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As we look back on the year gone by, a selection of exceptional feature-length pieces stands out. Such accounts explore multifaceted subjects including geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly personal stories.

A Puzzling Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country

A certain Russian novelist became known in the post-Soviet era with sharp critiques on power. Although numerous of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the country, he still sell vast numbers of copies. It raises a pressing query: Has he evolved into an defender for the Kremlin?

Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Civil War

The account of a young man, who at 18 was told that his sole route out of prison was to enlist in the regime military. Following 14 long years, his past as one of Assad's fighters might now put him in mortal danger.

A Acrimonious Feud Over Our Ancient Origins

The finding of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally rewriting the narrative of our species. Yet, not everyone was persuaded. The resulting intense scholarly debate has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.

A British Cult That Hid in the Open

One woman was just a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the shocking breadth of mistreatment it had committed.

A Prime Minister's Curious Stance on Human Rights

A great many followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would renew the the nation's commitment to international law. However, the track record over the past year has been strikingly mixed.

Breaking a Country's Myth

A documentary featuring a repentant con artist as she sets up corrupt individuals with covert recording poses complex queries: Is this person really reformed, and is the director's own intentions?

The Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Stains

From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest hours, families rely on him to restore normalcy.

Will an Renowned Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Plagued by debates over its collection, strained funding and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's number one cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it restore its reputation?

Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Extreme Pregnancy

Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long lacked an consistent treatment end – up until potentially now.

The Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Politics

A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideology shape the uppermost echelons of the state.

The British Professional With a Fraudulent Secret

With his sharp mind and sterling reputation, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their wealth. Then they started to get uneasy.

The Small Nation That Became the Global Mediation Center

An extremely rich Gulf state has transformed into a major force on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. What are fueling this unprecedented project?

An Inside View at a President Preparing for Global Summitry

Extremely unpopular at home, President Macron thrives on the international stage, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for battle.

During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case

How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?

The Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Far From Widespread Regret

When actions were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was far from unforeseen.

The Unethical Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers

When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s became public, there was immense outrage. But the exact truth of the events is still somewhat shrouded.

A "Mozart" of the Attention Age

He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered vast amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of artistic genius?

Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas

With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the possibility that their home may in the near future become uninhabitable. The critical issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?

A Sorrowful Case of Childhood Homelessness

As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then thought his life might improve. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.

The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Defection

In 2020, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he might hold the secret to who wins the worldwide technological rivalry.

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