While we consider the past year, a curated list of outstanding feature-length stories stands out. These accounts probe multifaceted subjects from geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to deeply personal journeys.
A Mysterious Writer and the Conscience of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the nineties with biting satires on authoritarianism. Although several of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the nation, he still move millions of copies. This raises a pertinent query: Has he become an supporter for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only path to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. Following 14 long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may still cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Feud Over Our Earliest Origins
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was hailed as completely re-writing the history of our species. Yet, some scholars was persuaded. The resulting bitter controversy has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.
The UK Cult That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the disturbing extent of exploitation it had committed.
A Prime Minister's Curious Stance on Human Rights
Many voters expected that the prime minister would restore the Britain's commitment to human rights. But, the performance over the past year has been notably inconsistent.
Breaking a Country's Self-Image
A documentary tracking a remorseful fraudster as she records unscrupulous clients with covert recording asks difficult questions: Is she really a new person, and is the filmmaker's true motives?
A Person Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and restored – everything. In their stickiest hours, people depend on him to restore order.
Will an Famous Institution Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, precarious funding and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it repair its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an effective treatment remedy – up until possibly now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings permeate the uppermost echelons of the state.
The English Professional With a Crooked Side
With his keen intellect and sterling reputation, it's no surprise that affluent individuals entrusted him with their assets. Until they began to get uneasy.
The Tiny State That Became the World's Mediation Center
An incredibly wealthy country has become a key player on the international scene, working to mediate some of the most complex conflicts. What are fueling this ambitious role?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader enjoys the international stage, where he presents himself as the leader most equipped to deal with a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
The End of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was far from unforeseen.
A Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a medical study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the precise story of what happened remains partially unclear.
A "Master" of the Online Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and given away enormous sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these videos simply very clever entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the reality that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: Where are they going to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then thought his life might change for the better. I was tragically wrong.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Move
In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he might hold the answers to who wins the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful stories
