Upon look back on the year gone by, a curated list of outstanding feature-length pieces stands out. Such narratives probe intricate subjects from political intrigue and historical revelations to deeply human stories.
The Mysterious Author and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with biting critiques on authoritarianism. Although numerous of his writer peers have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he continues to sell millions of books. This poses a pressing query: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his sole route out of prison was to join the regime forces. After fourteen long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still cost him his life.
A Fierce Feud Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was heralded as radically rewriting the narrative of our species. But, a faction was persuaded. The ensuing intense controversy has dominated the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was only a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the disturbing breadth of mistreatment it had committed.
A Leader's Puzzling Stance on International Law
A great many voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's dedication to international law. However, the record over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.
Shattering a Nation's Self-Image
A film tracking a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with covert recording poses thorny queries: Is this person really reformed, and what are the filmmaker's true intentions?
The Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and restored – everything. In their darkest hours, individuals rely on him to bring back peace.
Will an Renowned Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, strained finances and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Extreme Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an reliable treatment end – until perhaps now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings influence the uppermost echelons of government.
An English Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his brilliant mind and impeccable reputation, it's no surprise that affluent individuals trusted him with their wealth. Then they started to become suspicious.
A Small State That Became the Global Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly rich country has risen as a significant force on the international scene, attempting to mediate some of the most complex disputes. What are behind this ambitious project?
An Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron thrives on the international arena, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Major Aid Agency: Not Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was not unexpected.
A Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a medical study in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the exact story of what happened remains partially shrouded.
The "Master" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, two days underground – and distributed enormous sums of money to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the possibility that their homeland may in the near future become uninhabitable. The critical issue is: To where are they going to go?
One Tragic Case of Youth Destitution
When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then believed his life could change for the better. That hope was sadly wrong.
The Global AI Race and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he might hold the key to who wins the worldwide AI race.
The finest narratives
