While we look back on the previous year, a assortment of exceptional feature-length stories stands out. Such accounts probe multifaceted subjects from political machinations and historical revelations to deeply human journeys.
A Puzzling Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country
An author gained prominence in the 1990s with biting commentaries on power. Although numerous of his writer peers have faced censorship or left the nation, he still sell vast numbers of copies. It raises a pertinent question: Has the author turned into an apologist for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his only route to escape incarceration was to join the government military. Following 14 long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could still put him in mortal danger.
A Acrimonious Argument Over Our Earliest Origins
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as radically changing the story of our human race. However, not everyone was persuaded. The resulting heated controversy has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.
The British Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the appalling scale of abuse it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Curious Record on Human Rights
Many followers anticipated that the prime minister would restore the UK's commitment to international law. But, the track record over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary following a remorseful master criminal as she records unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras raises complex questions: Is she really a new person, and what are the director's true methods?
The Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and restored – everything. In their most challenging times, families rely on him to restore peace.
Can an Renowned Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by restitution claims, strained funding and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's number one cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an effective medical solution – until possibly now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his teachings permeate the highest levels of the state.
The British Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his keen intellect and impeccable reputation, it's little wonder that affluent clients entrusted him with their assets. Until they started to get uneasy.
The Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Capital
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a significant actor on the international scene, striving to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are driving this unprecedented endeavor?
A Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron enjoys the world stage, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to handle a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their newborn infant?
An End of a Global Development Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was far from unexpected.
The Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a medical study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread shock. But the exact nature of what happened is still partially unclear.
A "Master" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and showered vast amounts of money to selected participants. But are these stunts simply very savvy clickbait – or works of daring brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the possibility that their home may soon be submerged. The critical question is: To where are they going to go?
A Sorrowful Case of Childhood Homelessness
As I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still believed his life could change for the better. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.
The International AI Race and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he might hold the key to which nation wins the global AI race.
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