While we consider the past year, a assortment of exceptional feature-length stories stands out. These narratives delve into complex themes from political intrigue and scientific discoveries to deeply personal sagas.
A Mysterious Writer and the Conscience of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the nineties with biting satires on power. While numerous of his literary peers have faced suppression or fled the nation, he continues to move millions of books. It poses a pertinent question: Has the author turned into an defender for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole way to escape incarceration was to join the government military. After fourteen long years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers might now cost him his life.
The Fierce Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally rewriting the story of our species. However, not everyone was persuaded. The ensuing heated controversy has consumed the careers of researchers ever since.
A British Cult That Hid in the Open
One woman was only a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the appalling scale of abuse it had committed.
The Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
A great many voters hoped that the prime minister would restore the UK's dedication to human rights. But, the performance over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Challenging a Nation's Identity
A documentary featuring a repentant master criminal as she records corrupt clients with covert recording poses difficult questions: Is this person really a new person, and what are the director's true methods?
The Man Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest moments, individuals turn to him to bring back order.
Will an Famous Museum Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by restitution claims, strained finances and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's number one museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an effective medical end – up until possibly now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Modern Politics
A militant fanatic and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his teachings shape the uppermost levels of government.
An British Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his brilliant intellect and flawless reputation, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their assets. Then they started to become uneasy.
A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Capital
An extremely rich Gulf state has risen as a key player on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most intractable conflicts. What are driving this ambitious endeavor?
An Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for International Battle
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron relishes the international stage, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to manage a certain former US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was not unexpected.
A Shocking Mid-Century Study on Indian Women
When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s became public, there was immense outrage. But the precise story of what happened is still somewhat shrouded.
The "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed vast sums of money to selected participants. But are these productions simply very savvy clickbait – or works of daring genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the prospect that their islands may soon cease to exist. The urgent issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Sorrowful Case of Youth Destitution
As I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. Even then hoped his situation might improve. That hope was tragically mistaken.
The International AI Competition and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he could hold the secret to who wins the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful stories
