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Upon reflect on the year gone by, a selection of exceptional feature-length stories stands out. These narratives explore multifaceted themes ranging from geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply personal stories.

The Mysterious Writer and the Soul of a Nation

Victor Pelevin became known in the 1990s with sharp commentaries on authoritarianism. Whereas many of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he continues to sell millions of books. It poses a pressing query: Has he turned into an defender for the Kremlin?

Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Conflict

The story of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his sole way to escape prison was to join the regime forces. After 14 years, his history as one of Assad's fighters could now cost him his life.

The Fierce Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings

The discovery of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally re-writing the narrative of our species. However, not everyone was in agreement. The ensuing intense controversy has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.

A UK Religious Group That Operated in the Open

One woman was just a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the shocking extent of exploitation it had perpetrated.

A Statesman's Puzzling Record on International Law

A great many supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's dedication to human rights. However, the track record over the past year has been notably inconsistent.

Challenging a Nation's Identity

A film tracking a repentant master criminal as she ensnares corrupt individuals with covert recording asks thorny questions: Is she really a new person, and what are the filmmaker's own intentions?

The Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Difficult Stains

From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their most challenging times, families rely on him to restore peace.

Will an Iconic Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?

Burdened by restitution claims, difficult funding and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's premier museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it restore its legacy?

Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Severe Pregnancy

Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an consistent medical end – up until perhaps now.

A Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Government

A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings shape the highest echelons of the state.

The British Professional With a Crooked Secret

With his keen mind and sterling credentials, it's little wonder that affluent clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to get wary.

The Small Nation That Emerged as the World's Mediation Hub

An extremely wealthy Gulf state has risen as a significant actor on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most long-standing disputes. What are behind this ambitious role?

An Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for International Battle

Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader thrives on the international stage, where he projects himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a certain sitting US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.

During the Trial of a Tragic Case

How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?

The End of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Universal Regret

When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was not unexpected.

A Unethical 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers

When information about a medical study in the sixties became public, there was immense outrage. But the precise truth of the events is still somewhat contested.

A "Genius" of the Attention Age

He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and showered enormous sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of avant garde brilliance?

Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean

With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the possibility that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The critical issue is: To where are they supposed to go?

One Tragic Case of Youth Destitution

When I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still believed his situation could improve. That hope was sadly misplaced.

A International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Defection

In the recent past, after living decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he might possess the key to who wins the worldwide AI race.

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