questions: Is this person genuinely reformed, and what are the filmmaker's own motives?
A Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest hours, individuals depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Iconic Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, difficult finances and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's premier museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Extreme Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an consistent treatment end – until potentially now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology influence the uppermost echelons of the state.
The English Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his brilliant mind and impeccable reputation, it's no surprise that affluent clients entrusted him with their wealth. Until they started to become suspicious.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Capital
An incredibly rich country has transformed into a key force on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are driving this ambitious endeavor?
A Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader enjoys the international stage, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to handle a certain former US president. Seven years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
The End of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was far from unforeseen.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the 1960s became public, there was immense shock. But the precise story of the procedures remains partially contested.
A "Genius" of the Online Age
He's spent a full day in slime, two days buried alive – and distributed enormous sums of money to selected contestants. But are these productions simply very clever clickbait – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the reality that their home may soon cease to exist. The urgent question is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Homelessness
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still thought his life could change for the better. That hope was sadly mistaken.
A Global AI Competition and a Key Move
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he could possess the secret to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful narratives
