As we consider the previous year, a curated list of exceptional feature-length stories emerges. These narratives probe multifaceted topics including political intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply human stories.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the nineties with biting satires on authoritarianism. While many of his literary peers have faced censorship or left the country, he still move vast numbers of copies. This poses a key question: Has the author become an defender for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his only way out of prison was to join the regime forces. After 14 years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might now cost him his life.
A Fierce Dispute Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was heralded as radically changing the story of our species. But, not everyone was persuaded. The ensuing bitter argument has consumed the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped expose the appalling extent of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
A Statesman's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Many voters expected that the prime minister would restore the UK's commitment to human rights. Yet, the performance over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.
Shattering a Nation's Identity
A documentary tracking a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares corrupt clients with hidden cameras raises thorny queries: Is she really reformed, and what are the filmmaker's true intentions?
A Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their darkest times, individuals depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Renowned Institution Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, strained finances and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's leading cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it salvage its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Extreme Condition
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an effective medical remedy – until perhaps now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. Now, his teachings permeate the very highest levels of government.
The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his keen mind and impeccable reputation, it's no surprise that wealthy clients entrusted him with their wealth. Until they started to become suspicious.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Mediation Hub
An incredibly rich Gulf state has transformed into a key force on the international scene, striving to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. What are driving this ambitious role?
An Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for International Summitry
Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader relishes the world arena, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to handle a particular former US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their newborn infant?
The Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was far from unexpected.
The Shocking 1960s Study on South Asian Women
When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties became public, there was widespread outrage. But the full truth of what happened is still partially unclear.
The "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and showered vast amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these videos simply very clever entertainment – or acts of daring genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the reality that their homeland may in the near future cease to exist. The critical question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
One Sorrowful Story of Childhood Destitution
When I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then believed his situation might change for the better. That hope was sadly mistaken.
A Global AI Race and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he may possess the answers to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
The most impactful stories
