Upon consider the past year, a curated list of outstanding feature-length stories stands out. Such pieces probe complex subjects from political machinations and historical revelations to deeply human sagas.
A Puzzling Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
An author rose to fame in the 1990s with biting commentaries on authoritarianism. Whereas several of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or left the nation, he continues to move millions of copies. It poses a key question: Has the author become an defender for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his sole way out of prison was to join the regime military. After 14 long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers may still put him in mortal danger.
The Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The discovery of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was hailed as completely changing the story of our human race. Yet, not everyone was convinced. The resulting heated controversy has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.
A British Sect That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped expose the appalling scale of mistreatment it had committed.
A Statesman's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
Many supporters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's dedication to international law. But, the performance over the first year in office has been curiously mixed.
Challenging a Nation's Identity
A documentary following a remorseful master criminal as she records unscrupulous individuals with covert recording raises complex questions: Is this person genuinely a new person, and is the filmmaker's true motives?
A Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – everything. In their most challenging moments, individuals turn to him to restore order.
Can an Famous Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it restore its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Severe Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an reliable medical remedy – until possibly now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings permeate the uppermost levels of the state.
An English Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his sharp intellect and impeccable credentials, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their assets. Then they started to become suspicious.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly rich country has transformed into a significant actor on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are behind this ambitious role?
An Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely disliked at home, President Macron thrives on the international stage, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a certain former American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?
The Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Not Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was not unforeseen.
A Shocking 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s became public, there was immense anxiety. But the full nature of the events is still partially unclear.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and showered huge amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the reality that their islands may soon be submerged. The critical issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Story of Youth Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then believed his life might change for the better. That hope was sadly mistaken.
A International AI Race and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he might possess the secret to who wins the worldwide AI race.
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