Upon reflect on the year gone by, a assortment of outstanding feature-length stories stands out. These narratives explore complex subjects from geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly human stories.
The Enigmatic Novelist and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin became known in the 1990s with biting commentaries on authoritarianism. Whereas numerous of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the country, he still move millions of copies. It prompts a pressing query: Has the author evolved into an defender for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole route to escape prison was to join the regime military. Following fourteen long years, his past as one of Assad's fighters may now put him in mortal danger.
A Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally changing the story of our human race. Yet, a faction was convinced. The subsequent intense scholarly debate has consumed the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Cult That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the disturbing extent of exploitation it had carried out.
The Leader's Puzzling Stance on International Law
Many supporters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's dedication to human rights. However, the record over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A documentary tracking a repentant master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous clients with covert recording poses thorny questions: Is this person really reformed, and is the filmmaker's own methods?
A Person Who Cleans Britain's Darkest Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest times, people turn to him to restore peace.
Will an Renowned Institution Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it repair its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Severe Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an consistent medical remedy – until potentially now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his teachings influence the very highest levels of government.
An English Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his keen intellect and sterling credentials, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their assets. Until they started to become suspicious.
The Small Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Capital
An incredibly rich Gulf state has transformed into a significant force on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are fueling this ambitious project?
An Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron relishes the international arena, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer joined him as he prepared for battle.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Major Development Organization: Not Universal Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was not unforeseen.
A Shocking 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the full truth of the events is still partially unclear.
The "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and distributed huge sums of cash to selected participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is facing the possibility that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The critical question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
One Sorrowful Story of Childhood Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then thought his situation could change for the better. That hope was sadly wrong.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he could possess the secret to who wins the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful stories
